Our new Catholic Pope is like a breath of fresh air. He is down to earth. Cooks his own food. Lives in his native country...not the Vatican. He basically said its about time for gay people to receive Holy Communion. I agree. Everyone deserves happiness. I don't think it matters if we are gay or straight. One of the golden rules treat people the way you want to be treated.
He also they have to change their view on birth control and abortion. I don't know too many Catholics is this time period that can afford more than 2-4 kids. So that is also refreshing. The abortion to me is common sense. For Catholics or another religion. I think the majority wouldn't use abortion as birth control. Many times if the person is forced to have an abortion for whatever reason. Its diffcult enough with out the church being involved.
SB. Thank you for including the correct info.
What SB said.
Now all we have to do is have the pedophile priests arrested and charged instead of swept under the rug. He'd shoot right to sainthood if that happened.
As a non practicing catholic, I take umbrage at the suggestion that catholics are not christians.
I also want to take a moment to share that catholics do NOT pray TO saints. Catholics ask for intercessory prayer...just as one might ask a friend to offer a prayer on their behalf.
Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Sometimes it is just ignorant.
SB, thanks for clarifying a few things. Even as a secular humanist, I thought it was worth noting that although the Pope stated that, basically, condemnation of gays or abortion should not be the prime focus/hills to die on for his faith, he hasn't ordained any changes within the church to embrace either. Just to treat others with the same regard as one would want to be treated.
Which is good practice for all humans, regardless of religion (or not).
I'm very happy with this new Pope! I had a feeling I was going to like him when he took the name of my favorite saint!!
As for the teachings of the church, although I was baptized Catholic, I do not let the church dictate what I should believe in regard to birth control, gay marriage or anything else. I also don't let the church dictate to me when I should go to church or how much money I need to donate. I go to church when I want, donate what I can, don't believe in going to confession and will receive communion when I want.
I had my children baptized Catholic and got their start in the church so they would know God, etc., but now as teens I've pretty much let them decide what, if any, chuch they want to attend. I've raised them as I was raised and that is to be good people and go with what's in their heart, not what some ancient teachings tell them to do.
I say live and let live!!!
p.s. I just read one of the answers - Catholics ARE CHRISTIAN!!! Where on earth did you get the idea that we're not? AND, are you sitting down, we don't have our OWN Bible!!! Granted, there are different "versions" but it is still basically the same BIBLE!!! (Now I see why "Felinestroller W" couldn't see straight!! lol!!)
Well, I'm Jewish, so this is officially none of my business, but the Pope is a major world leader, so I'll just say I'm thrilled. We all -- all of us, of all religions -- need all the wise, humble, truly-good-people world leaders we can get. Everything he's said has been wonderful news.
And, Galiski, whoever you are, good Lord. Catholics are EVERY BIT as Christian as Protestants. Catholicism, Protestantism, and the Eastern Orthodox movement are the three major branches of Christianity. If *I* know that, then I'm sorry: you have no excuse.
I'm not religious at all -- atheist actually -- but I'm lovin' the new pope.
I like the new pope, too and agree with SB's assessment.
Yes, S.B.'s information is right.......agree....just one thing...the Pope is from Argentina not Venezuela.
SB. Congratulations! When are you due? Take good care of yourself, laugh and rest!
A. :)
I think you need to actually READ the text of the interviews in their entirety, and not just listen to little snippets on tv. He hasn't changed anything. He's reiterated the same teachings that the Church has always had on these things.
Let's put it this way--I'm about as conservative a Catholic as they come. I like my Mass in Latin, my priests reminding me that I'm a sinner and need to confess, etc., but I LOVE Pope Francis so much and find his soft pastoral ways to be a perfect complement to the Theological brilliance of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XIV.
ETA: May I suggest that you look for a Catholic source when reading articles about what a Catholic leader has said. I'd suggest the National Catholic Register: http://www.ncregister.com/
Yes....he is a new age Pope and thank God.....finally! We need it and I am hoping that other religions take note of some latitude and progress in what I feel is the right direction! To me, there is NO WAY that an all powerful, all- knowing, and compassionate God makes mistakes in his creation of the human being. We are what we are at birth and embracing all races, sexual orientations, and personal differences is what God intended all along. I am totally surprised by our new Pope and very thankful for his beliefs and thoughts on several hot topics that have caused much strife in many religions throughout the years. It's about time we start dealing with the here and now. Catholicism is one of the oldest religions on the planet but that doesn't mean our belief system should be clouded by outdated principles. I think the new Pope is a forward thinker and a classy dude! FINALLY!
Thank you SB and Jan. You summed him up more than I knew previously. Sounds refreshing on either take.
I think he is just saying things that the Anglican / Episcopalian church has said since the 1500's.
Do you have a link to where you read that?
