Pope Francis has said for some time that the “obsession” (a word he has used) with sexual sin cannot remain the sole focus of the Church. He is attempting to reintroduce a wider spiritual focus, and he has made this very clear. While some might disagree, he is the pope.How many posts do I have to make on here. The point is that I think it was a tactical mistake for him to explicitly condemn capital punishment and to obliquely reference abortion.; to explicitly call for curbing climate change, and hint at the problems of SSM. I think he should have been equally clear. That’s been my point all along here.
But the arguments against my view are that it would have been too partisan, or that he was trying to transcend politics. But that can’t be the case since he explicitly spoke about some partisan issues. So, I’m back to my original question. Why was he explicit on some issues but not others?
Pope Francis has said for some time that the “obsession” (a word he has used) with any particular issue cannot remain the sole focus of the Church. He is attempting to reintroduce a wider spirituality, and he has made this very clear. While some might disagree, he is the pope. And it seems clear that this pastoral approach has been quite successful.How many posts do I have to make on here. The point is that I think it was a tactical mistake for him to explicitly condemn capital punishment and to obliquely reference abortion.; to explicitly call for curbing climate change, and hint at the problems of SSM. I think he should have been equally clear. That’s been my point all along here.
But the arguments against my view are that it would have been too partisan, or that he was trying to transcend politics. But that can’t be the case since he explicitly spoke about some partisan issues. So, I’m back to my original question. Why was he explicit on some issues but not others?
Yup, you sure are doing a bang up job representing people when you advocate for the mass genocide of people you disagree with.Iran nuke deal is good. Are you kidding? Iran’s first nuclear missile should be at the Vatican not Israel
Are you talking about all the Europeans from England, France and Spain who came to the New World as invaders and plundered the societies of the Native Americans and destroyed their civilizations?This Pope has just given his blessing to illegal invaders of both Europe and America, overlooking the fact that he is choosing to sacrifice the futures of the children of both. He urges us to welcome the “stranger,” not recognizing he difference between being a stranger and being an invader. In giving this blessing he fails to rebuke the invaders either in the U.S. or Europe for the wholesale plundering of the targeted societies, the unjust taking of the fruits of their labor, jeopardizing the futures of their children, and engendering the possible collapse of the very social structures the targeted societies have sacrificed long and hard to create.
We all belong to America.“I would like to think that the reason for this is that I too am a son of this great continent, from which we have all received so much and toward which we share a common responsibility.”
This great continent is North America. The Pope is a son of the great continent of South America. Does he mean that we are both sons of the great Western Hemisphere?
From the very beginning of this speech, I feel lost in attempting to understand him. I am unable to understand my Pope. I miss being able to understand my Pope.
Actually no. It’s not the same continent. North and South America are two separate continents in the same hemisphere. Kind of like Europe and Asia are separate continents.We all belong to America.
Colombus discovered America.
You call yourselves Americans and it s fine.
We recognize ourselves as americans ,belonging to the same continent.
Better ?
Good grief. Relax. I have encountered these “invaders” here on my property in South Texas (once a part of Mexico) and they are people just like anyone else. They are seeking a better life, and Republican businessman in northern cities have for decades been more than happy to employee them because of their basic decency and work ethic. Why do you suppose the southern border has remained open for so long and the immigration laws not enforced? Pope Francis has caused none of this.I am seriously thinking of leaving the Church. This Pope has just given his blessing to illegal invaders of both Europe and America, overlooking the fact that he is choosing to sacrifice the futures of the children of both.
That is how you studied it. No problemActually no. It’s not the same continent. North and South America are two separate continents in the same hemisphere. Kind of like Europe and Asia are separate continents.
I don’t know what denomination you are…but Catholics know that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ here on earth…he celebrates the Eucharist each and every day…the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ…he lives the gospel of Jesus Christ daily…any Catholic who would doubt his authority as the Vicar of Christ is talking heresy…if you are a Protestant I could understand why you might feel that he needs to say the name of Jesus to show he is a follower of Christ…I’ve been trying really hard to like Pope Francis. I really am trying. I want to like him. I was so happy when he was elected. I was so happy to hear him speak of being a Pope for the poor. I was really hopeful that he was going to be good not only for the Church but for the world at large. There have been many little things throughout his time as pope that have bothered me. These things have always been blamed on mistranslations, misinterpretations, misunderstandings, misquotes, misused statements taken out of context, or even the media just spinning their own agenda. I’ve tried to believe it (I actually did at first), but as time went on it got harder to accept those explanations. After hearing his speeches in Spanish–his first language–and noticing many of the same things, all this really started bothering me. I started questioning why these problems never occurred on nearly the same scale with previous popes, even with the same translation issues. Of course people said it’s because Pope Francis makes so many impromptu speeches that others didn’t, but really that is not an excuse. He obviously knows how things are construed yet he continues and even increases his speeches. So it’s bothered me and it gets harder all the time. And no one seems to feel the way I do and if you say you are struggling to understand, that you’re TRYING to love it at least like Pope Francis, people shun you. “How can you not love him? He’s the greatest thing to happen to the Catholic Church ever! Even atheists love him.” I was hopeful that seeing him in the US would help me get over these reservations, but after seeing him address congress with no mention of Jesus at all and at the same time going on and on about the environment, the death penalty, immigration, and all but ignoring abortion or gay marriage–two big issues right now–has made it even more difficult. Can anyone explain why he didn’t even mention Jesus? I guess I can accept the lip service he played to gay marriage and abortion, but what about Jesus? I’m sorry but that really disturbed me.
I’m a cradle catholic married to a cradle catholic raising eight catholic children. Yes, I was expecting the pope to mention Jesus. He mentioned Moses and he mentioned people. There was no mention of Jesus. It is important to me, and actually I’m surprised it isn’t to other Catholics. And yes I understand the Eucharist. I believe in the real presence. I know he lives out the gospel–but he’s not Jesus. He is where is is because of Jesus. But still I was expecting a shout out to God. It bothers me he didn’t mention the unborn, it disturbs me that didn’t mention God. Protestants I’m sure were disturbed as well, and for once I don’t blame them. This isn’t helping me learn to love this pope. I said I’m looking for someone to help me out. Not sure why no one seems to want to do that. I didn’t say he’s not a follower of Christ, but I would expect him to acknowledge Christ like he did Lincoln.I don’t know what denomination you are…but Catholics know that the Pope is the Vicar of Christ here on earth…he celebrates the Eucharist each and every day…the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ…he lives the gospel of Jesus Christ daily…any Catholic who would doubt his authority as the Vicar of Christ is talking heresy…if you are a Protestant I could understand why you might feel that he needs to say the name of Jesus to show he is a follower of Christ…
Thanks. I watched the Fox video. Santorum has it right.If one can catch Rick Santorum’s analysis on Hugh Hewitt’s show today, I thought it was excellent.
This Pope is preaching to the “post-Christian era”, the Pope yes, seems to be very “Pastoral” as some others, here in fact, have said.
Santorum summed it up well.
I don’t have sound here but perhaps this TV interview is similar in what he said.
msn.com/en-us/video/watch/rick-santorums-take-pope-franciss-message-to-america/vi-AAeHp2C
It really seems Santorum has matured a lot since the last election, whether he can do anything this time, I know conventional thought is of course is that he won’t.
I want you to feel heard. I feel your pain, because so many in my circle are Protestant and may share your reservations. His style doesn’t appeal to many of them, though it does appeal to others. I understand what you mean about the shunning. I believe Pope Francis would be the first to want to sit down and speak with you, and try to allay your concerns. His constant theme of dialogue would require it, because he is no hypocrite.I’ve been trying really hard to like Pope Francis. I really am trying. I want to like him. I was so happy when he was elected. I was so happy to hear him speak of being a Pope for the poor. I was really hopeful that he was going to be good not only for the Church but for the world at large. There have been many little things throughout his time as pope that have bothered me. These things have always been blamed on mistranslations, misinterpretations, misunderstandings, misquotes, misused statements taken out of context, or even the media just spinning their own agenda. I’ve tried to believe it (I actually did at first), but as time went on it got harder to accept those explanations. After hearing his speeches in Spanish–his first language–and noticing many of the same things, all this really started bothering me. I started questioning why these problems never occurred on nearly the same scale with previous popes, even with the same translation issues. Of course people said it’s because Pope Francis makes so many impromptu speeches that others didn’t, but really that is not an excuse. He obviously knows how things are construed yet he continues and even increases his speeches. So it’s bothered me and it gets harder all the time. And no one seems to feel the way I do and if you say you are struggling to understand, that you’re TRYING to love it at least like Pope Francis, people shun you. “How can you not love him? He’s the greatest thing to happen to the Catholic Church ever! Even atheists love him.” I was hopeful that seeing him in the US would help me get over these reservations, but after seeing him address congress with no mention of Jesus at all and at the same time going on and on about the environment, the death penalty, immigration, and all but ignoring abortion or gay marriage–two big issues right now–has made it even more difficult. Can anyone explain why he didn’t even mention Jesus? I guess I can accept the lip service he played to gay marriage and abortion, but what about Jesus? I’m sorry but that really disturbed me.
Thank you. I appreciate this. I agree there is no where else to go. If the Catholic Church is not full truth then truth does not exist. The problem I have is that this seems on going with Pope Francis. This is just the latest in a long line of things he has said (or failed to say) that confuse me. I’m struggling with two specific teachings as well but that’s off topic so I won’t get into them. I really appreciate your response to me and acknowledging that it isn’t popular to ask questions about the pope. It’s tough when you are struggling to hold on to your faith and people seem to push you out instead of help you hang on.I want you to feel heard. I feel your pain, because so many in my circle are Protestant and may share your reservations. His style doesn’t appeal to many of them, though it does appeal to others. I understand what you mean about the shunning. I believe Pope Francis would be the first to want to sit down and speak with you, and try to allay your concerns. His constant theme of dialogue would require it, because he is no hypocrite.
I would have liked for him to mention Jesus as well, because he is his Vicar, but I certainly don’t think he isn’t in love with Jesus. I believe he is a humble man and full of integrity.
Our parish priest was instrumental in organizing World Youth Day in Denver. He said something several weeks ago which really struck me. “We are Catholic, not consumers. We follow Christ, not personalities.” He said this in reference to himself because he’s popular and his term is ending, but it’s very wise. It’s something every mature Catholic must confront, I believe. “To whom shall we go Lord? You have the words of everlasting life.”
I know how you feel. All I can say is, as it was with St. Peter, keep your eyes on Christ and don’t look away. Hold onto him for dear life. And read Cardinal Sarah’s new book, and anything you can find by Ratzinger/Benedict and St. John Paul II. Even if it is hard to love Francis, pray and sacrifice things for him and your love will grow.I’m a cradle catholic married to a cradle catholic raising eight catholic children. Yes, I was expecting the pope to mention Jesus. He mentioned Moses and he mentioned people. There was no mention of Jesus. It is important to me, and actually I’m surprised it isn’t to other Catholics. And yes I understand the Eucharist. I believe in the real presence. I know he lives out the gospel–but he’s not Jesus. He is where is is because of Jesus. But still I was expecting a shout out to God. It bothers me he didn’t mention the unborn, it disturbs me that didn’t mention God. Protestants I’m sure were disturbed as well, and for once I don’t blame them. This isn’t helping me learn to love this pope. I said I’m looking for someone to help me out. Not sure why no one seems to want to do that. I didn’t say he’s not a follower of Christ, but I would expect him to acknowledge Christ like he did Lincoln.