Archbishop’s Playful Gesture Amuses Pope
The Lighter Side of the Pope
In a surprising moment of levity, Archbishop Metropolitan Fülöp Kocsis managed to bring a smile to Pope Francis during a recent encounter.
Kocsis recounted the experience with delight, noting the Pope’s appreciation for his lighthearted gesture.
According to Kocsis, Pope Francis was very open and seemed to enjoy the interaction, even allowing the archbishop to place a cap on him.
It appears that the Pope appreciates humor, as Kocsis mentioned that the Holy Father “likes his jokes.”
Controversy Surrounding the Gesture
However, not everyone found the Archbishop’s playful gesture to be appropriate.
Kocsis acknowledged that some individuals were displeased with his action, believing it was not suitable to offer a cap to the Holy Father.
Despite the criticism, Kocsis explained his motivation, stating that he aimed to connect with people who may not have a close affiliation with the Church but would find amusement in seeing the Pope’s sense of humor.
Evangelizing Through Unconventional Means
Archbishop Kocsis is committed to finding innovative ways to evangelize.
He recognizes that Hungary, like many Western countries, has not remained untouched by secularization.
In response to this trend, he is making every effort to prevent his Greek Catholic Church from following the same path.
Kocsis’s approach involves a keen understanding of the power of social media, particularly in reaching younger generations.
He firmly believes that being present on digital platforms is essential, as that’s where young people spend much of their time.
Preserving Tradition Amid Modernity
Kocsis leads the Hungarian Greek Catholic Church, which follows the Byzantine liturgical rite and has around 300,000 followers in a country with a population of 9.7 million.
He highlighted that despite the Church’s strict adherence to tradition, many young people are drawn to it because they perceive it as authentic.
The church maintains traditional practices, vestments, lengthy and melodic celebrations, which might seem unconventional in attracting youth.
Kocsis pointed out that the key is presenting these traditions in a contemporary and relatable manner.
The Synodal Approach
Kocsis’s embrace of viral videos and photos is part of a broader strategy to engage young people and spread the message of the Church effectively.
He acknowledges the ongoing debate within the Church about whether to modernize and ease the strict traditions to reach young people or to retain those traditions and present them in a relevant way.
The archbishop believes that strictness and tradition can still resonate with contemporary audiences if approached correctly.
Finding Balance and Harmony
The ongoing Synod raises questions about how to strike a balance between being open and demanding within the Church.
While Pope Francis emphasizes openness and inclusivity, Christ’s teachings also require dedication and adherence to certain principles.
Kocsis believes that this balance is a central theme of the Synod discussions.
The synodal approach, characterized by active listening, is an attitude that Kocsis believes can help believers become more open to others and to God.
A Modern Approach to Tradition
Archbishop Kocsis’s ability to inject humor and relatability into the Church’s traditional practices highlights the evolving strategies of religious leaders to connect with younger generations.
His embrace of digital platforms and social media is indicative of a broader shift within religious institutions to meet people where they are in the modern world.
While preserving tradition remains a priority, it’s clear that presenting it in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences is a priority for leaders like Kocsis.
His approach illustrates an effort to harmonize the Church’s longstanding values with the needs and expectations of today’s society.
