The Rebel of St. Peter's Square: Where Is Pope Francis Steering the Church?

[gilliam]

Front page in Der Spiegel

…Like a billiard player who nudges the balls and calmly studies the collisions during training, Francis is getting things rolling in the Vatican. His interest in experimentation may stem from his past as a chemical engineer. He makes decisions like Jesuit leaders – after thorough consultation, but ultimately on his own.

The Francis principle has a workshop character to it, with processes more important than positions. Traditional Catholics see things exactly the other way around from Bergoglio, the Jesuit, and this is creating confusion right up to the highest circles of the Vatican. People want to know where the pope is heading.

spiegel.de/international/world/how-pope-francis-became-a-rebel-in-the-vatican-a-1035629.html

 

[esieffe]

Der Speiegel has always been one of my favorite reads. I don’t see eye to eye on certain statements made in the article, such as the Pope’s alleged lack of knowledge on church doctrine. Give me a break.

Critics, according to the article, claim the Pope doesn’t seem to have a “master plan,” that he is reckless. Insiders say that the Pope sets things in motion and watches the outcome while relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance. That might seem scary to some, but to me, it is refreshing. I also am reminded that while sweeping an unkempt floor, lots of dust gets kicked up into the air.
The article points out that it often takes decades for a Pope to effect real change in the Vatican, let alone the Church. There is some obvious truth to this. He has yet to set the stage for those who will elect his replacement, and at 78, that is a little worrisome, but I have faith that this will all work out. Francis has critics with both conservatives and liberals alike, is that such a terrible thing? Our Lord also had critics from everywhere, so I don’t count this as a fault, I think it is a credit to his efforts and the guidance he is receiving.
Europe is in mothballs as far as the Church goes, South America, the new bastion of Catholicism, is standing up. Clearly the old guard has abdicated much of it’s interest and responsibility as far as the Church is concerned. What is happening with Pope Francis is amazing and revitalizing. I knew the moment his focus on the poor and his message of hope, love, and the Gospel was unveiled, Catholicism had finally been rescued.