This article was a very interesting read. As the author, Mark Tooley, suggests, Pope Francis’ persona does invite comparisons to Pope John Paul II. I believe it is important for us as Protestants to pray for the Pope too because his influence in our world is so important to the overall impression that non-Christians have of Christianity and because his decisions are so important for future Christians, both Catholic and Protestant.
Rev. Dr. JoAnne Lyon, General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church and a leader in the Pan-Methodist movement, was among those invited to greet Pope Francis on the White House Lawn. She wrote a very thoughtful reflection concerning that occasion. It is also an explanation of how the cause of the poor, the immigrant and those impacted by disaster in our world is especially important to those who are disciples of Jesus and also claim to be inheritors of the teachings of John Wesley. It is an inspiring read.
https://www.wesleyan.org/4164/welcoming-the-pope-to-america