The Day Pope Francis Dropped by the Vatican Power Plant: What Would You Do?

News reports coming out of the Vatican today are documenting a remarkable, spontaneous visit by Pope Francis to the Vatican’s industrial zone, including a visit to the power plant, the woodworking area, and also time spent with the blacksmiths and plumbers.

Per the News.va website:

A visit that everyone hoped for and no one could have imagined on a normal August morning, when the city seemed empty. An ordinary work day had just begun in the carpentry workshop, the heating and hydraulic plants, the warehouse and the newspaper when the Pope suddenly appeared at the door with a simple “good day”.He asked the employees about the jobs, the number of co-workers and what they do. Then he shook their hands and the people who couldn’t believe their eyes were happily surprised. Upon leaving he wished everyone a good day at work. Read more…

Can you imagine? Pope Francis continues to surprise us with his willingness to draw close to a flock so often desperately in need of living role models of Christ-like love. I don’t say that to in any way discount the tremendous role model provided by previous pontiffs. I simply want to underscore that in an age of ever-increasing security and protocol mindedness, things like today’s visit have tremendous potential to uplift and inspire.

Pope Francis’ stop by the industrial zone has me contemplating what I’d think or do if he suddenly dropped by my home office unannounced. Would I scramble around trying to pick up books and papers to make the place more “presentable”, or would I invite him to sit amidst the mess and make the most of the fleeting moments? I’d like to think I’d do the latter. But the question takes me back to that age-old Martha vs. Mary debate — and we know in that situation who Jesus said had chosen the better part.

Just to hedge my bets, I’m going to spend a bit of time picking up my office today. So Pope Francis, I’m ready any time for you to stop by!

A question for you: Where do you work? What would you do if Pope Francis — or your parish priest for that matter — stopped by your workplace?

Photo: News.va