When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue – a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons – new opportunities open up for all. .. A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than possessing spaces. (Pope Francis addressing Congress)
Pope Francis is proving to the world that respectful speech will move hearts more readily than aggressive arguments. A kind, peaceful demeanour can be more powerful than angry, wagging fingers. Acknowledging that which unites us rather than railing against that which divides us opens doors to peace. This is a pope who promotes and models dialogue over diatribe.
During his visit to the USA, he has repeatedly spoken of the need to dialogue to overcome existing polarities in our church and in our world. In today’s address to Congress, he mentioned “dialogue” twelve times. Yesterday, he called the American bishops to be “promoters of the culture of encounter” saying,
Dialogue is our method, not as a shrewd strategy but out of fidelity to the One who never wearies of visiting the marketplace, even at the eleventh hour, to propose his offer of love
Surely it is no accident that Francis spoke strongly of the need for dialogue to both bishops and members of congress. Pope Francis faces similar challenges within the Curia and the Synod of Bishops that President Obama faced in Congress. Pope and President both came into their offices with dreams and hopes for change. Both offered us promises of ushering in much needed change; change that would promote equality, peace and justice.
Both leaders have been stymied by a lack of dialogue from those who hold tight the reins of governance with a myopic determination to ensure that change will never come under their watch.
Why is dialogue so hard?
Dialogue requires us to control our passions and emotions in the midst of difficult discussions. Perhaps the most importance aspect of dialogue, and the one we usually struggle with the most, is to simply stop speaking and listen. Listen effectively. Ponder carefully. Respond respectively.
Simple?
Let’s make it more interesting. Watch any candidate or leadership debate on either side of the border. Now, let’s make it into a drinking game. Raise a glass every time a speaker is interrupted mid-sentence by another participant. Most of us would be tipsy within the first 20 minutes.
And, how about the discussion boards on some Catholic sites? I’m a huge fan of NCR. Their discussion boards offer an opportunity for dialogue that is rarely found in the Catholic Church. They attract many intelligent and witty writers. Sadly, too often what began as a respectful and thoughtful back and forth of ideas degenerates into a childish, mean-spirited fight between progressives and traditionalists.
At last year’s Synod of Bishops, it didn’t take long for idealogical lines to be drawn among the episcopal brethren. It shouldn’t surprise us that the world’s bishops don’t constitute an homogenous mind-set. But, it will take the patience of a saint and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to ensure respectful dialogue and not aggressive debate among these men, especially on issues that produce strong passion and conviction from differing views. No wonder Pope Francis keeps asking us to pray for him.
Today’s address to Congress was a brilliant example of a heart that yearns for dialogue. Yes, Francis could have challenged more, and sugar-coated less. But, he managed to speak to all. urging all to embrace their call to leadership as a vocation of service.
Legislative activity is always based on care for the people. To this you have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you.
catholic dialogue 
Francis’s best line to the US bishops: “There’s no alternative to dialogue. The alternative is to circle the wagons and wait for the end of the world.”
Agreed, Mary! Far too much wagon circling and rampart building by the culture warrior types. So glad that Francis called them out on it….in a diplomatic, dialogic way of course. 😉
So well put Isabella. One additional aspect of Pope Francis on “dialogue”. At the US Congress, Francis made the introductory point that through that medium he was addressing all people of the “Americas”. His reference to dialogue was referenced to each of the US American iconic value exemplars. What that reinforces to me is what I see as his fundamental papal institutional message: the real “power” of the Church and legitimacy in the public square is in being able to demonstrate its human values elevated and instructed by Christ not, not its dictate or presumption of “authority” “Dialogue” does not oppose conviction, but rather is conviction that “convinces” not imposes and conviction that is open to the dignity of opposing views and learning from them.
“Dialogue” does not oppose conviction, but rather is conviction that “convinces” not imposes and conviction that is open to the dignity of opposing views and learning from them…..a great line, Dennis. Thank you!
One might reflect on the message of Pope Francis about religious freedom. The logic, and one can assume his intelligent acknowledgment is that it applies not only to religious institutions but to you and I. Think about it….