Some misconceptions on Pope Francis
The forthcoming visit of Pope Francis early next year has aroused a new interest among Filipinos on the head of more than one billion Catholics. What kind of a religious leader is he? We have heard of course of the Pope's humility and radical simplicity, if we call it so. We have been told for instance that as an archbishop in Argentina he refused to use a private vehicle in going to and from his office but instead commuted in public conveyances.
On top of such unorthodox practices, there have been pronouncements of the Pope which has created some discomforts among traditional theologians, pronouncements which have led some observers, both lay and religious, to come out with critical reactions. What exactly are these papal viewpoints and what are their implications? A professor named Maryann C. Love at the Catholic University in Chicago, USA, has identified some such issues and the misconceptions arising from these.
One issue relates to Pope Francis' critique of capitalism. In a papal exhortation entitled "The Joy of the Gospel" he declared: "No to an economy of exclusion" and "No to the new idolatry of money:" For this critics call him a Marxist. Others commented that he was uninformed about capitalism.
What Pope Francis was trying to say is that a healthy economy is one that does not sideline the poor. If productivity and generation of wealth are the only focus and never mind what's happening to the average individual, something is wrong with these thrusts.
Another issue is about the Pope's style of leadership for which some critics call him a "brand fixer." Since his elevation to the papacy, this Holy Father has embarked on reforming certain management practices relative to the governance of Vatican. He has fired non-performing officials but promoted officials known for honesty and humility. To some observers these moves appeared as mere image building. But the truth is that Francis is really sincere in effecting bone-deep changes in the secular infrastructure of the Vatican state.
A third misunderstood concern is that Francis is more interested in poverty, not peace. In his public statements the Pope has underscored the importance of dialogue within society and among countries with policy differences. In fact, he has promoted inter-faith interactions as evidenced by his visits in non-Christian states and ethnic groups. Reconciliation he believes is a key ingredient for peace and he said this quite clearly in "The Joy of the Gospel"
The role of women in the church has been a subject of speculation in some religious sectors. Following the ordination of women in certain Christian denominations, the idea of female priests has surfaced as a possible new development considering Pope Francis' openness to innovate approaches. What's the score here? Francis undoubtedly will tolerate women leadership in the Church. Actually, this is not something new because women have been in the forefront in church-related activities such as Catholic health care and charitable services, schools management, parish organizations, and many other concerns. Considering the shortage of priests in many parts of the world the services of women are very much needed. However, with regard to ordination of women as priests the Pope has said that his predecessors have spoken and that "that door is closed."
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