Meet the Pope Pope Francis is always good copy, and his press exposure is more than enough for the average Catholic to be acquainted with his person. What the average Catholic does not know and the other Pope watchers is that Pope Francis has been a puzzle,an unpredictable figure in a world where labeling, branding is taken for granted. But those who have been following closely his papacy must be aware of this haze in his otherwise glossy image. With apologies to Cardinal Tagle who downplayed labeling in the Church, we have to rely on labels for identification, not only in pitting one group with another, but in the simple recognition that diversity is part of our social life, and church life for that matter. For traditionalists, Pope Francis is too liberal; for liberals Francis might look square and reactionary(labels, we are stuck with it). The difference is liberals keep mum when the Pope affirms teachings, but the traditionalists see heresy between the Popes lines. But we hasten first to state that the Pope represents Catholicism which to borrow the metaphor of G.K. Chesterton that for some the hat is too big for the head, and others too small--which means the hat is just about right. The Church transcends labels. Her experience, a millennial experience of integrating seemingly contradictory and contrary views is the secret of her longevity--aside from Christs assurance that He will be with her until the end. Th ultra-traditionalists want unequivocal presentation of Church teaching; but the dialogical, conversation approach of the Pope which can create an impression of compromise, even disregard of doctrines faze them. Short of demanding an oath of adherence to Catholic doctrine, these catholics demand an explanation for the ambiguity. Just Francis luck that he is pope of this generation with its tensions, ambiguities, and bewildering complexities. As much as the liberals may want to hijack Francis, their fantasy of watered down doctrines, and mushy faith is just that, fantasy. And the traditionalists phobia of a Church leveled down like a revival crusade borders on a lack of faith.These issues are far from the minds of the average catholic who simply wants to see their Pope as he is, their Shepherd, Christs Vicar on earth. An article in spiritdaily opines that everybody gets Pope Francis all wrong. To say that the Pope is in good company because Christ Whom he represents was once in a similar bind is about as clear as we can get to this perplexing issue.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 03:32:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015