Pope Francis wants Church to be poor, and for the poor

[Prodigal_Son1]

Church teaching bleeds into the realm of politics (or would that be the other way around?). He won’t be able to escape that. Unless you think he won’t speak out on Church teaching?

I believe he will speak Church teachings, that we can apply to the secular world. I do not believe he will speak Church teachings because of political motivations. He will speak Truth, because it’s the right thing to do, irregardless of partisan views.

 

[CMatt25]

I, for one, am thrilled. I was so worried that you wouldn’t like him.

I was too. And I know it’s early. The first wk though I’ve been more impressed than not. If this first wk is to indicate humility, not condemning, and the poor are the focus he intends for his papacy. Time will tell I guess.

 

[Dawnia]

Those words are vague. I’m talking when he speaks explicitly.

Give him time…he’s only been Pope for a week…

 

[Lucky7]

Give him time…he’s only been Pope for a week…

Patience has never been one of my virtues, but I’m working on it Dawnia, I’m working on it.

 

[LisaA]

Of course not, they could always call a cab. Or would travelling in taxis be beneath their princely status?

Really a lack of charity in your sneering characterization of the Cardinals. Have you been in a cab in Rome? I have and I’ve had smoother and safer rides at Disneyland. There are issues of safety, comfort (some of the Cardinals are quite elderly and frail), convenience and effectiveness. Now I don’t think they need to order a Towncar if a lower level admin person is going out for pizzas but when the Cardinals and other higher level Church officials are on Church business, they should be treated with respect and concern due them for their devoted service to Christ and the Church

Lisa.

 

[Brendan_64]

Have you been in a cab in Rome?

Actually I have. I got married in Rome and we took a cab from the hotel to the Church. It was really not half as bad as you portray. No different from taking a cab in London really.

I also reckon taking a cab in Rome is considerably more comfortable than travelling by bus in Buenos Aires.

 

[CMatt25]

An example from today’s Reuter’s story about the Inaugural Mass:

Excuse me?!?!? Pope Benedict didn’t place emphasis on the poor? It’s as if the Church is all of a sudden going to start caring for the poor which she has never done before.

I’m not sure it’s so much that people think the Church doesn’t or Benedict didn’t emphasize the poor. But rather the degree of emphasis they see. When they hear so much about other matters such as Latin, abortion, SS marriage, the HHS mandate in the US, the emphasis on the poor can get lost in the mix to them. And that’s the perception they get from the message they’re hearing most emphasized. Just look at the extent CAF threads emphasize those other topics. There are often threads on CAF about attire. And I couldn’t help but think of attire threads the other day when at the end of Mass the Pope called the man (Was he a priest? Not sure.) who was dressed rather casually to come forward because the Pope wanted to honor the man’s work with drug addicts on the streets. Francis obviously was not offended that this man was not dressed in a suit and tie to meet him.

 

[LisaA]

Actually I have. I got married in Rome and we took a cab from the hotel to the Church. It was really not half as bad as you portray. No different from taking a cab in London really.

I also reckon taking a cab in Rome is considerably more comfortable than travelling by bus in Buenos Aires.

I don’t know why you have such disdain for those who have devoted themselves to serving the Church. You seem to resent that this devotion is rewarded with respect and concern for the Cardinals’ comfort and safety. Also do you think they are getting Towncars for every trip to the grocery store? You act as if this is some kind of major scandal.

When I was in Rome I saw many Cardinals walking from the Vatican to restaurants or waiting for the bus. Cardinal Wuerhl was at the Rome airport sitting in one of the plastic chairs like a mere mortal…imagine that! From the interviews and other programs, I see men who are humble and devoted to the Church. I think their service is worth a little extra consideration at certain times and given their physical issues.

But you are obviously of a particular state of mind that extols “equality” above all.

Lisa

 

[CMatt25]

When at home, most Cardinals (and Bishops for that matter) have drivers. Is that because they are elitist? No. It’s because the driver is usually also the secretary and often the MC and it allows the Cardinal or Bishop to cram more into his schedule than if he was driving himself.

Reminded me of a story a priest on EWTN shared of running into Pope Francis the other day on an elevator. No secretary or entourage. Just Pope Francis.

 

[Corki]

But he hasn’t spoken about abortion and gay marriage! This is why so many liberal Catholics are loving him. He is focusing on the poor!

It’s only a matter of time before the honeymoon is over…trust me.

Then they won’t love him so much.

Just wait until they realize that Popes Benedict and John Paul (I and II) didn’t mention those topics in their first five days either. Nor for that matter did their much villified (for penning HV) Pope Paul VI. Do people really think if a topic wasn’t in today’s homily, it’s not on the Pope’s agenda?

 

[LisaA]

I’m not sure it’s so much that people think the Church doesn’t or Benedict didn’t emphasize the poor. But rather the degree of emphasis they see. When they hear so much about other matters such as Latin, abortion, SS marriage, the HHS mandate in the US, the emphasis on the poor can get lost in the mix to them. And that’s the perception they get from the message they’re hearing most emphasized. Just look at the extent CAF threads emphasize those other topics. There are often threads on CAF about attire. And I couldn’t help but think of attire threads the other day when at the end of Mass the Pope called the man (Was he a priest? Not sure.) who was dressed rather casually to come forward because the Pope wanted to honor the man’s work with drug addicts on the streets. Francis obviously was not offended that this man was not dressed in a suit and tie to meet him.

Oh PUH-LEASE, do not equate CAF threads with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s emphasis on the poor. If these messages are emphasized it’s becasue they are of interest to US, not because this is what Pope Benedict XVI focused upon. How many of his homilies, encyclicals or books have you read? He is a brilliant theologian, teacher, and scholar. I adore him and appreciate his many years of devoted service to the Church.

Further that each of the three recent Popes had a particular gift, doesn’t mean the others were less orthodox or fell short in some way. I agree with the poster who said they loved all three…me too!

Lisa

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Maybe the difference was the simple lifestyle Pope Francis chose to live; small apartment, cook for himself, ride public transportation, etc.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

Maybe the difference was the simplistic lifestyle Pope Francis chose to live; small apartment, cook for himself, ride public transportation, etc.

Not being a smart alec , but you mean simple not simplistic.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Not being a smart alec , but you mean simple not simplistic.

What you talkin’ 'bout Willis?

J/K, corrected and thanks for pointing it out. Getting ready for 24 hour shift…should be sleeping.

 

[Brendan_64]

I don’t know why you have such disdain for those who have devoted themselves to serving the Church. .

Not at all. All I’m saying is that there is no need for the Cardinals to be driven around in chauffeur driven cars. There is nothing whatsoever disdainful in that.

…

But you are obviously of a particular state of mind that extols “equality” above all

What has this got to do with it?

Or do you think that chauffeur driven cars ought to be given as a reward for a person’s devotion to God? As a ‘perk’ for service given?

 

[vames]

Personally, I haven’t found Pope Francis to be more charismatic than Pope Benedict. His style is more of a friar while Pope Benedict’s was more the beloved professor. The latter was more personally appealing, but that’s just me.

I have read the texts of his homily from this morning as well as his earlier ones. He has said absolutely nothing new. I get his message as we need to keep doing what we are doing and continually try to do it better. I would expect nothing less from any Pope.

My thoughts exactly

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

What you talkin’ 'bout Willis?

J/K, corrected and thanks for pointing it out. Getting ready for 24 hour shift…should be sleeping.

24 hours? May God bless you, sir.

And I thought 6-7 day weeks and no vacation in a decade were bad.

 

[Corki]

I’m not sure it’s so much that people think the Church doesn’t or Benedict didn’t emphasize the poor. But rather the degree of emphasis they see. When they hear so much about other matters such as Latin, abortion, SS marriage, the HHS mandate in the US, the emphasis on the poor can get lost in the mix to them. And that’s the perception they get from the message they’re hearing most emphasized. Just look at the extent CAF threads emphasize those other topics. There are often threads on CAF about attire. And I couldn’t help but think of attire threads the other day when at the end of Mass the Pope called the man (Was he a priest? Not sure.) who was dressed rather casually to come forward because the Pope wanted to honor the man’s work with drug addicts on the streets. Francis obviously was not offended that this man was not dressed in a suit and tie to meet him.

Again, why is this being treated as some kind of novelty? Have you ever heard of Pope Benedict or Pope John Paul II shunning someone who was not dressed up?

To judge all Catholics by what is discussed most on CAF is to demonstrate that you don’t know how internet forums work. What gets the most space and the longest threads are not the most important issues, they are the ones that are not cut and dried and about which people disagree and can carry on a lively discussion.

Try starting a thread here titiled “Do you think Catholics should help the poor?” How long do you think that thread would be? Is there any debate to be had? That does not mean that Catholics don’t think we should help the poor or even that the posters on CAF aren’t helping the poor. It only means it’s not an engaging internet discussion topic.

A few years ago, someone tried to start a thread with a topic that went something like “How come we don’t have more threads to say we love Jesus?” Same thing. Nothing to debate - only one answer (yes) and a very short thread.

 

[Corki]

Not at all. All I’m saying is that there is no need for the Cardinals to be driven around in chauffeur driven cars. There is nothing whatsoever disdainful in that.

The disdain comes through because you seem to think there is something wrong with it if they are.

 

[LisaA]

Not at all. All I’m saying is that there is no need for the Cardinals to be driven around in chauffeur driven cars. There is nothing whatsoever disdainful in that.

…

What has this got to do with it? Or do you think that chauffeur driven cars ought to be given as a reward for a person’s devotion to God? As a ‘perk’ for service given?

You are the master of your own opinions and that is what you are expressing…your opinion. YOU think there is “no need” for a Towncar. Several posters have mentioned what I think are valid reasons for having a car and driver when on Church business. You ignore them and express your opinion once more. It’s no more compelling the third or fourth time.

OK you don’t think the Cardinals deserve to have a car and driver. So noted.

Lisa