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Pope Francis: I ask the Lord: ‘But Lord, throw a banana peel in front of them, so that they will take a good fall, and feel shame that they are sinners, and so encounter You, [and realize] that You are the Saviour.

How in the hell does one translate that into the Pope wanting people to be tempted? Hi wants them to be aware of their sinful natures and to feel shame instead of being so damn self-righteous and believing they actually have the power to live sanctified lives without God's AMAZING Grace.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Those who realize that they follow in the footsteps of the apostle who lamented that he did that which he would not do, and did not that which he would do, and they anguish over their sinful natures. Far too many think they actually lead just lives and are shining examples of their own goodness.

That's exactly how I read it. For heaven's sake, the pope says "banana peel," not "commit adultery" or "murder."

[In fact, there's something very Flannery O'Connor in his imagery. Read her short story "Greenleaf" published just after her death from lupus.]

I've known people, including family, who profess to never sin or have no need for a Savior. How to get through to such people? [May Jesus "stab them in the heart!" See: O'Connor above.] It's frustrating. I believe the pope is expressing a similar frustration.

That said, I think the pope should be more careful in his public utterances. He's not an assistant pastor in an obscure parish back of beyond.

How in the hell does one translate that into the Pope wanting people to be tempted?

He not only wants them to be tempted, he wants them to "fall" aka SIN. A demonic wish to say the least.