I think it depends on what you tell them. For example, Catholics willingly embraced Paul VI for the Mass in English, use of conscience, relaxation of meat abstinence, but not so much when he issued Humanae Vitae. And now no doubt some of the numbers reflect perhaps a possible reversal of this HV inter alia?
I think they like him because he is willing to reach out to the common people; like St. Francis did and Christ did. He isn’t quick to condemn; like some radio talk show hosts are.
So was Benedict. But Benedict’s personality is different from that of Francis, much more that of a long-time college professor. And that is not bad at all.
That’s it. I couldn’t put my finger on it before but you put it very nicely.
Ain’t it the truth.
My wife and I are big fans of Benedict and always thought his warmth as a human being came through just fine, not just on TV but in person when we attended an audience at the Vatican. We felt a true sense of loss and sadness when he retired.
Not going to mass…Do they approve of how he handles the Church, or do they approve of his plan to accept same-sex marriages, abortion, open communion, divorce and remarriage, and not going to Mass?
Saying “abortion is wrong in all circumstances”=30% approval rating.Not going to mass…
These are probably the reasons, they just assume he is like this, i am waiting for him to say something big that they will instantly hate him over, you know how that goes…
Now this could be a telling comment…but then, I’ve always hoped (and believed) the Church was perennial with no rupture of continuity…
Well, I just read a comment somewhere that the Italians generally classify the papacy by one of three categories - political, scholarly or holy!The pope is a political candidate? Something tells me they don’t know how the pope is approved. They got the “Sky High” part right
ORC International is the name of the company that CNN paid to conduct the poll. ORC International is based in Princeton, New Jersey. The pollsters were not questioning non-Americans about what Americans think.International poll for American Catholics?
Well, if not going to Mass is allowed like eating meat on Fridays, I would expect there would be a much tinier percentage going to Mass on Sunday. Or ever seeing a priest, for that matter.Do they approve of how he handles the Church, or do they approve of his plan to accept same-sex marriages, abortion, open communion, divorce and remarriage, and not going to Mass?
The Pope had never indicated his approval of any of the things you mentioned above. What he has indicated is that we need to approach others with mercy and generosity in the same way as our Lord.Do they approve of how he handles the Church, or do they approve of his plan to accept same-sex marriages, abortion, open communion, divorce and remarriage, and not going to Mass?
To Tsuwano and ProVobis: I am fully aware that the Pope doesn’t plan to change doctrine. In fact, a Pope doesn’t even have the ability to change doctrine. I was just being sarcastic in my post, as most people I know are thinking that Pope Francis will change doctrine and allow people to miss Mass.
I agree the media disliked Benedict for his vast intellect. They also used his nationality in a negative way . Germans are routinely stereotyped.
Oh! Thank you.
You’re welcome.Oh! Thank you.
I’m not sure Sunday obligation is that doctrinal. After all, it’s now been extended to vespers of the preceding day. Not only that but there is a provision in Canon Law that allows one to stay home and pray under certain circumstances.