Pope Francis would like to think that hell is empty. Here, once again, and for the millionth time, he says something hopeful yet quite wrong.
Hell, for sure and by Catholic dogma, contains Lucifer and the fallen angels. Hell is an existence where the seven deadly sins are raised to the level of gods and those in hell love their sin more than the true God. They are quite happy with an eternity of loving the false gods of the seven deadly sins; they glory in sin.
The Church teaches that it is quite possible for mere human beings to be in hell if they reject God in a definitive and eternal way knowing that it is deadly wrong, choose it nonetheless and with full consent of the will and with much foresight and planning because they love their venial and mortal sins more than they love God and neighbor.
The Church, though, has never, ever, ever declared that any particular human being is in hell. There is no “anti-canonization” of anyone for the pope to declare that so-and-so is actually in hell.
The Pope can in a definitive way say that so-and-so is in heaven.
Have I clarified the pope’s imprecise statement, yes?
Perhaps Pope Francis, though, should celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel ad orientem, so that he can see all the bishops and popes Michelangelo cast into hell with his magnificent “Last Judgement” painting.
2 comments:
Is there a context for this statement? Would like to know if it is simply compassion., thoughtless rambling, or end of life concerns. My grandfather had similar thoughts very near his end. It is a symptom of regret and misunderstanding of grace and forgiveness. It also makes many prayers pointless.
…Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits, who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
God will have all to be saved (1Ti 2:4)
Jesus came to save all. (John 12:47)
In Adam all are condemned, in Christ all live (Romans 5: 15-21)
In Adam all die, in Christ, all live. (1 Corinthians 15:22)
God will have mercy on all (Romans 11:32)
Jesus died for all (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
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