Every major news organization has been documenting every minute of Pope Francis’ time in America, and with good reason. The charismatic leader of the Catholic Church has come to our country bearing not only good will for Americans but also to address a number of global issues, from poverty to climate change.

Pope Francis has not backed away from talking about America’s challenges, taking his message to Capitol Hill on Thursday, and then afterward praying and eating with the homeless, most sincerely practicing what he preaches.

We’re thrilled to have one of our own Flathead Valley Catholic deacons preparing to join the Pope at the altar during Sunday’s Mass in Philadelphia. Floyd McCubbins, a permanent deacon at Risen Christ Parish in Evergreen, will be assisting Bishop George Leo Thomas of Helena during the Papal Mass on Sunday.

Somehow the fact that a local deacon can join the pontiff on such a world stage is indicative of Pope Francis’ approachability and desire to be inclusive during his visits. There was something quite brilliant about his use of the Golden Rule to drive home his message during his address to Congress.

“Do unto others as you would have them do to you” are eternal words of peace that if truly followed by the masses could solve a world of woes.

The end of an ‘Amazin’ life

For sports fans of a certain age, the death of Yogi Berra is a reminder of the vibrancy and excitement of youth, the accomplishments of middle age, and the inevitable conclusion of even the best-lived life.

Berra joined Major League Baseball as a hard-hitting catcher with the New York Yankees in 1946 and played on a remarkable 10 world champion teams. He was teammate and equal to baseball legends such as Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Don Larsen and Whitey Ford, and played in 15 straight All-Star Games. He also went onto a long and successful career as a manager and coach, including with the ‘Amazin’ Mets’ in 1969.

But more than anything, it was Berra’s humor and humility that made him an American original. His witticisms like “It’s deja vu all over again” and “When you come to a fork in the road take it” have dug deep into the modern consciousness.

Yet Berra never lost the down-home geniality of his Midwestern immigrant family upbringing. He and his wife Carmen enjoyed 65 years together, raised a family, and enjoyed the gratitude of a nation hungry for heroes.

Berra died Tuesday at the age of 90.