Pope Francis issues marching orders for new pro-life leader

[gilliam]

Generally speaking, popes don’t issue explicit marching orders when they name someone to a new job. Francis, however, did precisely that on Wednesday, publishing a “chirograph,” a papal document whose circulation is restricted to the Roman Curia, offering a vision for his main pro-life agencies.

The pontiff opened the letter by saying he wants the activity of Vatican offices dedicated to marriage, family and life issues to be “ever more clearly inscribed within the horizon of mercy.”

After citing his two recent Synods of Bishops on the family and his own document, Amoris Laetitia, drawing conclusions from those gatherings, Francis told Paglia that even “in theological study, a pastoral perspective and attention to the wounds of humanity should never be missing.”

Francis then ticked off several issues he wants Paglia to focus on in his new assignments.

• “Care for the dignity of the human person in different ages of existence.”
• “Reciprocal respect between the sexes and among the generations.”
• “Defense of the dignity of every single human being.”
• “Promotion of the quality of human life that integrates material and spiritual values.”
• An “authentic human ecology,” which can help restore “the original balance of creation between the human person and the entire universe.”

“To kneel before the wounds of the human person, in order to understand them, care for them and heal them, is the duty of a Church that trusts in the light and the strength of the risen Christ,” Francis wrote.

cruxnow.com/vatican/2016/08/18/pope-issues-marching-orders-new-pro-life-leader/

 

[Hatikvah]

The pontiff opened the letter by saying he wants the activity of Vatican offices dedicated to marriage, family and life issues to be “ever more clearly inscribed within the horizon of mercy.”

Francis then ticked off several issues he wants Paglia to focus on in his new assignments.

• “Care for the dignity of the human person in different ages of existence.”
• “Reciprocal respect between the sexes and among the generations.”
• “Defense of the dignity of every single human being.”
• “Promotion of the quality of human life that integrates material and spiritual values.”
• An “authentic human ecology,” which can help restore “the original balance of creation between the human person and the entire universe.”

Good for the Pope! May the Holy Spirit guide the Pope and the people helping this task.

 

[JW55]

These are obviously bullet points or goals . I will be interested in seeing how each of these are further interpreted, applied, and how they are to be achieved.

 

[twf]

I think its a great moment to reflect on the fact that for the Holy Father, and for the Church in general, “pro-life” goes beyond the fight against abortion (though this is very important)…our pro-life stance is holistic and seeks to protect the rights and dignity of all human beings from conception to their natural end.

 

[RPRPsych]

I think its a great moment to reflect on the fact that for the Holy Father, and for the Church in general, “pro-life” goes beyond the fight against abortion (though this is very important)…our pro-life stance is holistic and seeks to protect the rights and dignity of all human beings from conception to their natural end.

This is true, and good as long as those following his lead do not fall into the trap of false equivalences. While taking the broad view on pro-life issues is vital, one cannot equate or balance issues that are clearly unequal, such as abortion vs. the death penalty.

 

[Randolph]

I think its a great moment to reflect on the fact that for the Holy Father, and for the Church in general, “pro-life” goes beyond the fight against abortion (though this is very important)…our pro-life stance is holistic and seeks to protect the rights and dignity of all human beings from conception to their natural end.

I completely agree with you. I am very appreciative of Pope Francis’ leadership on this issue. Our pro-life stance is rooted in the Catholic faith. Without being true to the Catholic faith, our pro-life stance lacks substance.

 

[philipl]

• An “authentic human ecology,” which can help restore “the original balance of creation between the human person and the entire universe.”

There is no balance between the human race and the entire universe.

 

[Randolph]

Francis then ticked off several issues he wants Paglia to focus on in his new assignments.

• “Care for the dignity of the human person in different ages of existence.”
• “Reciprocal respect between the sexes and among the generations.”
• “Defense of the dignity of every single human being.”
• “Promotion of the quality of human life that integrates material and spiritual values.”
• An “authentic human ecology,” which can help restore “the original balance of creation between the human person and the entire universe.”

“To kneel before the wounds of the human person, in order to understand them, care for them and heal them, is the duty of a Church that trusts in the light and the strength of the risen Christ,” Francis wrote.

cruxnow.com/vatican/2016/08/18/pope-issues-marching-orders-new-pro-life-leader/

Admittedly, it is not entirely clear to me what the last bullet point actually meant as it could be interpreted in different ways. It will become clearer as these directives are implemented the future. We will wait and see.

The way I understood it (and I could be wrong), Pope Francis wanted to remind pro-lifers that God Himself is the Creator of heaven and earth (of the entire universe). In particular, God created humans with whom to have loving relationship with, and for whom to have loving relationship with each other. We are a very important part of God’s grand creation (where human ecology exists within)–the grand creation which God called it “good”. The “balance” is to observe, to respect, and to obey God’s will in His grand creation. In this fight against the evil of abortion, we are to fight it in light of God’s creation, and for God’s will be done.

 

[philipl]

Admittedly, it is not entirely clear to me what the last bullet point actually meant as it could be interpreted in different ways. It will become clearer as these directives are implemented the future. We will wait and see.

The way I understood it (and I could be wrong), Pope Francis wanted to remind pro-lifers that God Himself is the Creator of heaven and earth (of the entire universe). In particular, God created humans with whom to have loving relationship with, and for whom to have loving relationship with each other. We are a very important part of God’s grand creation (where human ecology exists within)–the grand creation which God called it “good”. The “balance” is to observe, to respect, and to obey God’s will in His grand creation. In this fight against the evil of abortion, we are to fight it in light of God’s creation, and for God’s will be done.

Every last bullet point can be interpreted hundreds of different ways.

 

[estesbob]

Every last bullet point can be interpreted hundreds of different ways.

In general they will be interpreted by those Catholics trying to rationalize supporting pro-abortion candidates that one can vote for such a candidate if they are “pro-life” on the other issues

 

[Strydersroom]

In general they will be interpreted by those Catholics trying to rationalize supporting pro-abortion candidates that one can vote for such a candidate if they are “pro-life” on the other issues

You do realize that Kaine is in fact pro-life and Catholic. Another great reason I’m voting for Hillary!

 

[estesbob]

You do realize that Kaine is in fact pro-life and Catholic. Another great reason I’m voting for Hillary!

No he is not pro-life he advances been discredited idea that a Catholic can somehow oppose intrinsic evil yet support its implementation .

 

[tseleehw]

You do realize that Kaine is in fact pro-life and Catholic. Another great reason I’m voting for Hillary!

Kaine is not pro-life. He is a full-fledged supporter of abortion.