Pope says communists are closet Christians

Reuters ^ | 6/29/2014

[ebb tide]

Pope Francis, whose criticisms of unbridled capitalism have prompted some to label him a Marxist, said in an interview published on Sunday that communists had stolen the flag of Christianity.

[piusv]

The problem is all the times Francis has spouted off on economics or history or the glories of Islam—areas in which he is not protected from error, and the Church is not protected from him.

I agree with your comment about economics and history. But when he speaks about the glories of Islam, he speaks contrary to Traditional Catholicism.

[St_Thomas_Aquinas]

--- ’m sorry, Tom, but if these are accurate quotes, he is terminally incomprehensible.--- I wouldn't go that far, but in our internet age, his casual speech is a communications nightmare.

After Benedict stepped down, I was wondering what would happen if we ever got a bad pope. We've had an incredible 150 year run.

He's not a bad man. But he seems to be a muddled thinker and a muddled communicator.

[miss marmelstein]

Well, we got spoiled with all our wonderfully articulate and intellectual popes. Sort of like how I got spoiled by Ronald Reagan and thought we would always have great presidents.

[Scotswife]

I guess this is why right wingers donate more than lefties.

It’s a mentality that drives me nuts.

More and more I feel we can’t participate in “real” charity because our disposable income is getting squeezed.

And as far as I can tell - the Pope is advocating policies that would result in an even tighter squeeze - thereby making true charity downright impossible.

And THEN what will they say when people stop giving altogether?

They’ll say we’re selfish.

[Scotswife]

I don’t think he’s a “bad” Pope.

He seems to think his role is more as a pastor - someone who reaches out to the people and loves.

I wish the Church would stay out of economic theory entirely - or at least make their leaders study it more before spouting off.

[ebb tide]

I'm saying that you would have no problem using it in such a way against the present Pope should he utter similar words.

Then you would be lying. Stop pretending you can read my mind.

[marshmallow]

Then you would be lying. Stop pretending you can read my mind.

A similar sentiment occurs to me when I see you doing exactly that to the Pope.

Anyway.......time to stop the dancing and wiggling.

Let's get you on record.

Are we to understand that you have absolutely no problem with the phrases........... "the greed of unchecked competition", ......."hardheartedness of employers",......"rapacious usury"........"a small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself" and "the hiring of labor and the conduct of trade are concentrated in the hands of comparatively few"

You're good with all that?

Yes or no?

[Religion Moderator]

Do not make this thread "about" individual Freepers. That is also a form of "making it personal."

Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.

[Dave W]

Not really. To a non Catholic like me, I don't ever recall Catholics running to the Pope's defense to explain they really meant this or that. On the big and important issues, they were clear and articulated their thoughts well whether verbal or written.

I followed John Paul II and Benedict closely and especially loved John Paul - always worth my time to hear/read . I don't ever recall thinking, "he said what?"

This Pope is well...confused and close to being a buffoon - a clueless buffoon. I'm sorry that you are stuck with this Pope.