[Cronos]

while I agree with the Pope, what he's asking for is very, very difficult for any priest or pastor. As laity, we can hardly think of this. Of course, monks need to give up all the material luxuries, but most priests don't take that vow of poverty. The Jesuits, as religious, DO take it -- I know many Jesuit priests in India who really just own two set of clothes, their shoes and their Bible.

Think of it -- it's hard. To put it for non-Catholics, there is always someone gossiping about the Vicar and his wife about their clothes and food etc.

So, I'm torn -- I agree that it is good for all of us not to be enticed by pure materialism, but we as laity should also do the same as we expect the ministers to do

[boatbums]

I get it that this Pope is not really talking about the clergy having "nice" things or possessions. My take is that there are cars that are nice, comfortable and reliable but aren't "flashy" - that would make people question the sincerity of a clergyman/woman who advocated for the poor. I knew of this Pentecostal preacher in Florida who arrived to church each Sunday in a chauffeured limo. He wore $2000 suits, had several mansions and liked to wear flashy jewelry. That, to me, goes against what Jesus said his disciples and evangelists should be known for.

If women were told, "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works." (I Timothy 2:9,19), I can't imagine men, who are the leaders within a church, should be expected to not follow that same principle.