Pope Francis and the Atheist Father

[catholic03]

Pax Christi:

I believe that Pope Francis is just as orthodox as any of his predecessors. However, this is something I do not understand. He essentially told a young (Catholic) child that his atheist father was in heaven.

A) We do not know with certainty who is saved other than the saints.
B) Even if such a person was saved due to invincible ignorance, they would have to go through purgatory for a very long time.
C) This man, having his child baptised, surely knew about the faith and so invincible ignorance is probably not possible.
D) So how could the Holy Father say that he is certainly in heaven?

 

[Hoosier-Daddy]

The Pope says a lot of things.
I just keep my head down and worship my God in His Church and know that seasons change.

 

[catholic03]

But Pope Francis is so orthodox. Why would he make a comment that to the best of my knowledge rejects doctrine?

 

[meltzerboy2]

Pope Francis, in his role as pastoral counselor, was trying to comfort and console the child in language the child could understand. The child may not have understood what purgatory is. In addition, what is the point of frightening and confusing a young child by giving a detailed explanation of the possibility that their father is not in heaven, but is more likely in purgatory or even hell? This may be closer to the truth, but what good does it do for a child who has lost a father?

 

[meltzerboy2]

I disagree. In some situations, such as this one, honesty can be too brutal and is not called for.

 

[catholic03]

It still troubles me. Is there anyway this is within Church doctrine?

 

[meltzerboy2]

I don’t know. Perhaps one of our learned Catholic members has this information.

 

[po18guy]

We have maybe half the story. However…

1. Context
2. Context
3. Context

We do not know the state of the man’s heart at the moment of death. We leave that up to Gods mercy.

 

[ratio1]

He should have been honest.

Are you saying that when you become a father yourself you will tell your youngest kids that there is no Santa Claus?
The Holy Father did what every father would do. Why don’t we let children be children, we don’t need to bring out the big guns onto kids.
Unless you really think the Pope should have said “your father could be in hell”. Whilst true, it’s not constructive to say the least, if not totally uncharitable.

 

[snarflemike]

But Pope Francis is so orthodox. Why would he make a comment that to the best of my knowledge rejects doctrine?

Perhaps one of your premises is wrong.

 

[VanitasVanitatum]

if not totally uncharitable.

If Pope Francis affirmed that he knew the father was in heaven than he would be lying and that isn’t exactly charitable either.

 

[ratio1]

That’s why I said at least it’s not constructive.

 

[Darryl_B]

Pope Francis should really be more like Batman, slap people in the face and tell them to get over it.

 

[graciew]

Have you watched the video?

 

[catholic03]

Yes, I have.

 

[catholic03]

What to make of it?

 

[graciew]

Could you post it?

 

[graciew]

You know then what he said.

 

[graciew]

Be honest…

 

[catholic03]

How do you post a video?