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talkpoliticsThe blend of Medieval tradition and modern moral authority makes the Papal post unique, often difficult to understand, even paradoxical. John Paul II used to combine two seemingly incompatible things: deep conservatism plus the aura of a global superstar. In turn, Benedict XVI was firmly opposed to what the Church considered to be the moral relativism of the modern age, and restored a number of ancient traditions of liturgy, but with his resignation he dramatically changed and modernised the way Papacy conducts itself. Today, Francis continues the pattern of his predecessors of casting down old stereotypes. In his first big interview he surprised the viewers with positions that could hardly be defined either as conservative or liberal. What has become clear by now is that the new Pope is different, more open to the world, a reformist.
Not so long ago Pope Francis raised a few eyebrows with his statement that the church had become too obsessed with people's sexual and social behaviour. "We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible", he said. At a first reading, that sounds as a refreshing new approach to the function of the church, which in his opinion should not be constantly and solely focused on imposing a certain set of doctrines because that risks distorting its original message. Now Francis is arguing that the church should strive to find a new balance, otherwise its moral foundation would become rather shaky, and could crumble like a house of cards, the Gospel irretrievably losing its appeal. As Francis said, "A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: 'Tell me: When God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person."
However, although these words at first sound like an attempt to break up with some fundamental principles of the church on sexuality and morality, it would be too much to speak of a sudden "liberal" detour in the doctrine. As Francis clearly says about homosexuality, contraception and abortion, "The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."
His words are not exactly a vow to keep silent on these controversial topics, or to necessarily run away from them. The point he is trying to make is that too often various moral issues are being placed before and above faith, and he is trying to remind that the rules must be a consequence of the faith, not vice versa. And faith should not be substituted with moralistic preaching.
So the Pope is more like calling for turning back to the roots of the faith and opening it up to the world. Because the church is risking sinking into obscurity if it continues being an institution that is supported by an ages-old order, and driven by mere habit and routine. Of course, those who have never cared about the Catholic faith, would hardly be too intrigued by the church's position on moral life. But in order to convince people to at least hear its message, the church should switch to its original objectives: baptism, generosity, and compassion.
Pope Francis also speaks remarkably openly about the doubt and uncertainty that inevitably come with faith ("If someone has an answer to all the questions, it is proof that God is not with them"), but without deviating from the main teachings of the church. So in fact he hasn't really changed anything in the doctrine. Instead, he is encouraging people to change their priorities and shift the focus away from the controversial problems of the day without necessarily ignoring them, and turn back to God in a more profound way than they used to.
So, while simultaneously avoiding both the conservative proneness to outright rejection of the modern way of life and the liberal insistence on embracing the progressive ideas, Francis is possibly setting a new course of development for the Catholic church, potentially with profound social and political consequences, at least in the societies where Catholicism has a significant influence. And now he has a real chance of becoming a leader in essence, rather than leader by obligation. And to tackle the multiple problems that have marred the church in recent times, but this time in a meaningful way. That potentially makes him the right person for this position.
Not so long ago Pope Francis raised a few eyebrows with his statement that the church had become too obsessed with people's sexual and social behaviour. "We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. This is not possible", he said. At a first reading, that sounds as a refreshing new approach to the function of the church, which in his opinion should not be constantly and solely focused on imposing a certain set of doctrines because that risks distorting its original message. Now Francis is arguing that the church should strive to find a new balance, otherwise its moral foundation would become rather shaky, and could crumble like a house of cards, the Gospel irretrievably losing its appeal. As Francis said, "A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: 'Tell me: When God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person."
However, although these words at first sound like an attempt to break up with some fundamental principles of the church on sexuality and morality, it would be too much to speak of a sudden "liberal" detour in the doctrine. As Francis clearly says about homosexuality, contraception and abortion, "The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."
His words are not exactly a vow to keep silent on these controversial topics, or to necessarily run away from them. The point he is trying to make is that too often various moral issues are being placed before and above faith, and he is trying to remind that the rules must be a consequence of the faith, not vice versa. And faith should not be substituted with moralistic preaching.
So the Pope is more like calling for turning back to the roots of the faith and opening it up to the world. Because the church is risking sinking into obscurity if it continues being an institution that is supported by an ages-old order, and driven by mere habit and routine. Of course, those who have never cared about the Catholic faith, would hardly be too intrigued by the church's position on moral life. But in order to convince people to at least hear its message, the church should switch to its original objectives: baptism, generosity, and compassion.
Pope Francis also speaks remarkably openly about the doubt and uncertainty that inevitably come with faith ("If someone has an answer to all the questions, it is proof that God is not with them"), but without deviating from the main teachings of the church. So in fact he hasn't really changed anything in the doctrine. Instead, he is encouraging people to change their priorities and shift the focus away from the controversial problems of the day without necessarily ignoring them, and turn back to God in a more profound way than they used to.
So, while simultaneously avoiding both the conservative proneness to outright rejection of the modern way of life and the liberal insistence on embracing the progressive ideas, Francis is possibly setting a new course of development for the Catholic church, potentially with profound social and political consequences, at least in the societies where Catholicism has a significant influence. And now he has a real chance of becoming a leader in essence, rather than leader by obligation. And to tackle the multiple problems that have marred the church in recent times, but this time in a meaningful way. That potentially makes him the right person for this position.
