Chatter over politics – and whether or not Pope Francis is a socialist or communist – has taken center stage since he landed in the U.S., but for Bishop Robert Barron, the Pope’s visit is about much more.
“I’m expecting the Pope to evangelize, he’s come as a preacher of the Gospel,” Bishop Barron told Catholic News Agency Sept. 23 outside the White House.
The Pope, he said, will “speak across the denominational lines and across even to the secular world about basic human values.”
“It’s wonderful” to have Francis in the U.S., the new bishop commented, adding that as both a Catholic and an American to have the Pope here as “a symbol of our government and democracy” is exciting.
Known for his online videos which tackle everything from the saints, to the “new atheism,” to the latest blockbuster film, Bishop Barron was appointed as one of three new auxiliary bishops for Los Angeles in July.
He is the founder of the online initiative Word On Fire Catholic Ministries, and is the producer of the popular documentary series Catholicism. His latest series, Pivotal Players, is currently in production.
Also a contributor to NBC News, the prominent internet evangelist was ordained a bishop just weeks ago on Sept. 8 inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.
After finishing a spot with the Today show, Bishop Barron and after the day’s events – which included a meeting between Pope Francis and U.S. bishops – he headed to New York, where he was on NBC’s Nightly News program following the canonization of Bl. Junipero Serra.
Bishop Barron noted that one thing he never expected was to be in Washington participating in the Pope’s visit as a bishop.
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