Posted on 09/19/2013 2:46:04 PM PDT by SkyPilot
VATICAN CITY Pope Francis has warned that the Catholic Church's moral structure might "fall like a house of cards" if it doesn't balance its divisive rules about abortion, gays and contraception with the greater need to make it a merciful, more welcoming place for all.
Six months into his papacy, Francis set out his vision for the church and his priorities as pope in a lengthy and remarkably blunt interview with La Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit magazine. It was published simultaneously Thursday in Jesuit journals in 16 countries, including America magazine in the U.S.
John Allen, a senior correspondent with the National Catholic Reporter, told CBS Radio News the pope is not changing church policy but makes it clear that he wants a less judgmental church.
"I think he is conscious that he's at a sort of make-or-break moment where the kind of pope he wants to be - if he wants to affect real change - he's got to be explicit about it," Allen said.
Play Video Pope's comments on gays could have ripple effect
Play Video Cardinal Dolan: Pope's views on gay priest are not a shift in church teaching
In the 12,000-word article, Francis expands on his ground-breaking comments over the summer about gays and acknowledges some of his own faults. He sheds light on his favorite composers, artists, authors and films (Mozart, Caravaggio, Dostoevsky and Fellini's "La Strada") and says he prays even while at the dentist's office.
But his vision of what the church should be stands out, primarily because it contrasts so sharply with many of the priorities of his immediate predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. They were both intellectuals for whom doctrine was paramount, an orientation that guided the selection of a generation of bishops and cardinals around the globe.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbsnews.com ...
Hate to say it, but we told ya so. :)
Will you come out of there now and join us, born again believers in Christ?
And, no, I am not advocating any denomination...just those who want to fellowship with true believers.
We would love to welcome you in the name of Christ.
therefore, the Catholic bishops tow the easier most bland line they can.......true believers....NOT!
But it's like I smell a wolf.
They believe in ‘tokenism.’ Or, appearing as alabaster on the outside while totally rotten inside.
He most certainly is NOT condoning sin...and he never will.
***
I certainly believe that, but I am a Catholic.
Someone here has said that he speaks too vaguely, which allows the press and others to misinterpret what he says. I am inclined to agree with that. He needs to be more direct.
Popes aren’t worshipped. Really? Then what is that crowd of ring-kissers who show up at the Fatican waiting for him to peek out of the smoky window worshipping? Wouldn’t they do just as well hearing him preach on the radio, say? Or reading what he just mumbled in the weekly flyer. How come so many live their whole lives hoping they can get a glimpse of him? That’s pretty much worshipping him.
Very well said!
As I said, I don't think the Pope gave the interview in English.
I reserve my judgement.
My mind opened up when a catholic church asked for my tax returns the first month we were there. ‘Haven’t been back since.
If one knows anything about Catholicism and hopefully this includes Catholics, know that the Pope is not “infallible” in all things.
Papal infallibility can be defined as: When the Pope (1) intends to teach (2) by virtue of his supreme authority (3) on a matter of faith and morals (4) to the whole Church, he is preserved by the Holy Spirit from error. His teaching act is therefore called “infallible” and the teaching which he articulates is termed “irreformable”.
See also: http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/papac2.htm
What could you possibly know about Jesus's infinite mind? What Jesus held back on, and what he didn't? You think you're qualified to judge as Jesus judged? YOU?!
What about this:
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." - Matthew 18:21-22
Yet from that teaching you still leap to condemn in Jesus's name?
Your arrogance is breathtaking. Your lust to damn others shames you.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. - Matthew 7: 1-5
Jesus knew you and yours, and he warned you to back off:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" - Matthew 7: 21-23
I don’t think you understand those people.
More merciful more welcoming.. They just need new ‘business’ rules.. Hmmm
Maybe the Vestal Virgins can start accepting EBT cards too.
—
PS, I was raised Episcopalian, long since left ‘organized’ religion. ‘Bourne’ again. :-)
wow..thank you...
Relax....its the SOP of the Catholic bashing wing of Freeper..who instantly can know exactly what the Pope means and then graciously let US know what that is.
I am delighted with this Pope...His message is one of love and mercy and reaching out to all sinners....which is what Jesus did.
Something that you don’t see here when there is any topic on homosexuality...First comes the immediate condemnation ( and yes, of the persons, not just the sin) with really disgusting name calling..Wow, now that will surely bring the message of God’s love and encourage repentance(sarc).
It is diffiuclt NOT to condemn and to try to reach people if I don’t like or approve of their behavior. But I am commanded to love all, not spew hate.
thanks for the warm invitation...
“Hate to say it, but we told ya so. :)”
The true Christians on this forum allow me to be Catholic and yes, I have a personal relationship with Christ....
Not MY bishop and NOT my pastor.
Money? How about the Mega churches and those “born again” televangelists with the big hair.
The next thing he’s going to tell us is that the Ten Commandments should be more aptly thought of as, The Ten Suggestions.
I think the new Pope is doing just fine...He certainly is one person who doesn’t have to Kow tow to politically correct Media or say what anyone thinks he SHOULD SAY or how he should say it. I find that refreshing.
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