It was Francis himself who brought up polygamy.
>>”Regarding the idea of divorced remarried Catholics being able to receive communion, he [Francis] noted how some assert it would be more difficult to come up with a universal response, but instead makes sense to come up with a regional treatment. He said it may make sense to examine and perhaps treat the situation on a more local, regional, even continental level.
Certain other issues, he shared, may also make sense to consider locally, such as polygamy.
“The Jubilee of Mercy requires a language of mercy,” he stated. Father Rosica underscored how language ought to always be inclusive, rather than exclusive, particularly for homosexuals.
“In particular, when speaking about homosexuals or gay persons,” he said, “we recognize them for who they are: They are our sons, our daughters, and brothers, sisters, neighbors and colleagues.”<<
http://voxcantor.blogspot.com/2015/10/father-thomas-j-rosica-spokesman-for.html
” . . . I am with you even unto the consummation of the world.”
I can’t help thinking that if we made it through Medicis and Borgias AND Vatican II, we can weather anything, even if we don’t have apologists like Bill Buckley defending Mater et Magistra. Ebb Tide, I certainly share your apprehensiveness about the ostensible pronouncements of Francis, but what he says is, more often than not, not what’s reported. The request to “love” and “incude” gay persons doesn’t translate to condoning their self-identified activity or their right to marry. Hate-the-sin-love-the-sinner seems never to have been covered in journalism schools.
So far as divorced Catholics are concerned, the Church could do a much better job of explaining what divorce and remarriage is and is not (e.g., it’s not excommunication!) and how to return to the sacraments (make a good confession, live as brother-sister, e.g.). And perhaps Francis will address all of this.
And, contrary again to what we’re hearing from the various media, annulment is not the acceptable name for “Catholic divorce.” And the annulment process does need attention and streamlining.
Semper fi . . .