Portuguese journalist: I’m going to ask a question about the case Portugal, but I think that it can be applied to many of the Western societies. In Portugal, almost all of the Portuguese say they identify themselves as Catholics. But the way the society is organized, the decisions that we make, often are contrary to the indications of the Church. I refer to marriage between homosexuals, the legalization of abortion, now we’re going to begin discussing euthanasia. How do you see this?
Pope Francis: I think it’s a political problem. And that also the Catholic conscience isn’t a catholic one of total belonging to the Church and that behind that there isn’t a nuanced catechesis, a human catechesis. That is, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is an example of what is a serious and nuanced thing. I think that there is a lack of formation and also of culture. Because it’s curious, in some other regions, I think of the south of Italy, some in Latin America, they are very Catholic but they are anti-clerical and ‘priest-eaters’, that … there is a phenomenon that exists. It concerns me. That’s why I tell priests, you will have read it, to flee from clericalism because clericalism distances people. May they flee from clericalism and I add: it’s a plague in the Church. But here there is a work also of catechesis, of raising awareness, of dialogue, also of human values.
12 comments:
I comprehend it but don't completely grasp his context. It would help if he would explain his understanding of clericalism and how it is so problematic in those areas of the world.
He sounds like he doesn't want to give an answer that the media can use against him later. That's the best I can say about his reply.
What the .....is he talking about?! The man refuses to speak clearly. Why!!
Did he just say something...???
There is no excuse for such mealy-mouthed double talk. The fact that this man has become Pope and Priests and others in total denial still defend him has shaken the faith many of us had in the Church. The question comes to mind again as to whether Luther and Calvin were correct regarding the Papacy. After all, that institution has given us Vatican II, Pope Francis, and a myriad of Priests like Kavanaugh. That is a lot of smoke for there not to be a major fire.
If President Trump had said something analogous, of course, it would be music to the ears. But because it is the Holy Father . . . well, ’nuff said.
He's putting out another fire with gasoline.
Trump is pretty direct...
Agreed, as direct as a weather vane.
Loose lips, sink ships, that's about all I can say
???Huh???
I cannot call this an answer. It is a string of statements coming from several different directions at once, and they don't intersect. He seems to be thinking out loud.
Wow. I couldn't have said it any better myself. signed. Professor Irwin Corey
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