John Allen speaks on “The Francis Effect” at St. Mary’s Church

A little more than a year ago, most of the world had never heard of Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Today, he's Pope Francis, one of the most talked about people on the planet. From disarming quotes such as his question, "Who am I to judge?" about homosexuality to symbolic gestures like washing the feet of the disabled on Holy Thursday, his candor and humility have reinvigorated Catholics and gained praise from priests and pundits alike.

His impact even has a name—"The Francis Effect"—and Boston Globe Vatican expert John Allen is coming to Charlestown to talk about it. Mr. Allen will put Pope Francis's comments and deeds in historical context and discuss the significance of "The Francis Effect" for the Church, the Catholic religion, and the world today.

The free talk will take place at St. Mary's Church at 55 Warren Street on Sunday, May 4 at 3pm. It's open to the public as part of The Gallagher Lecture Series which began at St. Mary's in 2007. The series is named in honor of Father Henry Gallagher, a beloved priest and native of Charlestown. Past speakers have included Cardinal Sean O’Malley, and Sister Helen Prejean, whose story was featured in the film Dead Man Walking.

Mr. Allen, whom Newsweek once called “the journalist other reporters—and not a few cardinals—look to for the inside story" on the papacy, serves as senior Vatican analyst for CNN in addition to his role as associate editor and primary reporter for Vatican and the Catholic Church at the Globe. He reported on the last three popes as a correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter for 16 years. He has also written nine books on the Vatican and Catholic affairs, and is a popular speaker both in the United States and internationally.

St. Mary's Church is home to Saint Mary-Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, a Roman Catholic Parish formed in 2006 from two historic Charlestown parishes. The parish is an intentionally inclusive community that welcomes all of the many people who make up its diverse neighborhood and gets involved in today's critical local and global issues.

Father Jim Ronan, pastor of St. Mary-St. Catherine of Siena, is clearly a fan of Pope Francis. "The Pontiff has reinvigorated Catholics worldwide with his humility and message of compassion, and surprised Church leadership with his disregard for the trappings of his office," Fr. Ronan said, adding, "Few, if any, journalists understand what it all means better or can explain it as well as John Allen."

More information about the free lecture and the parish is available at stmarystcatherine.org. Donations will be accepted at the event for Harvest on Vine emergency food pantry.

J.J. Gilmartin