The Dictator Pope - by Marcantonio Colonna. Politics & Social Sciences Kindle eBooks

[Kei]

Even the secular media was reporting it as though it was a sign, which is interesting.
It struck twice or so which is what I think was interesting.

Perhaps it was counting the number of times a pope would resign

 

[Kei]

Oh boy, it was something I read a long time ago.
About Benedict pressured

The Ongoing Discussion about Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation Receives New Fuel

Since the abdication of Pope Benedict XVI in February of 2013, speculations have never fully ceased as to whether he was pressured to do so, after all, in order to make way for a more progressive…

onepeterfive.com

But here’s an article about it (don’t know too much about the site but obviously don’t loosen your faith)

IS FRANCIS OR BENEDICT THE TRUE POPE?

A site about a new book responding to the arguments of sedevacantists as well as a course on ecclesiology.

www.trueorfalsepope.com

Also I would like to clarify I am NOT making these claims.

 

[angel12]

This is vague.

Alas! I did not know that SuperLuigi required me to keep a list of everything and everywhere I’ve read about the Pope. Woe is me!

 

[JimG]

A Nihil Obstat and an Imprimatur applies to a book’s doctrinal content. It would assure that there is nothing in the book contrary to Catholic doctrine. But it would not apply to a book such as this, which is primarily about Vatican politics and factions, and the manner in which a papacy is exercised.

Writing under a pseudonym with regard to such matters is not unknown. During Vatican II, the New Yorker magazine published regular articles by “Xavier Rynne” giving an inside view of the happenings and politicking at the Council. That turned out later to be a pseudonym for Rev. Francis X. Murphy, CssR.

 

[SuperLuigi]

For all I know, those sources are just liberal and tumblr blogs.

 

[pnewton]

So who wrote this book? And again, how it is not in contradiction to the Church’s teaching on truth?

 

[graciew]

So who wrote this book?

A ghost.
He died in 1584…and his spirit travels inside the Vatican and the spooky maffias that chose Pope Francis,the " dictator"…

 

[whyeyeman]

The Pope is not above criticism. There is nothing to stop bad people becoming Popes.

 

[RandomAlias]

I believe the lightning struck st Peters Basilica, if I recall.

It struck twice or so which is what I think was interesting.

Lightning tends to strike high points. That’s a matter of simple physics. If those high points remain in place, they will be struck again from time to time, even twice in the same storm.

If a rainbow appears over St. Peter’s, would that be a sign of God’s favor? Or will some crank blogger say it means Pope Francis is gay?

 

[OneSheep]

Matthew 18:15-17New International Version (NIV)
Dealing With Sin in the Church

15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[c] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

And then, even treatment of pagans and tax collectors is to be guided by love and mercy. Has the author forgiven Pope Francis? Those of you who have read the book, does the author encourage forgiveness and understanding? If not, we are to be very wary of the person’s agenda.

Has the author of the book given evidence that he has followed these steps? He obviously believes that the Pope has sinned in some way, if not, why spread scandal? The CCC is very clear about injuring peoples’ reputations:

2477 Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury.278 He becomes guilty:

• of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor;
• of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them;279
• of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them.

2478 To avoid rash judgment, everyone should be careful to interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way:

Every good Christian ought to be more ready to give a favorable interpretation to another’s statement than to condemn it. But if he cannot do so, let him ask how the other understands it. And if the latter understands it badly, let the former correct him with love. If that does not suffice, let the Christian try all suitable ways to bring the other to a correct interpretation so that he may be saved.280

What is a favorable interpretation of “Dictator Pope”?

 

[mrdrifter]

So who wrote this book? And again, how it is not in contradiction to the Church’s teaching on truth?

It is not in contradiction to the Church’s teaching on truth if it is true. How do you know it is not true?

 

[OneSheep]

It is not in contradiction to the Church’s teaching on truth if it is true. How do you know it is not true?

Does the book/author follow the guidelines I laid out in my post 72?

 

[Spyridon]

Count me 100% on the side of people like @pnewton and @Tis_Bearself as well as the Holy Father himself.

I have a deep and abiding love for Pope Francis and look at him with as much love as my biological father. The fact other brothers and sisters of mine in our Catholic Christian Family are so viciously and deceitfully attacking our Holy Father is troubling to me - not regarding the Pope, but rather regarding the prudence and charity of my co-religionists.

 

[Kei]

Oh no, maybe they’d say it’s a sign for gay rights

 

[R_H_Benson]

Does the book/author follow the guidelines I laid out in my post 72?

Perhaps you could read the book and then, being fully informed on the subject matter, apply the principles you outlined to the author?

 

[OneSheep]

I would, but then I would be supporting the author in my purchase.

Does the Title, “Dictator Pope”:

“interpret insofar as possible his neighbor’s thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way”

as CCC 2478 guides the Catholic faithful? In addition, is this a respectful way to address the Holy Father? Does the author follow Christ’s command to “Do unto others?”. Does the author encourage this guidance by Jesus?:

Mark 11:25New International Version (NIV)

25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

If so, please inform me!

 

[R_H_Benson]

is this a respectful way to address the Holy Father?

No, it isn’t. Further, I think it is a poorly chosen name because it ensures that the bulk of the book’s readership will be comprised of those who are already wary of the Holy Father. If the author had chosen a less incendiary title, more Catholics would have considered reading it.

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the author calls attention to events and ideas surrounding the Holy Father about which the faithful should be aware and informed. Contrary to how the book is being portrayed, it isn’t a tirade against the person of the Holy Father. It is a candid study about how various political and social factors particular to Argentina formed Jorge Bergoglio into the man and the prelate he is today. Many of these factors are external to the Pope. The author speaks often of his influences, friends, advisers, and rivals. This information provides the reader with the tools necessary to interpret the pontificate of Pope Francis through the lens of his Argentinian background. The majority of the text’s claims are cited and verified. One criticism I do have is that there is at least one claim that the author makes that is backed up by a weak footnote. Weak footnotes destroy credibility. Other footnotes cite some of the highest authorities in the Catholic world. Don’t shoot the messenger. This author, while certainly imperfect, has provided us with a glimpse into the life of Pope Francis which we have not yet before seen and which may help confused Catholics come to better understand what is happening in Rome.

 

[OneSheep]

Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the author calls attention

Does the author give Pope Francis the benefit of the doubt in his analysis? Does he encourage the faithful who disagree with the Pope politically and theologically to understand the Pope’s POV, or does he fuel the flames by only presenting one side? For example, does the author show the “Argentine influence” in a favorable light, showing Pope Francis’ dedication to the Gospel?

It is not always what they say, but what they don’t say, that is injurious to a person’s reputation.

 

[jfz178]

I am not an unabashed Francis fan, (I’m a John the 23rd fan myself) but the title of this book is way over the top, disrespectful and unfair. But it does make me think of a comparison that should start some discussion. I don’t mean to offend or be disrespectful to anyone. I am being really sincere in this thought. Also, I really don’t mean this post to be about politics and politicians per se, but more about leadership and a certain leadership style.

It’s no secret that Pope Francis and President Trump don’t like each other, are politically way apart and certainly represent huge contrasts. But I can’t help thinking there are some similarities.

• Both came to their role from non-traditional backgrounds.
• Both have tried to bring a more blue collar, “common man” perspective to their office.
• Both are trying to “drain the swamp” of their respective organizations.
• Both say unfiltered things to the media that result in their PR people scrambling to backtrack. Trump’s are legendary, but Francis had “Who am I to judge?” about gays and his agreement with a little girl that dogs go to Heaven, just to name two.

Love them or hate them, I think they represent a new kind of leader I think we need more of, regardless of whether they are liberal or conservative. I hope we see more leaders who are not mainstream, who speak their minds with shocking honesty and who have the back of the little people. I completely disagree with Bernie Sanders on everything, but I do respect him as being one of those people.

 

[DustThouArt]

Those who agree with His Holiness and the actions He has taken since being elected will call this book “so much toilet paper”. Those who are persuaded that His Holiness is bent on destroying the Church will wave this book around as a new Gospel. No surprises here.
Me, I read it, fact checked the assertions as best as possible, and will keep my opinions to myself. I will not accuse the author of an agenda until proven otherwise. Nor will i slander anyone who has a different opinion than mine. Nor will I base my allegiance to the Holy Father or the Church off of this book. It is information, period.
As others have stated, we have had our share of Great Popes, mediocre Popes, and down right despicable Popes yet the Church, as promised, survives. Only real difference is that in our time, every move, every action and comment is in our inbox minutes after it happens. Could you imagine if the internet was around for Pope Alexander VI? Or Pope John XII ? But the Church survived! And will survive this also.
I, personally, will keep my eyes open, while working out my salvation within unity with the Church. A Blessed Advent to all!

And for your reading enjoyment:

Sinful & Reckless "Bad Popes": How Many Were There?

The fact that there have been bad popes (no Catholic disputes it) does not disprove the doctrine of the papacy. The vast majority of popes have been good.

www.patheos.com