Undeceptions with John Dickson 155. Good Pope
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Jun 1, 2025 George Democopoulos, a prominent scholar and co-founding director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University, explores the evolution of the papacy. He discusses the historical roots of the role, particularly the life and challenges of Pope Gregory the Great during Rome's decline. Intriguingly, he highlights Gregory's reluctance to become pope and emphasizes the importance of humility and servant leadership. The conversation also touches on the papacy's modern significance, especially in light of recent events surrounding new leadership in the Vatican.
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Gregory's Turbulent Roman Context
- Gregory lived during the turbulent fall of Rome and the rise of Germanic kingdoms.
- He identified strongly as a Roman despite the empire's disintegration.
Gregory’s Eastern Influence
- Gregory served as a papal ambassador to the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople.
- His theology aligned closely with Eastern Christian mysticism rather than Western Latin traditions.
Gregory's Reluctant Papacy
- Gregory initially ran away to avoid becoming pope, hiding in a wine cask and forest caves.
- Despite his reluctance, he was found and consecrated as Bishop of Rome by popular demand.
