Catholics: Would you Bow to the Pope?

In the Pope, we have not just a man who is the earthly head of the only church Jesus authorized and the spiritual leader of a billion Catholics: You have the man appointed by apostolic success to an office created by Jesus, charged to receive "the keys of the kingdom of heaven"; the current holder of Jesus promise, "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Awesome responsibility, wouldn't you say? I would certainly honor this man by genuflecting, as protocol requires.

I wonder if our Japanese friends express incredulity at such an ordinary courtesy and acknowledgment of authority being treated so superciliously by our Protestant friends.

Cheers,

Bruce

Maybe, as a sign of reverence to God, for giving us the gift of the pope and for the blessings He bestows Pope Benedict. I have heard that it is a sign of respect to kiss a bishop's ring, as mentioned in the first answer.

I would be reluctant to bow before the Queen of England or the President of the United States, because I think it would send the message that the Queen or President is somehow "better" than the average citizen. An important principle taken from the Declaration of Independence is that all are equal, which is why America's founders did away with titles such as "His Majesty" and other titles of royalty. Sending the message that some people are less human than others is a violation of human dignity.

I think in the case of the pope, a gesture such as a bow would not be misinterpreted, since he is such a humble man, and lives as though he is the servant of the servants of God, rather than just paying lip service to the fact that one in authority is to serve those over whom he or she has authority.

"If you want peace, work for justice." -Pope Paul VI

God bless!

Dave

I would genuflect on my left knee - the left knee because the right knee is said to be reserved for the Blessed Sacrament - and kiss the Fisherman Ring. It's not worship as crazy fundamentalist protestants will tell you, it's respect for the office of the Papacy, because the Pope is Christ's vicar, how can we not give respect for that?!

I would at least bow, out of respect. If genuflecting is the appropriate display of respect and gratitude, I would genuflect.

If I ever get to meet the Pope, I will try to learn in advance what is the proper etiquette. In truth, I would like to hug him, but I suspect that is considered too forward and improper.

I get the impression that Pope Benedict is a very warm man. He is well-known for very faithfully defending Catholic doctrine, as he has done throughout his ordained life. This has led many people to accuse him of being a cold enforcer of strict rules. I think that is unreasonable.

As the product of almost 2000 years of scholarship guided by the Holy Spirit, Catholic doctrine is beautiful. To teach Catholic doctrine faithfully is an act of kindness, and it is courageous to teach it faithfully when it is not popular. I think our Pope is both kind and courageous, and I actually would like to hug him if that is acceptable. In all truth, I don't expect to meet him in this world.

As you pointed out, a bow is not an act of worship. To bow would be entirely appropriate. I think the Pope is so worthy of our respect that to withhold an explicit display of great respect would be rudely disrespectful. He is the Vicar of Jesus Christ. I can't see any reason to justify withholding an overt display of respect for him personally, and especially as the Vicar of Christ.

I hope you get to meet him some day. I am confident that he would be able readily to perceive any genuine attempt to show him respect

I am Roman Catholic.

Peace be with you.

I would always follow proper etiquette. There are always different forms of greeting a person in authority, such as kings, presidents, dukes, etc, and the Pope is no different.

I think too many look at someone practicing proper etiquette and call it idolatry/heresy/blaspheme/etc just because the person being shown respect is a church leader, when they would never say it when the person being shown respect is a secular leader.

He would probably offer me his hand to kiss in the tradition of Bishops.

I would not kiss it but I would bow holding it in respect.

He is, after all, the representative of Christ on earth, or should I say he represents Peter?

What do you think is he like Christ or Peter?

I met Pope John Paul II in 1995 in a Military base in Palermo Sicily where I was doing my one year compulsory military service (I am Italian from origins).

He went around a few of us in line for him after he landed with his helicopter and shook our hands he didn't want any bows or hand kiss.

He was the most friendly person I ever met he talked to a Tenent standing next to me and asked him where he was from and what was his duty, he didn't ask me anything but it was an experience anyway.

Sure would!

I would do the same meeting the Queen of England or any head of state. Lets not forget the Vatican is a Sovereign nation and the Pope is the head of State.

People's hatred of the Catholic Church causes them to surrender all reason to Satan.

I agree with you. I think we're supposed to genuflect on the left knee?

But Since when did bowing become equal to worship? I think we need to make it a habit to show respect to people, I feel like a people don't bother with courtesy much anymore.

In the future, we may abandon handshakes, excuse-mes, and thank yous too?

When we genuflect for God/Jesus we bend the right knee. When meeting the Pope we should bend the left knee. I have never met a Pope, but I would bend my knee out of respect.

According to a priest who used to be a regular around here.

Yes i would bow and show respect for his Holiness. People have had it good for so long they have forgotten to appreciate our gifts or give thanks to God for all we have.When i was growing up giving thanks at meal time was always done as people worked very hard and there was not all these Government programs to feed the poor so it tended to make you thankful for what you did have even if all you had to eat was onion and potatoes in a soup.