To the Editor,

The new leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics is Pope Francis the First.

Pope Francis prefers to ride the bus or take a taxi rather than be chauffeured in a limo. The Holy Father tells time on an ordinary black wrist watch. He is known for cooking his own meals and living in simplicity and necessity, rather than in luxury. I doubt Pope Francis will wear a ring bearing his image outlined in diamonds.

Pope Francis, in being Jesuit, prefers to minister to the masses rather than celebrate ceremonies.

As their religious leader and fellow citizen, Pope Francis has asked the people of Argentina not to spend their money traveling to Rome for his coronation. He has expressed the desire that they take the funds they would use for such and give them as gifts to the poor.

Pope Francis began from the Vatican balcony sending a message to the world. The message resonants, as his life has, around responding to poverty and need by eliminating excess and greed.

Need exists today as the children in Robeson County will go to schools that don’t have textbooks, writing utensils, paper, instructional supplies or adequate classrooms. The health of our teachers and employees of the PSRC is threatened by a toxic workplace that promotes anxiety and fear, rewards failure, and cripples success and opportunity.

Greed exists as the superintendent of a system that is considered to be “low performing” receives a $10,000 bonus. With all benefits, the PSRC this year will spend more than a quarter of a million dollars on this one man while 24,000 children, families and our entire county hunger for education.

I bet if he came to Robeson County, Pope Francis would have us sell the rings of those with greed to feed the minds and bodies of those in need.

Eric R. Locklear

Pembroke