News
September 07, 2025
Colum McCann: As I talked to Pope Leo, I recognised a quality that can counter the cynicism of our fractured world
I’m not a particularly devout Catholic, but last week I had the honour of visiting Pope Leo in the Vatican alongside Diane Foley, the mother of murdered journalist Jim Foley. Our visit was short, no more than 15 minutes. The conversation centred on mercy and compassion, as clearly seen in Diane’s forgiveness of her son’s killer, documented in her book American Mother, which I co-wrote.
**Colum McCann: A Glimpse of Hope in a Cynical World**
Acclaimed author Colum McCann recently shared his experience of meeting Pope Leo at the Vatican, highlighting a powerful quality he believes can combat the prevailing cynicism in today's world. McCann, known for his profound and empathetic storytelling, described the visit as a brief but impactful encounter centered on the themes of mercy and compassion.
While McCann admits he isn't a particularly devout Catholic, the opportunity to visit the Pope alongside Diane Foley, the mother of slain journalist Jim Foley, proved to be a deeply moving experience. The meeting, lasting approximately fifteen minutes, focused on the extraordinary capacity for forgiveness, exemplified by Diane Foley's remarkable response to the tragic loss of her son.
Diane Foley's journey of grief and eventual forgiveness is chronicled in the book "American Mother," co-written by McCann. The book details the horrific circumstances surrounding Jim Foley's murder and Diane's subsequent struggle to grapple with the immense pain and injustice. Despite the unimaginable suffering she endured, Diane Foley has become an advocate for compassion and understanding, choosing a path of forgiveness rather than succumbing to hatred.
McCann emphasized that witnessing Diane Foley's unwavering commitment to mercy, even in the face of such profound loss, was incredibly inspiring. He believes that this same quality of compassion, which resonated strongly during their conversation with Pope Leo, holds the potential to counteract the growing cynicism and division that plague our fractured world. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the potential for healing, even in the darkest of times.
Acclaimed author Colum McCann recently shared his experience of meeting Pope Leo at the Vatican, highlighting a powerful quality he believes can combat the prevailing cynicism in today's world. McCann, known for his profound and empathetic storytelling, described the visit as a brief but impactful encounter centered on the themes of mercy and compassion.
While McCann admits he isn't a particularly devout Catholic, the opportunity to visit the Pope alongside Diane Foley, the mother of slain journalist Jim Foley, proved to be a deeply moving experience. The meeting, lasting approximately fifteen minutes, focused on the extraordinary capacity for forgiveness, exemplified by Diane Foley's remarkable response to the tragic loss of her son.
Diane Foley's journey of grief and eventual forgiveness is chronicled in the book "American Mother," co-written by McCann. The book details the horrific circumstances surrounding Jim Foley's murder and Diane's subsequent struggle to grapple with the immense pain and injustice. Despite the unimaginable suffering she endured, Diane Foley has become an advocate for compassion and understanding, choosing a path of forgiveness rather than succumbing to hatred.
McCann emphasized that witnessing Diane Foley's unwavering commitment to mercy, even in the face of such profound loss, was incredibly inspiring. He believes that this same quality of compassion, which resonated strongly during their conversation with Pope Leo, holds the potential to counteract the growing cynicism and division that plague our fractured world. The meeting served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and the potential for healing, even in the darkest of times.
Category:
Politics