After discussing various threats to the family, including “a lack of openness to life,” he deviated briefly from his prepared remarks, transitioning from English to his native Spanish in order to speak from the heart about the subject.
While it may indeed be from the heart, I find the switch in code to be somewhat significant in another way. Generally this is used to highlight (and perhaps make more memorable) what one is about to say, even though (or because) this amounts to working against one’s own vernacular. Just an observation on my part.“I think of Blessed Paul VI,” he said. “In a moment of that challenge of the growth of populations, he had the strength to defend openness to life.”
This secular source posted earlier seemed to understand clearly what the Holy Father was talking about…It is however unclear enough that secular sources may not pick up on it.
I find it interesting, but not unexpected, that the National Catholic Reporter (I will not provide the link) has tried to make more out of this part of the Holy Father’s words concerning contraception:I have seen a number of media sources that are not Catholic and/or conservative news sites highlight the Pope’s comments. Good.
Yes, and though those in Seminaries were taught Humanae Vitae in the 1970s, they were also led to believe that the Church might change its teachings about artificial contraception. I heard from a priest on Catholic radio saying that this sort of prediction is out. That also explains why when these men became priests and were asked about ABC, they told their parishioners it was “a personal conscience matter.” Not so.I find it interesting, but not unexpected, that the National Catholic Reporter (I will not provide the link) has tried to make more out of this part of the Holy Father’s words concerning contraception:
"He (Pope Paul VI) knew the difficulties families experience and that’s why in his encyclical (Humanae Vitae) he expressed compassion for specific cases and he taught professors to be particularly compassionate for particular cases."
About which the Reporter article states:
“But then, in an unusual move for a pope, Francis immediately acknowledged that there were “particular cases” where the contraception ban may not apply.”
So even when the media reports on the pope’s words, they still insert their own editorial agendas.
It seems that most were confused by the “conscience” clause in Populorum Progressio, issued a year prior to H.V., which allowed parents to decide on the size of the family.That also explains why when these men became priests and were asked about ABC, they told their parishioners it was “a personal conscience matter.” Not so.
Prior to FDA approval of the birth control pill in 1960, people like my parents relied on self-discipline. Controlling one’s body is implicit in this. Since Humanae Vitae was published in the midst of the beginning of the Sexual (without love) Revolution, what do we see being portrayed on TV and in movies today? Unmarried couples having sex, hiring a prostitute is OK, or I’ll just have sex with whoever. That was what radicals, anarchists and Hippies were preaching in 1968. Marriage? Who needs a piece of paper? I’ll just live with the woman. An actor recently announced the end of a 5 year relationship he had: “We didn’t need a piece of paper.”It seems that most were confused by the “conscience” clause in Populorum Progressio, issued a year prior to H.V., which allowed parents to decide on the size of the family.
:clapping:Here is the full text of Pope Francis’ remarks on the family straight from the Vatican News site:
Pope Francis to families: be examples of holiness, prayer
That’s great! Pope Francis is a great pope. He is pro-life in every sense of the word. He speaks the truth, even though we have to get it in translation and it sometimes seems to be mistranslated.
It did make the news in Canada.I find it interesting, but not unexpected, that the National Catholic Reporter (I will not provide the link) has tried to make more out of this part of the Holy Father’s words concerning contraception:
"He (Pope Paul VI) knew the difficulties families experience and that’s why in his encyclical (Humanae Vitae) he expressed compassion for specific cases and he taught professors to be particularly compassionate for particular cases."
About which the Reporter article states:
“But then, in an unusual move for a pope, Francis immediately acknowledged that there were “particular cases” where the contraception ban may not apply.”
So even when the media reports on the pope’s words, they still insert their own editorial agendas.
From Humanae Vitae:Francis noted that Paul was aware that some families would find it difficult to uphold the teaching and “he asked confessors to be particularly compassionate and understandable for particular cases.”
Does anyone know what he was referring to, I can’t find it in Humanae Vitae, maybe I one of Paul VI other writings?
Husbands and wives, therefore, when deeply distressed by reason of the difficulties of their life, must find stamped in the heart and voice of their priest the likeness of the voice and the love of our Redeemer.
So speak with full confidence, beloved sons, convinced that while the Holy Spirit of God is present to the magisterium proclaiming sound doctrine, He also illumines from within the hearts of the faithful and invites their assent. Teach married couples the necessary way of prayer and prepare them to approach more often with great faith the Sacraments of the Eucharist and of Penance. Let them never lose heart because of their weakness.
There is of course a great difference in understanding between how you expressed the “particular cases” as still a sin in need of mercy, and the Reporter’s conclusion that there are simply cases where the ban on contraception might not apply.It did make the news in Canada.
The bolded statement was said so I see nothing controversial with including it in the news story. Contraception is like any other sin that is grave matter: there are circumstances that can mitigate culpability. It is perfectly on-target to defend the teaching but at the same time to offer a message of mercy towards those who have difficulties with applying the teaching to their own lives.
Some of them might say it’s a Western conspiracy to limit their numbers and growth.I dont think the muslims take contraception… Just an observation, thats all.
I am sure they do. Generations from now, when Vatican II is relegated as one in a series of ecumenical councils, I believe Bl. Pope Paul VI will remain best known for Humanae Vitae because it was the first landmark work on the value of life. However, it was the first. With time, both growth of knowledge in the medical field and its impact on bioethics, and the actual application in all circumstances may yield some situations that still need the guidance of a living and active Church.“But then, in an unusual move for a pope, Francis immediately acknowledged that there were “particular cases” where the contraception ban may not apply.”
So even when the media reports on the pope’s words, they still insert their own editorial agendas.