Pope Francis: it is not a sin to criticise the Pope

[_Abyssinia]

The Pope told Italy's bishops to speak openly about their concerns
Pope Francis has told the Italian bishops that it is “not a sin to criticise the Pope here” as he opened their General Assembly.

The Pope revealed three “worries” during his speech: the decline in vocations, financial scandals, and the reduction and merging of dioceses.

http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/05/22/pope-francis-it-is-not-a-sin-to-criticise-the-pope/

 

[Mtdobbs]

I agree that in a general assembly of bishops, open lines of communication is important. Whether supporting ideas or offering opposing ideas, there should be a proper and respectful forum for it. I applaud what Francis says here.

 

[Joe_5859]

Note the word left off at the end of the headline: “Here”. “It is not a sin to criticize the pope here.”

Not that there aren’t other times and places that people can offer charitable and constructive criticism. But the context of the statement is that they are discussing what to do for the Church in Italy and Pope Francis wants the bishops to be at ease and not hesitant to have ideas that might differ from the pope’s as they hash it all out.

It does not mean that every internet poster can say whatever rude, derogatory, insulting thing about Pope Francis they feel like and—when called out on it—simply shrug and say, “Hey, the Pope said I could.”

 

[abucs]

I am glad pope Francis said this. Hopefully the General Assembly will be fruitful and facilitate a clear understanding to take the church forward.