He makes one proud to be a Christian, and a human being.
2
I just cannot get excited about a man who represents such an oppressive institution as the Catholic Church. The poverty that he preaches against is a direct result of the church's stance against effective contraception and abortion. He demeans half the world's population (women) by saying their desire to fully participate in today's world is secondary to their obligation to procreate. He is just plain incorrect in his beliefs and women everywhere suffer for it.
1
I'm an atheist and believe that religion is delusion, but I like this Pope. He's a real humanitarian.
1
I guess you can fool all the people all of the time.
Though Pope's great leader's characteristics allow him to interfere with politics a lot, he seems to influence only the hearts of common citizens, not the world leaders, so I don't hope that his words of peace and wisdom will reach president Obama's ear.
That's odd, he and the President seem to share many of the same concerns.
I praise Pope Francis for his stalwart support of the Right to Life and steadfast opposition to the sin of abortion.
2
until the Holy Father a) sells off the assets of the Vatican and distributes the proceeds to the poor and b) stops flying around the world burning jet fuel and polluting the planet and c) ends his institution's championing of the overproduction of Third World children, his words are as true as a VW diesel emissions test
1
What can I say: my grandfather and all his brothers' names are written on Ellis Island Wall, my wife was born in Washington, DC, I am a "catho-liberal" physician, my full first name is Francesco Paolo, and I would like so much to be in that overcrowded garden.
3
Why is it alright for the pope and catholic church to discriminate by preventing females from becoming priests or bishops but this couple in Oregon is prosecuted for practicing their religious beliefs?
The owners of an Oregon bakery learned Friday that there is a severe price to pay for following their Christian faith.
A judge for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries recommended a lesbian couple should receive $135,000 in damages for their emotional suffering after Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to make them a wedding cake. As a result – Aaron and Melissa Klein could lose everything they own including their home.
The owners of an Oregon bakery learned Friday that there is a severe price to pay for following their Christian faith.
A judge for the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries recommended a lesbian couple should receive $135,000 in damages for their emotional suffering after Sweet Cakes by Melissa refused to make them a wedding cake. As a result – Aaron and Melissa Klein could lose everything they own including their home.
2
Simple - Canon law is for the Church, civil law is for secular government. The couple in Oregon's decision affects civil law. Priests aren't employees and therefore are not "hired" - consequently there is no effect of civil laws
5
Just watch, the bakers will get donations that offset if not totally subsidize the exorbitant (gay-scale) fine the Oregon tree-huggers levy. They've never liked Catholics much up there, the old Mormons and Lutherans, hating dark-skinned foreigners from "back east," not to mention from Ireland, Spain, and Italy (and California in more recent times.)
1
I will give this man as much credit and concern as he gives while on our soil to the thousands of Christians in Syria. After this hub-bub visit, my only advice to a Middle Eastern Christian child will be to ask the ISIS terrorist who is carrying him or her to the roof if it would be permissible to tuck a Western Greater Sage Grouse under their arm so that when they are thrown from the steeple they might be able to land on the bird. If that were to happen, the United Nations World Environment Program might be able to do something about it. Miss the grouse and it will be as Silent as the Lambs.
Francis says not to worry. That is exactly what a Polish Bishop said in 1937. Of course we shouldn't worry about the "Immigrants," who are in mass actually refugees, who are actually a horde coming from Syria. Mark these words: Here was an opportunity for Francis to speak out against the burning of the Orthodox Churches and the be-heading of Christians every, single week for last so many, painful years in Syria. No, we don't need to worry about the 6 year old boy who was thrown from the roof of a church in Syria because with our heads in the sand, we don't need to remember that Smyrna, Colossians, Ephesus, and the entire entire Christian communities around these cities were wiped off the map and Christians throughout "Turkey" were slaughtered. All the wasted money on the clothing to impress does not equate truth. Not forcefully speaking about the modern torture and beheadings of Middle Eastern Christians is a total inability to speak the truth. He turned the voices of thousands and thousands of Christian children in the Middle East into a void emptier than the echo from Outer Space. He cannot speak about the Syrian problem because his lack of voice proves he actually knows nothing about it.
For all the adulation heaped on Pope Francis, he has not yet made any significant changes in church doctrine. He has great crowd appeal, but he has not shown any sign of changing the church's doctrines on marriage, homosexuality, priestly celibacy, female clergy, contraception, or divorce. For the moment, at least, it seems unlikely that he will have any lasting impact. The next pope will very likely be a staunch conservative who will erase even the modest gains made so far.
1
Some were expecting another staunch conservative Pope this time around and it didn't happen. No one knows what will happen next. Celibacy for priest is not doctrine nor is the issue of contraception. The others issues are but no Pope is going to change doctrine.
1
The pope will not rewrite Catholic doctrine. Don't mistake him, he believes in the core tenets of the Catholic faith as much as his predecessors Benedict of John Paul. What he has done is to remind Catholics, and the world, that the Catholic faith is based on humility and love for our fellow man. Catholicism is not synonymous with modern American conservatism, as it sometimes has become in our political discourse.
The Church's position on abortion, gay marriage, divorce, etc. will not change and Francis has never expressed anything other than complete support existing church teaching. Those are the issues that American conservatism wants to focus on. Francis has not allowed that, he reminded the country that stewardship of the environment, support for the poor and immigrants, care for the sick, etc. are also critical issues in Catholic morality.
None of this is new, but reminding the world of just how broad Catholic morality is, and that no single political ideology adequately captures it, will have a lasting impact.
The Church's position on abortion, gay marriage, divorce, etc. will not change and Francis has never expressed anything other than complete support existing church teaching. Those are the issues that American conservatism wants to focus on. Francis has not allowed that, he reminded the country that stewardship of the environment, support for the poor and immigrants, care for the sick, etc. are also critical issues in Catholic morality.
None of this is new, but reminding the world of just how broad Catholic morality is, and that no single political ideology adequately captures it, will have a lasting impact.
4
Right. This guy is all style and no substance. Most tellingly, he seems to be continuing his predecessors' silence on the criminal child abuse conspiracy run by the church for years.
Pope Francis seems to be an amazing individual but I was nevertheless a mite surprised at his apparent agility this morning when a local commentator announced that the Pope had "kicked off" his tour of the U.S.
Anyway that he goes is fine. The world is a better place for his being and doing.
Anyway that he goes is fine. The world is a better place for his being and doing.
3
What a lovely set of comments, from atheists and religious folk alike. It gives me hope that this Pope is bringing out the best in people who often otherwise relentlessly hammer each other on ideology. I think that it's true that he speaks to the better angels of our nature and to the very best of the ideas emphasized in the Christian tradition: humility, mercy, grace, forgiveness, empathy, compassion, and turning away from the exaltation of strength and the hatred of weakness.
9
As a Jew, what a contrasting difference I see between two foreign leaders visiting Washington: the humble graciousness and optimistic worldview of Pope Francis in his visit to America, full of encouragement; an opening ... and, on the other hand, the visits and actions this year by Prime Minister Netanyahu, in collusion with Republican and other reactionary strategists, resulting in defensive, cynical efforts at manipulating US politics; initialling fear and backing everyone into a right-wing corner.
10
I love him. He is a shining light in these so often dark times. May God bless him.
10
Some criticize Pope Francis for being a progressive liberal, but he is simply returning to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The teachings of Christ are simply foreign to many folks who call themselves Christian.
Right wing fundamentalists focus on religion as an identity, to make the world black and white, us versus them, to define good and evil.
They don't acknowledge the evolution and progression of teachings in the Bible itself, much less the progress society can and should make thereafter.
For instance, Jesus rebuked the old law of Moses of an eye for an eye in favor of turning the other cheek when struck by an enemy.
The more Pope Francis returns to the radical notions expressed by Jesus Christ, the more the Church will be invigorated.
For centuries, the bishops in the Catholic church were tempted by the trappings of earthly pleasure. Bishops often had the largest mansions in any city where they lived.
The leaders of many for-profit tax-exempt religious organizations often live in decadent splendor, while this directly contradicts the message that Jesus Christ delivered to the world.
Jesus said, it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
Pope Francis is an elevated spiritual being and the world needs to hear his message, which transcends identity religious politics.
The teachings of Christ are simply foreign to many folks who call themselves Christian.
Right wing fundamentalists focus on religion as an identity, to make the world black and white, us versus them, to define good and evil.
They don't acknowledge the evolution and progression of teachings in the Bible itself, much less the progress society can and should make thereafter.
For instance, Jesus rebuked the old law of Moses of an eye for an eye in favor of turning the other cheek when struck by an enemy.
The more Pope Francis returns to the radical notions expressed by Jesus Christ, the more the Church will be invigorated.
For centuries, the bishops in the Catholic church were tempted by the trappings of earthly pleasure. Bishops often had the largest mansions in any city where they lived.
The leaders of many for-profit tax-exempt religious organizations often live in decadent splendor, while this directly contradicts the message that Jesus Christ delivered to the world.
Jesus said, it is easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
Pope Francis is an elevated spiritual being and the world needs to hear his message, which transcends identity religious politics.
7
I don't criticize Pope Francis for being a progressive liberal.
I criticize Barack Obama for pretending to be one.
I criticize Barack Obama for pretending to be one.
2
That is your perception - he is neither a progressive liberal nor a reactionary conservative
1
Papa Francesco washed prisoners feet!! I mean he is so humble and real. A truly beautiful person. If he and Thich Nhat Hahn could just run the planet-all would be perfect. We are all earthlings--including the other species, which we humans are intent on destroying. Occupying the blue marble floating in space.
Pope Francis should get a Nobel prize!
Pope Francis should get a Nobel prize!
3
He seems like a beneficial force. Though I'm an atheist, I am generally for any religion or religious figure that pushes the envelope on religious tolerance and is not mired in theology or doctrine that has outlived any usefulness, or is actually counterproductive. Religion that divides otherwise good people has no value to me.
I am not sure that I am aware of all that he has said or feels about capitalism, but if the negative reports are accurate as to it being the new "tyranny" in his view, that is hard to understand. He must know that the Vatican is still there and free because of capitalist countries, that the Vaticans largest donors are the U.S., Germany and Italy - all capitalist countries and that charity, medicine and dignity is possible throughout the world because of it. Even countries that produce nothing or little can benefit from it's being in the world. Even China and Russia's relative success since the '80s are due to turning at least partly towards capitalism. John Paul II spoke out against communism, and that seems to me a better thing to do.
I am not sure that I am aware of all that he has said or feels about capitalism, but if the negative reports are accurate as to it being the new "tyranny" in his view, that is hard to understand. He must know that the Vatican is still there and free because of capitalist countries, that the Vaticans largest donors are the U.S., Germany and Italy - all capitalist countries and that charity, medicine and dignity is possible throughout the world because of it. Even countries that produce nothing or little can benefit from it's being in the world. Even China and Russia's relative success since the '80s are due to turning at least partly towards capitalism. John Paul II spoke out against communism, and that seems to me a better thing to do.
Communism is done. Can we move on, please?
3
Tell that to the academics. No way done.
Pope Francis’ secrets to happiness in an interview as published in the online "Independent" newspaper. Adam Withnall. Thursday 31 July 2014 10:40 BST (truncated for space)
1. “Live and let live.”
2. “Be giving of yourself to others.”
3. “Proceed calmly” in life.
4. A healthy sense of leisure.
5. Sundays should be holidays.
6. Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people.
7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” he said. “I think a question that we're not asking ourselves is: 'Isn't humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?'”
8. Stop being negative. “Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self-esteem."
9. Don't proselytise; respect others' beliefs. “We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytising."
10. Work for peace. “We are living in a time of many wars,” he said, and “the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive” and dynamic.
1. “Live and let live.”
2. “Be giving of yourself to others.”
3. “Proceed calmly” in life.
4. A healthy sense of leisure.
5. Sundays should be holidays.
6. Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people.
7. Respect and take care of nature. Environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” he said. “I think a question that we're not asking ourselves is: 'Isn't humanity committing suicide with this indiscriminate and tyrannical use of nature?'”
8. Stop being negative. “Needing to talk badly about others indicates low self-esteem."
9. Don't proselytise; respect others' beliefs. “We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. But the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you,' No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attraction, not proselytising."
10. Work for peace. “We are living in a time of many wars,” he said, and “the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive” and dynamic.
6
I am an atheist. I reject religion for the consistent failure of religion to deliver on the universally proclaimed promise that through faith mankind can be fulfilled. The failure, among organized religion, is not "God's" it is mankind's and for the most part a failure of men (as opposed to women) who turn the teachings of mercy, forgiveness, tolerance and love on their head and instead stress punishment and revenge as a means of grasping power and controlling their followers. Along comes this Pope, who teaches forgiveness, kindness, care and love first and foremost, who by example and deed uses his power to demonstrate what true human fulfillment might look like. In so doing he moves us all a little closer to what religions aspire to. He is rare indeed and if the opportunity presented itself, this atheist would wash his feet.
7
I almost fell out of my chair with joy when Holy Sees actually selected a Jesuit Pope, I didn't think the Catholic Church would be ready for one at anytime soon. It is humility and discernment on the greater good of the world is what makes him appealing and a man of god.
2
Atheists listen to the Pope? I doubt it. Atheists see this for what it really is: an attempt to lure people back into the Church. The second they're back, they'll switch back to their same old medieval stances. It's a classic bait and switch.
1
Shepherds don't go where the flock won't follow.
Francis' charisma doesn't make his institution any less vile. Do not be conflate this man's ideas with those of religion; he is popular because he is saying what the secular humanists have always said. We are only a decade away from the next Benedict.
1
And apparently another decade of anti-Catholicism.
1
To quote the great American baseball philosopher (who just passed away) about what's hot about this Pope: "It ain't the heat, it's the humility".
7
With the news that Russia is building yet more military bases in Syria, and another just 28 mi. from Ukraine, and that China is building a THIRD naval base on a reef in international waters in the South China Sea (back to the future, Tonkin Gulf!), all the ducks are getting in line for Armageddon. Not only global Islamic terrorism, but that old standby Communism, are surging. "We will bury you," America was told in the 1950's. "Death to America!" the nuke-crazed Iranians "pray" en masse each Friday.
Yet America becomes more and more atheistic with each passing year, following the Europeans and indeed, "the West." Moral relativism invites Atheism like August's humidity invites mold. With no worries about the Afterlife, the "sky god," and that fictional creature, Satan, why would wars, famine, homicide, sexual promiscuity, a vertically-integrated abortion industry, and soaring suicide rates not continue unimpeded? Humans obviously have a global death wish. Satan has less work to do in today's American than a Maytag repairman. The way the secularists view the Pope speaks volumes, they think he's just another politician to be bent to the prevailing liberal winds. The "women priests" contingents, a typically American phenomenon, are especially comical. Pregnant priests, yeah, that's what's been missing for 20 centuries.
Yet America becomes more and more atheistic with each passing year, following the Europeans and indeed, "the West." Moral relativism invites Atheism like August's humidity invites mold. With no worries about the Afterlife, the "sky god," and that fictional creature, Satan, why would wars, famine, homicide, sexual promiscuity, a vertically-integrated abortion industry, and soaring suicide rates not continue unimpeded? Humans obviously have a global death wish. Satan has less work to do in today's American than a Maytag repairman. The way the secularists view the Pope speaks volumes, they think he's just another politician to be bent to the prevailing liberal winds. The "women priests" contingents, a typically American phenomenon, are especially comical. Pregnant priests, yeah, that's what's been missing for 20 centuries.
4
Pope Francis is the Master of Propaganda. By hiding his message behind a benevolent smiling face and soft dulcet tone he deceives many into believing that the harsh judgemental theological Roman Catholic message has changed. But it has not.
"You can't judge a book by looking at it's cover." Bo Diddley
"You can't judge a book by looking at it's cover." Bo Diddley
3
The Pope of Hope.
5
This is the people's pope--originally "father" in Greek. This man speaks for every citizen of our planet, bringing up the hard topics that our current leaders want to avoid...because they are messy, require tough choices and make us uncomfortable. He speaks most directly and urgently for our children, who deserve a planet that is intact and not broken, and for the poor, who are living with the results of that broken planet today. He speaks beyond religion to what stewardship of the earth really means. A truly great human being!
4
You have to admit, Barack Obama looked small and petty sidling up to the Pope this morning in that over the top, needless event.
3
Too bad you can only bite at ankle-level.
4
He looked rather impressive to me! He and the Pope want the same things- some intelligence in America about climate change and the inequality of the economy. Barack Obama is one of our greatest Presidents. Too bad the likes of the uneducated and racists have tried so hard to make him fail.
6
It was an embarrassment.
Obama preening around, the Pope looking utterly annoyed at Obama's over the top politicization of his visit with a needless ceremony the Vatican neither wanted or asked for...it was a joke.
Watching Obama playing his "me too" card with the Pope was like a 6 year old playing basketball against LeBron James and thinking he's keeping pace.
Obama hasn't done anything for the poor, except create more poor.
As a Black man, it horrifies me to see what's happened to the Black community on Obama's watch.
Barack Obama is one of our greatest presidents--with the first credit downgrade, 19 trillion dollar deficit, more political and social division in America than we've seen since the Civil War and a world in chaos due to Obama's failed foreign policy, Obama is one of our greatest presidential failures. If not the greatest.
Obama preening around, the Pope looking utterly annoyed at Obama's over the top politicization of his visit with a needless ceremony the Vatican neither wanted or asked for...it was a joke.
Watching Obama playing his "me too" card with the Pope was like a 6 year old playing basketball against LeBron James and thinking he's keeping pace.
Obama hasn't done anything for the poor, except create more poor.
As a Black man, it horrifies me to see what's happened to the Black community on Obama's watch.
Barack Obama is one of our greatest presidents--with the first credit downgrade, 19 trillion dollar deficit, more political and social division in America than we've seen since the Civil War and a world in chaos due to Obama's failed foreign policy, Obama is one of our greatest presidential failures. If not the greatest.
2
If a "practicing Hindu" (yet another curious adjective that is used to represent Hinduism to the Semites) shows great interest in attending a Papal event, shouldn't it be as much a sign of Hindu openness to other worldviews, as much as it is a sign of the Pope's popularity? Note the attribute Sasha Datta admires in the Pope: openness.
2
Truly a Pope for all peoples, beyond any particular religious sense or in a secular sense as well. A humble person of peace and compassion for us all. I do love Pope Francis.
4
I have the TV on nonstop to glance at this Pope greeting and mingling with the crowds in Washington as he continues to give the Secret Service fits. Yes, Pope Francis's appeal is truly panreligious, in the sense that his message and mission seem to transcend Catholicism alone.
This article talks about how Francis is more than a religious leader. For me, he is the exemplar of a moral leader, who focuses on the commonality of the values and practical expressions of different religious traditions.
Were he a more traditional Pope, he'd be steeped in theology and likely less engaged with the yearnings of the common man. But this Pope really seems to be in the right place at the right time to capture the anxieties of today's modern world--poverty, war, displacement, climate change. While still rooted in the teachings of Jesus--support for suffering, love and compassion for those on the margins--he seems less concerned with the "rulebook" and more on how Christianity is lived in one's daily life and dealings with other people.
But another probable part of his appeal is his sunny, welcoming demeanor--so different from Popes of yore with their stern faces and almost scolding messages. How can anyone resist a spiritual, moral, and theological leader whose smile is contagious, whose obvious love of his fellow man so apparent?
This article talks about how Francis is more than a religious leader. For me, he is the exemplar of a moral leader, who focuses on the commonality of the values and practical expressions of different religious traditions.
Were he a more traditional Pope, he'd be steeped in theology and likely less engaged with the yearnings of the common man. But this Pope really seems to be in the right place at the right time to capture the anxieties of today's modern world--poverty, war, displacement, climate change. While still rooted in the teachings of Jesus--support for suffering, love and compassion for those on the margins--he seems less concerned with the "rulebook" and more on how Christianity is lived in one's daily life and dealings with other people.
But another probable part of his appeal is his sunny, welcoming demeanor--so different from Popes of yore with their stern faces and almost scolding messages. How can anyone resist a spiritual, moral, and theological leader whose smile is contagious, whose obvious love of his fellow man so apparent?
43
"Love will cover a multitude of sins."
We need more leaders like Papa Francesco. I sometimes think he is a special gift from God, at a time when the world is falling apart to war and inequality. If anyone can bridge the great enmities of history it is him.
We need more leaders like Papa Francesco. I sometimes think he is a special gift from God, at a time when the world is falling apart to war and inequality. If anyone can bridge the great enmities of history it is him.
10
He is a gifted student of the lessons of history.
6
I think a lot of times the critique of the conservative establishment - that they are pro-life until birth - is painfully close to the mark. Hopefully conservatives can follow Pope Francis' example and be pro-life from conception to natural death. No abortion, no death penalty, no unjustified wars, compassion and care for the poor and the sick, the preservation of our God-given world that supports life - all of these things should be viewed as a part of the pro-life package. Each one is an absolute moral imperative.
I have moral qualms about voting for those who support abortion. I also have moral qualms about voting for those who advocate a bellicose foreign policy that will lead us into wars that kill innocent children half a world away. Since I came of voting age 14 years ago, I have not been able to cast a ballot that I felt comfortable with. Hopefully Pope Francis' message will resonate in the US and we will appropriately expand our understanding of what it means to be pro-life.
I have moral qualms about voting for those who support abortion. I also have moral qualms about voting for those who advocate a bellicose foreign policy that will lead us into wars that kill innocent children half a world away. Since I came of voting age 14 years ago, I have not been able to cast a ballot that I felt comfortable with. Hopefully Pope Francis' message will resonate in the US and we will appropriately expand our understanding of what it means to be pro-life.
9
'...I have moral qualms about voting for those who support abortion...'
Because you will never need one.
Because you will never need one.
4
Nobody encourages getting pregnant for the sake of abortion. Abortion is understandable as the lesser of evils in a bad situation.
4
@Dave: This bellicose foreign policy, as you call it, is aimed at protecting peaceful nations, including Vatican, from aggressors. The Popes were never against all wars.
President Obama came into office on the heels of the Financial Crisis which is still going on in the black neighborhoods, but without due process of the crimes committed by Wall Street, blacks are no closer to Dr King's push for fair housing.
President Obama push is for abortion and Gay Rights both which don't produce children, and the destruction of the heterosexual families at the hands of the Federal Government is what taken place.
700,000 abortion every year for 7yrs in the USA is 4.9 million children who were never given the chance to live, and this Administration is OK with that!
President Obama push is for abortion and Gay Rights both which don't produce children, and the destruction of the heterosexual families at the hands of the Federal Government is what taken place.
700,000 abortion every year for 7yrs in the USA is 4.9 million children who were never given the chance to live, and this Administration is OK with that!
Yes, and 4.9 million children are not born into broken families. 4.9 million not born into poverty. This planet is already over populated and there are already too many hungry children. Producing 4.9 million more unwanted children is a recipe for furthering the endless cycle of poverty that some families endure. And those of you on the right would rather stop federal funding of planned parenthood and administering contraceptives.
3
Charles, on your last paragraphs, are you saying that the 4.9 million women (and their male partners) should be tried as criminals or otherwise legally punished for the abortions? Yes, it is a terrible choice, but it is still a choice (theirs) that is legal in our country, and in most of the world. What is the alternative, in your thinking? Would appreciate some dialogue on this one.
To anyone with the eyes to see and the ears o hear, Pope Francis is a true man of God. How rare, how welcome, how refreshing--and how timely!
Hunter Thompson, an acute observer of political and social life, saw the darkness years ago that is now so apparent in American life, and was fond of saying, "Big darkness soon come!" How timely that this Pope's big Light arrives right in the middle of such big darkness! His appearance before Congress should be interesting, as that seems to many of us the epicenter of that darkness.
Hunter Thompson, an acute observer of political and social life, saw the darkness years ago that is now so apparent in American life, and was fond of saying, "Big darkness soon come!" How timely that this Pope's big Light arrives right in the middle of such big darkness! His appearance before Congress should be interesting, as that seems to many of us the epicenter of that darkness.
5
Pope Francis is a champion of the Liberation Theology doctrine, a movement born out of Latin America in the middle of last century. It is very much a leftist-leaning movement, founded upon the teachings of Saint Francis, who renounced all luxury and privilege in order to wade among the poor and needy. Thus the name "Francis" taken on by Bergoglio, his affinity with Cuba and the polite yet fierce criticism of US policies. To a liberal atheist such as myself, Pope Francis was a very positive surprise. He seems like a very sharp and bold individual who genuinely cares for the poor and the marginalized, and most importantly, the environment. To hear that kind of rhetoric from the representative of such an important organization gives me hope that the crazies who oppose gay marriage, universal health care and a hefty carbon-emissions cutdown might get at the very least intrigued by the possibility that religious dogma and doctrine can be left out of politics. And that Christianity itself can offer them a more inclusive and compassionate set of beliefs that can blossom from within rather than be spouted at them from the mouth of the almighty John Stewart.
2
Dedicated Roman Catholics who realize that God has no interest in human affairs often choose to join the Jesuit order.
4
I'm a Hindu. That being said, This Pope is an amazing human in my mind. All his messages are very relevant to today's world. May all the Gods of all religions give him a very long life.
15
I am amused that the Pope is a university graduate chemist. The periodic table of the elements is the root of all self-organizing processes.
2
... of chemistry.
Physics strives to deduce how spacetime stores energy as mass and momentum.
Physics strives to deduce how spacetime stores energy as mass and momentum.
1
@ Steve
What are dark energy and dark matter?
What happens inside of a black hole?
What are dark energy and dark matter?
What happens inside of a black hole?
1
All that we are and can perceive are electromagnetic phenomena. I think dark matter and dark energy are probably the manifestations of the field electromagnetic waves propagate on and the energy stored into gravitational gradients in this field. Physics hasn't worked it all out yet.
"Because God made it that way" answers no question.
"Because God made it that way" answers no question.
He stood in Cuba giving a speech before a mural of the brutal mass murderer Che, without comment. He met graciously with the tyrants Fidel and Raul, but he refused to meet with or speak on behalf of systematically persecuted Catholics. And of course how soon we forget that his Catholic church protected hundreds of child molesters and their enablers. including to this day, among many others, Boston's own, Cardinal Law, now safely under protection in Rome.
Ah, yes, but he is a classic Argentine Marxist and a believer in "global warming", so he is feted at the White House.
Ah, yes, but he is a classic Argentine Marxist and a believer in "global warming", so he is feted at the White House.
4
The Pope knows that Caesar can be unreasonable. You cannot reason with Caesar if you are dead.
2
As a reformed Catholic, secular humanist and gay man with much I dislike and disagree with in Catholicism I must admit Francis is probably the world leader I admire most at the moment.
He had me at his critique of capitalism and income inequality and his clearly authentic call to lead by example.
He had me at his critique of capitalism and income inequality and his clearly authentic call to lead by example.
27
He is not Pope Frances nor Pope Mary.
1
Interesting how so many people seem to forget that the Catholic Church is rich beyond all counting and the Pope lives in a huge palace.
6
The palace was able to hold 3,000 of Rome's Jews at any one time in WW II, protected from the Gestapo as residents of the Vatican City-State. America's Jews wish it had been a larger palace.
4
Pope Francis is revered by many around the world and it is exciting that this is his first visit to the US. As a conservative, I love this Pope -- his simplicity, kindness, gentleness -- and he speaks the truth. He is not a left-wing liberal as some have suggested and he said he did not mean to give this impression. He is concerned for our earth and those inhabiting it. He will speak about this issue and others such as immigration and concern for the poor of society. He will also stress Catholic teachings such as respect for the unborn and the elderly. He is very much a pro-life advocate and this shows in his interactions with babies, the elderly, the poor and the disabled. I am so excited to have Pope Francis, this great ambassador of the Catholic Church, speaking about those concerns that effect us all. He makes me proud to be a Catholic. We love you Pope Francis.
18
Thank you. I get the impression that many, many people are seeing him through an American political lens and recreating him as either as "Liberal" or a "Conservative" in the strictly American sense. I haven't yet seen anything out of him that doesn't have very deep roots in Catholic theology. He is not pro-choice; he believes the proper family structure is heterosexual, etc., he just believes that focusing on those issues ignores other grievous and widespread sins and human tragedies, like letting the poor suffer and not caring for God's creation and preserving it. I AM actually more or less liberal in the US sense, but a consistent, compassionate Catholic theology, a REAL pro-life stand (not just for unborn babies, but for all living creatures)? This is a good thing to see.
3
I don't think many people here appreciate the absolutism of what the Pope represents. How foolish to trumpet how many kumbayas are had about earthly action about climate change and basic, simplistic attitudes about love and forgiveness. The fact remains that Pope Francis believes that most people (going by statistics) will spend an afterlife being punished. The happy, low-key fawning around him the western media and the left is performing is so naive in view of the rigid ideology he is at the head of.
5
IMO an inability to appreciate whatever progressive ideals Pope Francis espouses despite Catholic dogma is also being rigid.
5
POPE FRANCIS NIETHER DICTATOR OR DEMOCRATIC . . .
...by his unique and benevolent rhetoric and behaviors has become one of the most moral voices for so many in this always troubled plant ... the only one we have. The antithesis of dogmatic his caring for all of us ... Catholic, Christian or not ... even atheists, his love and caring for all of us mortals is evident.
...by his unique and benevolent rhetoric and behaviors has become one of the most moral voices for so many in this always troubled plant ... the only one we have. The antithesis of dogmatic his caring for all of us ... Catholic, Christian or not ... even atheists, his love and caring for all of us mortals is evident.
1
From a raised Catholic, today a rabid agnostic: Amen.
"A New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in early September found that 45 percent of respondents saw Francis more as a leader and humanitarian spokesman for all people, regardless of their religion, than as simply the leader of the Roman Catholic Church."
"A New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in early September found that 45 percent of respondents saw Francis more as a leader and humanitarian spokesman for all people, regardless of their religion, than as simply the leader of the Roman Catholic Church."
3
It is not surprising that this man should get so much attention when the institution he leads has for so very very long denied so much. The contrast is stark. Thousands of others have sent out the same message and been ignored, much the same as a certain young Jew in a previous millennium. It raises the question of who are going to be his disciples and will they be more successful than those who dared it before. There have been reformist Popes before and the edifice lurched back into its old paranoid dogma in less than a few decades following their departure.
1
Blessed is he who comes in the name of The Lord ! Even when he arrives in FIAT.
4
Do you really want to live under feudalism?
3
I wish to live as the Will of God says we should live. FYI, when you die, all your wealth stays behind for others to squander, but what you did with your life, how you cared for the least of God's children, that will be how you are judged worthy of God (heaven) or not, hell.
4
Both you and I write in the Book of Life here.
I do not profess to know what God thinks about human concerns. You do. Why?
I do not profess to know what God thinks about human concerns. You do. Why?
1
If the Pope really wants to do something about global warming he should revoke the Church's policy of opposition to birth control. Rapid population growth is the main driver of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the reasons we are in this crisis today is because of the Vatican's medieval position on birth control. Access to birth control is a basic human right and essential if we are going to save the planet.
17
Yes. Please. Thank you.
1
Denial of pleasure in life for the sake of pleasure after death is the silliest notion I've ever encountered.
4
Rapid population growth--or at least rapid Catholic population growth--IS the goal of the Catholic Church. Indeed, most dogmatic and misogynistic religions forbid birth control precisely because out-populating everyone else is their first and foremost objective--they care little about what their policies do to the women who must bear all these children.
2
As a devout atheist, I strictly view the papacy as a philosophizing body.
That said, I find Pope Francis to be all a philospher should be: seriously mindful of the realities of the human condition and, accordingly, the last person in the room to pass judgment.
As it should be.
I welcome the Pope to the US, and, even more so, I welcome his message of peace and service to others and to Mother Nature.
That said, I find Pope Francis to be all a philospher should be: seriously mindful of the realities of the human condition and, accordingly, the last person in the room to pass judgment.
As it should be.
I welcome the Pope to the US, and, even more so, I welcome his message of peace and service to others and to Mother Nature.
24
Pope Francis is clearly a man of the people just as Jesus was, as he follows in his footsteps. The trouble is, the Pope is being carefully manipulated and isolated by the powers that be in America under the false pretenses of "Protection". He is not seeing the real America in which the politicians repress the world and their own people.
The NYT opened this discussion yesterday with a representative of the conservative viewpoint who admonished the readership not to over politicize the Pope's messages. Many of us groan out loud over Mr Brooks columns, not because we disagree with him, which we do, but because he is misrepresenting his fellow conservatives by making them appear nicer than they really are. Please replace Mr Brooks with an honest conservative that does not try to deceive, trick or distract people from the real issues. I don't care what fantasy novels the Pope reads and his messages are in fact very political. Mr. Brooks is a genius with smoke and mirrors, but that is much less that what I expect from the NYT.
7
This pope is emblematic of the dissonance that faces many people brought up in the Church. He's a good man in an institution that is mired in first-century traditions that no longer apply. It's an institution that prays for the poor while hoarding lavish wealth. It respects science while miracles form the foundation of the faith. It promotes family, marriage and children while it's priests and nuns are consigned to celibacy. It fears sex so deeply that until recently it preached against condom use in AIDS-ravaged Africa. It would rather hide and abet pederasts than recognize the human failings of its priests.
This pope is not free of all the ills that have beset Catholicism, but he gives me the feeling that somewhere down deep there is a decent, caring part of the Church that is trying to get out.
This pope is not free of all the ills that have beset Catholicism, but he gives me the feeling that somewhere down deep there is a decent, caring part of the Church that is trying to get out.
21
The illness is belief that nature has a personality. This leads to professing to know what this imaginary personality wants of humans rather than to negotiate human issues openly, equitably, and rationally.
2
Mirabile dictu, as they might say in Rome. Though the RCC is not my church, when the NYT's most voluble atheist commenter has something positive to say about the largest theist grouping on the planet, take notice people. Now to borrow your phrase, I feel even deep down there is a part of you who concedes theists might have something deeply beneficial to offer society.
Pope Francis: call to action help for the poor, sick, hopeless and war-torn:
REpurpose Coal Mines into Large Scale Anaerobic Digesters
REpurpose forelorn Detroit, LA, Chicago, DC into vibrant immigrant communities
REpurpose Churches into homeless centers, soup kitchens and job trainers
... Comfort, Health, Confidence & Peace will follow ;-)
REpurpose Coal Mines into Large Scale Anaerobic Digesters
REpurpose forelorn Detroit, LA, Chicago, DC into vibrant immigrant communities
REpurpose Churches into homeless centers, soup kitchens and job trainers
... Comfort, Health, Confidence & Peace will follow ;-)
1
DC, Chicago, and LA are already vibrant communities full of immigrants
2
Pope Francis speaks to the meaning of catholic, “universal.” He asks each of us to look at the things that are destroying the world – greed, pollution, war – and to do something. This is a global leader who looks at the whole of humanity and not through an exclusive or doctrinaire prism.
23
Actually The Pope calls us to abandon the vile world we love, and seek Christ. War is and has always been caused by sin. The wages of sin is death. Odd you don't seem to know that.
Politics is just a distraction from what is truly happening. We are in the war between good and evil. Good arrives in the back of a Fiat 500, evil usually has a stretch Limo. You shall know what is of God by the fruit it bears, good trees bear good fruit. Good is humble, the other loud, boastful, and never shuts up.
Politics is just a distraction from what is truly happening. We are in the war between good and evil. Good arrives in the back of a Fiat 500, evil usually has a stretch Limo. You shall know what is of God by the fruit it bears, good trees bear good fruit. Good is humble, the other loud, boastful, and never shuts up.
3
According to Catholic doctrine, getting born is one's "original sin", which is inevitably punished by death. The Church rests its businesses on the promise that one can improve one's station after death by professing a belief that Jesus was divine in this life.
1
Even Christ was not fully down with dying for our sins while in the Garden of Gethsemane nor on the cross at Golgotha.
Bravo Pope Francis for speaking about Climate Change…
Time to finally STOP the Fossil Fuel Industry and their army of Deniers…who are doing their best to destroy our beautiful planet.
The Pope spoke the Truth of this threat to all living things…Man made Global Warming.
Time to finally STOP the Fossil Fuel Industry and their army of Deniers…who are doing their best to destroy our beautiful planet.
The Pope spoke the Truth of this threat to all living things…Man made Global Warming.
12
Similarly, the Dalai Lama also speaks in a universally moving and understandable way.
25
It seems to me that the amount of notoriety and acclaim that Pope Francis receives is not deserved. It is not like he did great things in the past to be where he is. He was elected by a small group of like-minded men to be the CEO of the Roman Catholic Church. He is certainly a likeable fellow and does display the fruits of the Holy Spirit, as all Christians should do. But he is not God and he is not Jesus Christ. He is undoubtedly a good man, but still just a man.
2
Aaron Adams:
I don't think anyone is saying that he's more than that. I know I'm not.
I don't think anyone is saying that he's more than that. I know I'm not.
As an Athiest, I admire the man but not his policies; he is a fine leader and representative for the Catholic religion and religion in general
However, the policies of the church he leads are still repressive to women and freedom on personal choice
However, the policies of the church he leads are still repressive to women and freedom on personal choice
7
The policies were established by Jesus. Who does not exist in your life, of course. Luckily there is plenty of repression in America's secular life to occupy you, like "rape on campus," spreading like zombie-ism.
Alas, the power of the Pope's popularity will never trump the power of money.
Ain't it amazing how those that feign religiosity will immediately and unquestionably turn on the Pope as soon as it effects their bottom line?
It seems that the Almighty's got nothing on the almighty dollar...
Ain't it amazing how those that feign religiosity will immediately and unquestionably turn on the Pope as soon as it effects their bottom line?
It seems that the Almighty's got nothing on the almighty dollar...
3
I was just talking to my room-mate after watching the welcoming remarks that Francis is almost a reincarnation of John XXIII. If John were alive today, he'd be talking and thinking like Francis -- more important, acting like Francis. My roomie is Catholic and I'm Jewish and we both are grateful for Francis's care for the environment, the poor and the disenfranchised.
9
Are there no Muslims nor Hindus nor Buddhists nor Protestants nor brown and black human beings among the crushed in body, heart, mind and spirit?
1
The Pope is being greeted like he is our savior. Slowly but surely the Papist model of received wisdom from on high is being imitated in this country only here all good things flow from government and Obama.
1
Your prejudices are out there and were evident from the word "papist," which is emblematic of an anti-Catholic mind set. This New Yorker does not see Francis as a savior figure and this New Yorker doesn't believe that all good things come from government. They come from cooperation between people of good will -- something you seem to lack in large measure.
8
The Pope - government, Obama...how many things do you wish to condemn at one time?
So, the liberals thought the Pope also believes that humans caused global warming. Does he? The praise he gave Obama was this: " I am finding it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution". Everyone knows that humans are polluting the air, but this has nothing to do with global warming.
It's one thing to clean up the air for health reasons; it's something else indeed to claim that this dirt warms up the earth. No scientist claims that.
It's one thing to clean up the air for health reasons; it's something else indeed to claim that this dirt warms up the earth. No scientist claims that.
1
CO2 is an agent in global warming and those that produce most of the excess also produce air pollution. They are NOT separate issues.
3
Karen: Effect of CO2 on the global warming is miniscule compared to the overwhelming role of water in the atmosphere. Besides, no experiments were ever done to prove that the irradiating atmosphere will increase its temperature when the CO2 level is raised from 300 to 500ppm. (We are at about 350 now).
And no scientist claims that particulates and noxiuos gases like SO2 and NOx, which are the real dirt and affect our health, have any effect on global warming. Please go back to the original writing of scientists, and not the executive summaries presented in liberal media.
And no scientist claims that particulates and noxiuos gases like SO2 and NOx, which are the real dirt and affect our health, have any effect on global warming. Please go back to the original writing of scientists, and not the executive summaries presented in liberal media.
Even those of us who fled the Catholic Church in droves in the 70's and 80's, never to return, can find much to admire in this man. His church? Still not.
20
It must be pretty difficult for those Republicans who would like to revel in this moment but can't because they need to show allegiance to their party's dogmas even though they know in their heart of hearts their party is wrong in many instances. And I have no pity for them because, besides being spineless, they have been guilty all during these trying times of letting the Religious Right tie their hands using the abortion issue as a lever to keep them from reaching across the aisle, time after time again, to affect change in a bipartisan way.
4
Why is Pope Francis here to lecture us on climate change?
China and India are by far the worlds biggest polluters. They are currently building many new coal fueled power plants. Raising the price of energy in poor countries certainly harms the poor more than helps them.
The pope should stick to religion instead of voicing his political viewpoints.
China and India are by far the worlds biggest polluters. They are currently building many new coal fueled power plants. Raising the price of energy in poor countries certainly harms the poor more than helps them.
The pope should stick to religion instead of voicing his political viewpoints.
8
If he commands respect as a caring person, then weighing in on toxic scenarios is furthering peoples' awareness. And thats a positive thing: making people think.
1
Because there are some spiritual issues and political issues that overlap. Climate change is one of them. His role is not to pick and choose who listens to his global message ("christian" versus non christian countries) or to dictate the strategic plan for the change. THAT'S the difference between a politician and a spiritual leader.
Francis is playing the climate change and income inequality cards to deflect the on-going corruption within the Vatican.
I grew up Protestant, but I went to Catholic schools for a few years. I greatly admire the Pope in that he brings attention to the humanity that we are often missing in the way we treat each other and the respect that we give to planet we occupy. He highlights that we are all equally important and deserving of dignity.
10
It is refreshing to see a prominent religious leader actually trying to implement the teachings of his religion. So many just abuse and corrupt their own teachings. He is not perfect, but anyone who can help with dealing with climate change is great in my book. I only wish he could see that the Catholic teaching against birth control increases the demands on our planet's finite resources and contributes to climate change. That is a major contradiction. I won't argue with him on abortion, though I disagree with him, but birth control? Standing against birth control is just selfish, because the Catholic Church wants to make sure the number of Catholics in the world doesn't diminish. That's bad. But Go Pope!! on climate change.
13
He is on record as saying that Catholics don't have to breed like rabbits. Most American Catholic couples are on some form of birth control, mostly "artificial" in nature. A friend of mine, a priest, says he dreads couples bringing it up in confession because he's not against limiting the size of families to what they can afford with regard to housing, feeding, educating and providing health care. Another priest told a woman about to be married to choose the form that is least dangerous for her health -- meaning the lowest dose of hormones. The movement is forward. The problem is that it's not official.
1
No birth control brings more tithing parishioners.
Celibacy insures no heirs.
Celibacy insures no heirs.
1
Download some updates: Catholics don't tithe, because historically we are a poor religion, not some white-shoe Protestant sect. If we did tithe, we would not have to charge over $7,000.00 tuition for each Catholic school student, and still be strapped for amenities.
I wince whenever I hear Americans complain about income inequality or the American poor. Seriously, even the poorest Americans live like kings compared to the African or Middle Eastern poor. The reason why most people don't realize this is because Americans don't travel much, and those that do don't visit third world countries.
Despite some challenges, every American has the opportunity to get rich. America has no real income inequality problem. Morality and humanity have no national borders, and if anyone deserves our concern, it should be those who are truly unfortunate (e.g. kids that are getting bombed and who are starving).
Despite some challenges, every American has the opportunity to get rich. America has no real income inequality problem. Morality and humanity have no national borders, and if anyone deserves our concern, it should be those who are truly unfortunate (e.g. kids that are getting bombed and who are starving).
5
You could certainly count me among Francis's fans, although I am not religious. While I disagree with the Church and Francis on some things (birth control in particular), I agree with Francis on far more things and see him as someone using his influence to create a better, more just world.
The Church's stand on birth control stems from a misunderstanding of human sexuality - perhaps not surprising for an organization run by celibates. In humans, evolution has co-opted sex to serve reproduction beyond just conception - it has turned it into a tools to bind mates together through the long process of raising young to adulthood. That makes us quite different from most other species. Hopefully, Francis with some background in science will come to understand that. Wider acceptance of birth control would make abortion far less of a problem.
The Church's stand on birth control stems from a misunderstanding of human sexuality - perhaps not surprising for an organization run by celibates. In humans, evolution has co-opted sex to serve reproduction beyond just conception - it has turned it into a tools to bind mates together through the long process of raising young to adulthood. That makes us quite different from most other species. Hopefully, Francis with some background in science will come to understand that. Wider acceptance of birth control would make abortion far less of a problem.
12
While at times appealing as a personal figure, this pope still represents a historical institution that is based on dogma, not reason, not evidence.
In the past, the Church has been responsible for many crimes, such as the Inquisition and impeding free thought and science. Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilee were, respectively, burned at the stake and placed under house arrest for years, both under the direction of the Catholic Church, because their beliefs - based on science and gifted insight - did not conform to Church dogma.
Presently, the Church and its pope oppose birth control in any form, positions which contribute to the massive increase in the human population on this planet, and the huge increase in poverty and stress on our environment that accompany the increased population. And the Church, for decades, has provided sanctuary for pedophile priests and, through its extensive attempts to cover up the magnitude of this problem, demonstrated its overriding commitment belongs to its institutional image, not the lives of the many thousands of children, worldwide, whose lives have been hideously destroyed by its priests.
The bridge from religiously sponsored dogma to rationalism, evidence, and reason, is one great divide neither the pope, nor the Church, can cross.
In the past, the Church has been responsible for many crimes, such as the Inquisition and impeding free thought and science. Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilee were, respectively, burned at the stake and placed under house arrest for years, both under the direction of the Catholic Church, because their beliefs - based on science and gifted insight - did not conform to Church dogma.
Presently, the Church and its pope oppose birth control in any form, positions which contribute to the massive increase in the human population on this planet, and the huge increase in poverty and stress on our environment that accompany the increased population. And the Church, for decades, has provided sanctuary for pedophile priests and, through its extensive attempts to cover up the magnitude of this problem, demonstrated its overriding commitment belongs to its institutional image, not the lives of the many thousands of children, worldwide, whose lives have been hideously destroyed by its priests.
The bridge from religiously sponsored dogma to rationalism, evidence, and reason, is one great divide neither the pope, nor the Church, can cross.
4
Pope Francis is a hopeful sign in a time of so much hatred and intolerance in our country and throughout the world. He seems to be moving Catholics and the rest of us more toward the love and compassion in the messages of Christ and away from the anger and vengeance of the Old Testament, where so many Americans seem to be stuck. I am not too optimistic, however, about seeing any actual changes in church dogma on sexuality, abortion, birth control or the role of women in the Catholic Church, and I believe that without those supportive changes exhortations to greater goodness just won't move us far enough.
4
Many Americans look to the dead for clues to a better afterlife. The whole business skips over the only real life we get.
1
There are only about 1,000 accounts of near-death experiences, many from atheists, that show just what the afterlife is like. Start with "My Descent into Death" (1983) by former atheist Howard Storm. Bio.com has several accounts online from its TV series, "I Survived - Beyond and Back."
You might learn something, and be less garrulous on topics of which you are obviously ignorant.
You might learn something, and be less garrulous on topics of which you are obviously ignorant.
The catholic church is the wealthiest corporation in the world and every single cent they take from the poorest in the collection plates to the $$$Billions they get from OUR taxpayer money to "serve the poor" is tax-free. It is apparently impossible to figure out their true wealth but these articles shed some light. The idea of a pious pope is like calling a mafia don a saint. Both are fairy tales of gigantic proportions. I do not care how anyone else worships and if they want to further enrich their "soul saver" its' fine with me but when they try to impose their religious beliefs on the rest of us it's time to take them to task. Tax the catholic church's wealth, property and income at 90% and knock them down to size. Keep your faith at home and in your place of worship.
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/financial-scandals-the-hidde...
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/08/catholic-church-america
http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/financial-scandals-the-hidde...
http://www.economist.com/blogs/newsbook/2012/08/catholic-church-america
14
And after you take your pound of flesh, who will fill the void of the schools and charitiies that are supported by the Catholic Church and it's non paid staff around the world? Perhaps you are confusing them with the mega churches in the U.S. that take all of the poor rural money under the umbrella of denying climate change, torturing and killing homosexuals (yes, their "therapy" is torture), and demanding that the U.S. turn into a christian theocracy. In other words, get your own house in order first, if you have the guts.
3
I agree. Let the Catholic Church put their money where their mouth is and pay the taxes it takes to lessen income equality.
2
Or st least, M, to pay for supporting the police and fire departments that respond to their emergencies.
Do they pay water and sewer bills?
Do they pay water and sewer bills?
I was taught in a small Catholic Convent school in a small rural town in India. I have some of my greatest times in my school (fun, frolic and laughter).
My parents are Hindus, nonetheless like many parents in India they sent their children to schools that are good irrespective of if it is a Catholic School.
Even though it was a Catholic school, we were not taught any religious subjects or subject matter. My understanding of Christianity however comes from my School. The primary learning that I had was that of "forgiveness" (even if you are not taught religious subjects, you gather the principles by being there with the Principal, Nuns and Teachers).
I have left my rural town and now reside in NYC. I would say that this Pope embodies one of the greatest of virtues that I heard of from teachers of St. Joseph's Convent High School in a Small Town in India: that of "forgiveness".
Sometimes, it is this virtue that is so much lacking is us.
My best wishes to the Pope.
PS: Not a Christian.
Ex Student of St. Josephs's Convent High School in Small Town in India.
My parents are Hindus, nonetheless like many parents in India they sent their children to schools that are good irrespective of if it is a Catholic School.
Even though it was a Catholic school, we were not taught any religious subjects or subject matter. My understanding of Christianity however comes from my School. The primary learning that I had was that of "forgiveness" (even if you are not taught religious subjects, you gather the principles by being there with the Principal, Nuns and Teachers).
I have left my rural town and now reside in NYC. I would say that this Pope embodies one of the greatest of virtues that I heard of from teachers of St. Joseph's Convent High School in a Small Town in India: that of "forgiveness".
Sometimes, it is this virtue that is so much lacking is us.
My best wishes to the Pope.
PS: Not a Christian.
Ex Student of St. Josephs's Convent High School in Small Town in India.
15
I attended small, Catholic parish school here in the United States and could not agree more with you comment about forgiveness. You have stated it beautifully.
Now all of a sudden the unyielding critics descend from their perches to speak ill of a man coming in peace to America - how about: give love and peace a chance? Stop and listen - you might learn something. Welcome to America Papa Francisco.
11
The Pope is speaking as I write. He is pontificating on climate change. As usual it's all the fault of the U.S., and we have to foot the bill to somehow reverse the warming climate. No mention of India, no mention of China who passed the U.S. like a bullet years ago in greenhouse gas emissions. The papacy is now officially another in the blame America crowd. And Obama is fully on board with their agenda.
7
@Paul: The Pope was clear: " I am finding it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution". Everyone knows that humans all over the earth are polluting the atmosphere. Sure, India and China a lot, while our air cleaner.
But this has nothing to do with global warming which Obama and the liberals advocate incessantly. So, I don't see it as blaming America.
But this has nothing to do with global warming which Obama and the liberals advocate incessantly. So, I don't see it as blaming America.
1
Why shouldn't the US fix what it broke? It puts scientists to work and boosts the GDP.
The 11 September issue of "Science" (the AAAS publication) contains an article reviewing efforts to make synthetic fuel from CO2 pulled from the air using renewable energy.
We need to set a carbon budget, not stall science.
The 11 September issue of "Science" (the AAAS publication) contains an article reviewing efforts to make synthetic fuel from CO2 pulled from the air using renewable energy.
We need to set a carbon budget, not stall science.
1
He is in America talking to Americans about their own obligations. We would all be better off if people like you would give up your own agenda.
2
The Pope seems like a very nice man, but I'm pretty sure the NYT cannot speak for the reactions of atheists, like myself. It is presumptuous to suggest that you can, or should.
8
Pope Francis has quickly become a moral leader for many more than catholics in the world because he leads by example. His simple message of simplicity and compassion resonates deep in our souls, no matter if we are catholic, christians, jewish, muslims or atheists. In this era of materialism, widespread fraud, and celebrity-over-character, the spiritualism and humility of Francis is a powerful reminder that we long for more.
55
Dialogue requires a cordial reception,not a prior
Francis immediately condemned the bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires in 1985, winning praise from Jewish groups in a country where anti-Semitism was not unknown. In 2006 he criticized Pope Benedict's use of a quote criticizing Muhammad.
Quote from Pope Francis "Dialogue requires a cordial reception,not a prior condemnation "Does that sound like the Congress? The Pope has many disagreements with Republicans on issues like Global Warming, the Iran Nuclear Deal, Renewable energy,and "Unbridled Capitalism"as the cause of social inequality.Who's right? It's easy. Who would you rather have over for dinner his Eminence Pope Francis or His Arrogance Bibi Netanyahu? Only the Republicans would pick Bibi.What more do you have to know.? Game over. When Francis became pope I don't know if he watched "Godfather III", but one of the first things he did was stop paying the Cardinals on the Vatican Bank Board of Directors a salary of €25,000 per year. He also stopped the bonus payments to Vatican employees when a new pope was chosen saving several million Euros.
Francis immediately condemned the bombing of the Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires in 1985, winning praise from Jewish groups in a country where anti-Semitism was not unknown. In 2006 he criticized Pope Benedict's use of a quote criticizing Muhammad.
Quote from Pope Francis "Dialogue requires a cordial reception,not a prior condemnation "Does that sound like the Congress? The Pope has many disagreements with Republicans on issues like Global Warming, the Iran Nuclear Deal, Renewable energy,and "Unbridled Capitalism"as the cause of social inequality.Who's right? It's easy. Who would you rather have over for dinner his Eminence Pope Francis or His Arrogance Bibi Netanyahu? Only the Republicans would pick Bibi.What more do you have to know.? Game over. When Francis became pope I don't know if he watched "Godfather III", but one of the first things he did was stop paying the Cardinals on the Vatican Bank Board of Directors a salary of €25,000 per year. He also stopped the bonus payments to Vatican employees when a new pope was chosen saving several million Euros.
2
Most US Catholics - maybe not including Hispanics on some issues - are pretty conservative politically, but don't tie themselves up over religious doctrine - birth control, anyone?
If the Pope pushes 'liberation theology' views and views aligning with left wing secular humanist views on political issues [immigration, income inequality, environmental issues, capitalism, etc.] while he is here, it will be interesting to see how the US Catholics react. It will be equally interesting to see how the media covers it.
And how about his views of the Church's rules on sexuality matters - abortion, birth control, GLBT issues? A Lesbian woman who is 'married' to another woman and was running theology classes at a Catholic private school in Philadelphia was recently fired because her lifestyle violated Church teaching. The Philly Archbishop says he's good with that. She wants an audience with the Pope. Think he'll touch that hot potato?
So, will Francis's personal charisma see him through all these humps? We'll see.......
If the Pope pushes 'liberation theology' views and views aligning with left wing secular humanist views on political issues [immigration, income inequality, environmental issues, capitalism, etc.] while he is here, it will be interesting to see how the US Catholics react. It will be equally interesting to see how the media covers it.
And how about his views of the Church's rules on sexuality matters - abortion, birth control, GLBT issues? A Lesbian woman who is 'married' to another woman and was running theology classes at a Catholic private school in Philadelphia was recently fired because her lifestyle violated Church teaching. The Philly Archbishop says he's good with that. She wants an audience with the Pope. Think he'll touch that hot potato?
So, will Francis's personal charisma see him through all these humps? We'll see.......
2
Finally a world leader who cares about the world and it's people and not just his own fame and power.
31
You are confusing Francis with Jesus, Gandhi and King.
We crave authenticity---and this Pope is authentic--he genuinely walks the talk. All of us are so tired of a political and economic class who talk about the people, but walk to their own private interest.
50
Straight from a little tiny brochure picked up in the Santa Fe, NM Basilica gift shop yesterday......"10 Things the Pope Wants Us to Know".
#10 - Unity.
What more needs to be said as he gives this country a sense of his presence this week - physically, emotionally, psychologically - but most of all - spiritually?
Boy, can we use it - and boy, we are grateful!
#10 - Unity.
What more needs to be said as he gives this country a sense of his presence this week - physically, emotionally, psychologically - but most of all - spiritually?
Boy, can we use it - and boy, we are grateful!
4
This pope doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the talk. I truly believe he is an inspiration too many non-Catholics as well. While the rise of generations of popes before him were sinful to say the least, he should not be judged by their actions. He seems to be bringing the Church into the 21st Century. He is forcing leaders to face poverty in their own countries. He speaks of kindness and respect when talking about the Gay community. Something many "Christians" here and in other parts of the world refuse to do.
4
The Church creates poverty in many countries. Or shall we all just pretend that indoctrinating ignorant poor women and telling them not to use birth control, less they go to Hell, is out of 'kindness' and 'respect'?
Pretty closed-minded response when you ignore what this pope is doing and saying.
1
I believe he is a prophet for our times! I think he truly is tune to the needs of the world and is trying to do what he was called for....
1
The Pope, and other religious leaders, form a society of the anachronistic, part of the human hangover from medieval times. Some lead the faithful to war, others lead the flock to desperation in the modern world as they try to conform to the wishes of dogma. But the historical record is clear and forgotten that organized religions, as much as anything, have brought and continue to bring death and destruction to humankind and a devout sadness to God.
10
Why do so many love this Pope? It's not the robes, it's not the dogma, it's the joy. Francis faces the world that God made - all of it. He sees the beauty and the ugliness, the uplifting and the despair. He does not turn away from the poor or from those of other faiths. Instead, he turns toward them, arms and heart open wide. And he invites us to join him, and them. May God bless him and all of us.
24
I like this pope. I wish he didn't have such a blind spot on the effect of unchecked population growth on the other species with whom we share this lovely planet.
5
Religion is the usual engine driving competitive population growth that leads to genocidal wars.
It appears to me that in addition to being a celebrity the Pope is a magic mirror able to reflect only what each person wants to see.
7
But he isn't supposed to be a world leader. He is supposed to be the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He wasn't elected for anything else.
6
The Vatican is a sovereign state. So although it is a small state, he is a world leader.
This pope is making a mistake by mixing his leftist political beliefs and personal opinions on the environment with religion.
He denounces capitalism however he ignored communism during his visit to Cuba earlier this week.
Apparently he only feels free to express these beliefs in the United States. It would be interesting to see the reception the pope would have received if his beliefs did not match those of president Obama.
He denounces capitalism however he ignored communism during his visit to Cuba earlier this week.
Apparently he only feels free to express these beliefs in the United States. It would be interesting to see the reception the pope would have received if his beliefs did not match those of president Obama.
6
He is a holy man, that is the only way to look at his words, we here don't know how to separate the politics from anything anymore!! Very sad indeed
3
It must be a difficult life for you, seeing conspiracies everywhere.
5
We don't know how to stop cheating with religion in the negotiation of the social contract we all have to live with.
Excellent analysis of the pope by George Will.
Pope Francis embodies sanctity but comes trailing clouds of sanctimony. With a convert’s indiscriminate zeal, he embraces ideas impeccably fashionable, demonstrably false and deeply reactionary. They would devastate the poor on whose behalf he purports to speak — if his policy prescriptions were not as implausible as his social diagnoses are shrill.
Francis grew up around the rancid political culture of Peronist populism, the sterile redistributionism that has reduced his Argentina from the world’s 14th-highest per-capita GDP in 1900 to 63rd today. Francis’ agenda for the planet — “global regulatory norms” — would globalize Argentina’s downward mobility.
Francis’ fact-free flamboyance reduces him to a shepherd whose selectively reverent flock, genuflecting only at green altars, is tiny relative to the publicity it receives from media otherwise disdainful of his church. Secular people with anti-Catholic agendas drain his prestige, a dwindling asset, into promotion of policies inimical to the most vulnerable people and unrelated to what once was the papacy’s very different salvific mission.
He stands against modernity, rationality, science and, ultimately, the spontaneous creativity of open societies in which people and their desires are not problems but precious resources. Americans cannot simultaneously honor him and celebrate their nation’s premises.
Pope Francis embodies sanctity but comes trailing clouds of sanctimony. With a convert’s indiscriminate zeal, he embraces ideas impeccably fashionable, demonstrably false and deeply reactionary. They would devastate the poor on whose behalf he purports to speak — if his policy prescriptions were not as implausible as his social diagnoses are shrill.
Francis grew up around the rancid political culture of Peronist populism, the sterile redistributionism that has reduced his Argentina from the world’s 14th-highest per-capita GDP in 1900 to 63rd today. Francis’ agenda for the planet — “global regulatory norms” — would globalize Argentina’s downward mobility.
Francis’ fact-free flamboyance reduces him to a shepherd whose selectively reverent flock, genuflecting only at green altars, is tiny relative to the publicity it receives from media otherwise disdainful of his church. Secular people with anti-Catholic agendas drain his prestige, a dwindling asset, into promotion of policies inimical to the most vulnerable people and unrelated to what once was the papacy’s very different salvific mission.
He stands against modernity, rationality, science and, ultimately, the spontaneous creativity of open societies in which people and their desires are not problems but precious resources. Americans cannot simultaneously honor him and celebrate their nation’s premises.
6
And yet the world is drawn to him. Something is fundamentally askew with Mr. Will's assessment.
Sad to see George Will being so grumpy. He's had his popes. Now others get to have theirs.
1. An extraordinary visit to say the very least. What we have here is a meeting between G-d's representative on earth and a man who is frequently compared to Abraham Lincoln and G-d's only son. Let us hope it produces miracles.
2. Is President Obama seriously interested in demonstrating his frequently expressed concern for Israel and the Jewish people? Then let him tell the Pope in one of their meetings that it is time, and past time, for the Vatican to open up its Holocaust-era archives to scholars, lest the records somehow go lost before they are fully studied.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/open-the-vaticans-holocaust-era-...
3. When Mr. Netanyahu spoke before Congress, the Times and many of its readers expressed disgust and horror. With the Pope, everything is different. In truth, Mr. Netanyahu came here to advance peace and avoid war, just as the Pope is doing.
2. Is President Obama seriously interested in demonstrating his frequently expressed concern for Israel and the Jewish people? Then let him tell the Pope in one of their meetings that it is time, and past time, for the Vatican to open up its Holocaust-era archives to scholars, lest the records somehow go lost before they are fully studied.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/open-the-vaticans-holocaust-era-...
3. When Mr. Netanyahu spoke before Congress, the Times and many of its readers expressed disgust and horror. With the Pope, everything is different. In truth, Mr. Netanyahu came here to advance peace and avoid war, just as the Pope is doing.
1
To paraphrase Michael Corleone, both Netanyahu and Francis" are part of the same hypocrisy."
I am neither Jewish nor Catholic.
Why not invite an Ayatollah or Imam to address Congress?
NYT is not sure what to do with my comment based upon a theological Biblical criticism of Pope Francis from the Old Testament in Daniel 7 and the New Testament of Revelation 13.
I am neither Jewish nor Catholic.
Why not invite an Ayatollah or Imam to address Congress?
NYT is not sure what to do with my comment based upon a theological Biblical criticism of Pope Francis from the Old Testament in Daniel 7 and the New Testament of Revelation 13.
1
He would have made a much better impression on me had he visited Billy Graham instead of Fidel Castro. This pope is all about power and politics, nothing more.
1
Billy Graham is all about the same things, only not nearly as likable.
1
-And you disagree with his politics. Got it.
1
Though I certainly respect the right to worship as one pleases in this country, I suspect that all Americans are paying for this religious visit. Is the Catholic church paying for the Pope's American tour or are we? If so, why?
1
AllAtOnce:
Why would you think "we" are paying for Pope Francis's American tour? What evidence are you basing that question on?
Why would you think "we" are paying for Pope Francis's American tour? What evidence are you basing that question on?
Living in an era of unbridled global capitalism, it is such a rare treat to see someone in a position of great influence speak for the victims of the uncontrolled greed of the extremely powerful and wealthy 0.1%: the poor and the environment. If Francis can't wake people up, I doubt anyone can.
14
We don't live in an era of unbridled global capitalism!
I am a liberal atheist and I listen to him.
His views on social equality are inspiring. We need a world leader who is unafraid to care for the poor and marginalized.
Yes, I disagree strongly with the church on other issues. But if all want to get along, it is good to begin with points of agreement.
Go Francis!
His views on social equality are inspiring. We need a world leader who is unafraid to care for the poor and marginalized.
Yes, I disagree strongly with the church on other issues. But if all want to get along, it is good to begin with points of agreement.
Go Francis!
39
As somebody else said (do not remember the source) "A pope that Jesus would approve of."
2
" ‘It transcends Catholicism. It transcends religion.’ This pope is speaking for the poor and the powerless. That is beyond religion.”
It is actually at the core of Christianity: a true follower of Jesus espouses and practices a faith wherein these ethics are common truths. Ms Shapiro is completely right; if one honors these truths, whose genesis is the 10 Commandments of Jesus' own family heritage, and lives them, labels are unnecessary.
It is the living verbs of those commandments that matter, not the nouns. She obviously gets that and I admire her for putting it so well!
It is actually at the core of Christianity: a true follower of Jesus espouses and practices a faith wherein these ethics are common truths. Ms Shapiro is completely right; if one honors these truths, whose genesis is the 10 Commandments of Jesus' own family heritage, and lives them, labels are unnecessary.
It is the living verbs of those commandments that matter, not the nouns. She obviously gets that and I admire her for putting it so well!
2
If only for a visit, our White House finally has a "rudder".
2
It doesn't need a rudder. This is not a theocracy.
2
I believe in Monotheistic Human Faith my message to Christian Pope and the their Obama,s Prophecy .
Sometime I wonder what is behind the curtain of clouds, a huge constellation and magnetism of matter and time. The truth is hiding behind a curtain of rumors and lack of knowledge. Spirituality is a journey from human being to be humane mutated for those who are uneducated of the force that guide life in oscillate condition with trust.
Sometime I wonder what is behind the curtain of clouds, a huge constellation and magnetism of matter and time. The truth is hiding behind a curtain of rumors and lack of knowledge. Spirituality is a journey from human being to be humane mutated for those who are uneducated of the force that guide life in oscillate condition with trust.
Come on guys! The Pope only tries to look humble to attract more followers. He is a good CEO of Church Inc.
Kissing the dirty feet of a stranger is just very superficial. Kind people don't even naturally do that. It is just pointless and you also risk getting some disease.
The only gain you get from it is PR points for being "humble".
Kissing the dirty feet of a stranger is just very superficial. Kind people don't even naturally do that. It is just pointless and you also risk getting some disease.
The only gain you get from it is PR points for being "humble".
10
As a Catholic Libertarian, I find the Pope's comments about capitalism misleading. For one, we have not had unfettered capitalism in this country for over 100 years. The government is the single biggest burden and cause of economic equality in America.
Also, the Christians in general have been the most generous people in history. Charities took care of everyone just fine until the state got involved (but that is how you create generations of dependency). Where are the other faiths in terms of charity? The contributions from the secular progressives or atheists is laughable.
Perhaps he should look at his own home country of Argentina which used to be a very rich nation until they went the way of statism. Sounds familiar, eh?
Also, the Christians in general have been the most generous people in history. Charities took care of everyone just fine until the state got involved (but that is how you create generations of dependency). Where are the other faiths in terms of charity? The contributions from the secular progressives or atheists is laughable.
Perhaps he should look at his own home country of Argentina which used to be a very rich nation until they went the way of statism. Sounds familiar, eh?
4
Actually charities did not take care of everyone just fine. Even now, charities depend on government subsidies to help them serve people in need.
1
Libertarianism is little more than a rationale for freeloading, as far as my experience of Libertarians goes.
In life we don't get unfettered anything--capitalism, socialism, a New Deal -- no one ever gets to prove or know their right. Catholics and all other Christians live by hope, faith and love.
I like how he encourages people to move away from ideology and towards humble humanity. He is a great role model. Forgiveness of others, regardless of their faith, is central to his message. He demonstrates how we can respectfully love one another. He encourages us to give aid and kindness to the less fortunate. The name "Pope Francis" fits him very well.
49
It is hard not to like and admire the man, even if, like me, you're an atheist who disagrees strongly with many elements of Catholic dogma and thinks his economic understanding naive. I think it's a sign of how starved we are for kindness, decency, humility, a moral conscience that's devoted to helping people rather than hurting them.
Too often, organized religion has been the very opposite of the vision in the sermon on the mount -- punishing and intolerant rather than loving. Francis takes us back to the Jesus of the Bible and reminds us of why Christianity achieved such a following in the first place.
Too often, organized religion has been the very opposite of the vision in the sermon on the mount -- punishing and intolerant rather than loving. Francis takes us back to the Jesus of the Bible and reminds us of why Christianity achieved such a following in the first place.
58
Thank you, Josh Hill. You wrote the comment I would have written. I'm Buddhist and admire this man and spiritual leader very much. He is so tuned into life, the life force, the importance of care and compassion. And I so agree with you that we are a society, a world, utterly starved for kindness and cooperation. We need as many Francises as we can find--Dalai Lamas, Reverend Tutus, Jimmy Carters, and all the ones who won't make the news, but live around the corner. Francis gives us a model for how to be, regardless of religion.
1
Having chosen to speak with conviction for the poor and powerless, and forcefully articulated global concerns on vital material cultural issues central to the survival of humankind Pope Francis appears to have emerged an unconventional but much sought-after global leader on the world stage.
31
There are many people, in many other religions, and even agnosticism and atheism, who have done the same. One can say Mao Tse Tung actually was a revolutionary who united a country and got rid of feudalism, classism and class oppression. In many ways so was Gandhi.
He is a good man, and I believe he is sincere, humble and caring. But is he a genius or a prophet? No! The real prophets are those doing the difficult leg work, ground work and committed work everyday in poor countries, poor parts of the world and among the desperate and the disenfranchised.
You should listen to some social workers who are struggling and perservering day in day out.
He is a good man, and I believe he is sincere, humble and caring. But is he a genius or a prophet? No! The real prophets are those doing the difficult leg work, ground work and committed work everyday in poor countries, poor parts of the world and among the desperate and the disenfranchised.
You should listen to some social workers who are struggling and perservering day in day out.
1
Yes, thre's no dearth of people serving at the grassroots away from limelight still great catalyst of change. Unsung unheard heros indeed. As to Mao, he was a great revolutionary and unifier of a country like China divided along feudal hierarchies and unequal land relations, nonetheless an authoritarian surrounded by the cronies in his post-revolutionary incarnation. Thanks.
Except for the fact that the Catholic Church's anti birth control policies create so many of the poor and powerless.
1
The pope seems to be showing up just in time. Maybe he will promote common sense and decency as decent values.
5
A real Pope who will go into history as a man who truly puts a 100% stop to the rape of young boys by their priests is a man I will respect. Pope Francis does not have that objective.
12
But he does have that objections.
1
Pope Francis is the diplomatic, more pc version of Trump, ie, will say all things to all people, what they want to hear and not have to deliver.
The only people who don't like him are the more extreme Republicans who are a minority in this country and looked at in the rest of the world as neanderthals.
The pope does not need them.
The only people who don't like him are the more extreme Republicans who are a minority in this country and looked at in the rest of the world as neanderthals.
The pope does not need them.
4
If a female can't be a pope (or an Orthodox rabbi), the title, and men who hold on to unearned privileges have nothing to say to me.
7
I am not Catholic. I'm not even church-going religious. But I feel tremendous respect for Pope Francis. I share in the joy of his visit. One love fits all.
17
The problem here is that all this adulation become little more than hero worship. Are all those so moved by Pope Francis going to make changes in their lives as a result. Are national leaders who fight to get close to him going change the way they govern. Are the rich and powerful who get the tickets to see him in cathedrals going to abandon their opulent life styles. Most of all are the poor and the oppressed going to see improvements as a result of his Papacy.
I think the answer to all these questions is negative. Pope Francis as a good man is a photo op for society. Some high quality entertainment for us all. I Pope Paul was willing to be specific and pointed in his criticisms of injustice and policies that institutionalize poverty that would be different. If he would refuse to meet with world leaders who do not hold his kind of values that would be something.
All his symbolic gestures are fine but they change nothing. If the rest of us at least admitted that fact rather than deluding ourselves that being enchanted with Pope Francis changes anything. If we admitted Pope Francis is going to change nothing but the rest of us can by being like him that would be something real. This is not what is happening here. This is just a feel good moment that provides us comforting illusions. A form of entertainment.
I think the answer to all these questions is negative. Pope Francis as a good man is a photo op for society. Some high quality entertainment for us all. I Pope Paul was willing to be specific and pointed in his criticisms of injustice and policies that institutionalize poverty that would be different. If he would refuse to meet with world leaders who do not hold his kind of values that would be something.
All his symbolic gestures are fine but they change nothing. If the rest of us at least admitted that fact rather than deluding ourselves that being enchanted with Pope Francis changes anything. If we admitted Pope Francis is going to change nothing but the rest of us can by being like him that would be something real. This is not what is happening here. This is just a feel good moment that provides us comforting illusions. A form of entertainment.
2
I'm a New York cynic like the best of them, but I don't agree with you in the case of why people are moved by this man. We are all starved for kindness and tolerance.
3
Although I am a Methodist, I admire Pope Francis and honor his quest. As a man of deep faith he recognizes the needs of others, without judging them, and then aids them in line with the higher purpose of serving God first.
His actions energize this teaching: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9: verse 35
His actions energize this teaching: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9: verse 35
5
I like that Pope Francis is totally disinterested in all of this adulation. He is only motivated to serve and use his position as much as possible to make a true difference. We should back up our words of praise with action.
9
Information for FSMLives--
Pope Francis shunned official papal apartments to live 'normal life'
Pope Francis' bedroom at the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel.
"I didn't want to go and live in the apostolic palace. I go over there just to work and for audiences.
"I've remained living in the Casa Santa Marta, which is a residence which accommodates bishops, priests and lay people." There he feels "part of a family" he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Clarin, an Argentinian daily.
"I'm visible to people and I lead a normal life – a public Mass in the morning, I eat in the refectory with everyone else, et cetera. All this is good for me and prevents me from being isolated.
Pope Francis shunned official papal apartments to live 'normal life'
Pope Francis' bedroom at the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel.
"I didn't want to go and live in the apostolic palace. I go over there just to work and for audiences.
"I've remained living in the Casa Santa Marta, which is a residence which accommodates bishops, priests and lay people." There he feels "part of a family" he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Clarin, an Argentinian daily.
"I'm visible to people and I lead a normal life – a public Mass in the morning, I eat in the refectory with everyone else, et cetera. All this is good for me and prevents me from being isolated.
1
How to be inspirational to others? Learn from Pope Francis
6
It is extremely refreshing to have a pope who lives in the 21st century and is cognizant of reality as opposed to bureaucrats who climb the ladder of Church politics, clinging to the past.
10
The Irony of the Popes visit is overwhelming. First, he makes his appearance at the white house which is a far left wing political party that supports selling aborted baby parts to the highest bidder, attacks Christianity at every turn in America, has tried to force Christian businesses to pay for abortions under the odious obomacare law. The Pope supports traditional marriage not the sexual perversions that oboma and the democrats promote. So from a moral point of view the Pope represents a moral view of life and oboma and the democrats represent Immorality. What a contrast especially as Senate democrats are supporting the baby part selling by planned parenthood.
In 2016, Vote for NO democrats because they are Immoral.
In 2016, Vote for NO democrats because they are Immoral.
Wow. This Pope's message of kindness, forgiveness, and inclusiveness is totally lost on you. What a pity.
1
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
1
Back up your accusations with facts, please. The videos have been debunked as fakes. Democrats and many Republicans support the 97% of work that Planned Parenthood does to help lower income families have health care. It has absolutely nothing to do with abortion. It is highly moral and in line with Pope Francis' admonitions to help and support the poor, which is what Planned Parenthood does in neighborhood after neighborhood. To take that away from families is immoral. Witch hunts are immoral. Lying is immoral. I would invite you to check the definition of moral, and then check the definition of moralistic. Then take a long look in the mirror.
5
I'm sure a great many people of all sorts like and respect this pope. Many, indeed, adore him. But let's not kid ourselves by thinking that he is a humble man of the people.
No one gets to be head of anything by being humble -- not CEOs of multi-national corporations, not heads of fire departments, countries, or cities, not even heads of schools (public or private), nor heads of boards of trustees, and certainly not heads of religious organizations.
People who rise to the top are aggressive, self-confident, and canny.
For all the hoopla, let's not kid ourselves.
No one gets to be head of anything by being humble -- not CEOs of multi-national corporations, not heads of fire departments, countries, or cities, not even heads of schools (public or private), nor heads of boards of trustees, and certainly not heads of religious organizations.
People who rise to the top are aggressive, self-confident, and canny.
For all the hoopla, let's not kid ourselves.
1
I hope the pope has a nice visit to the United States. However, the amount of non-stop coverage devoted to his visit by the NYTs, NPR, the networks, is truly mind-bogling.
13
It's another distraction from the nation's real problems.
Nothing says Pope Francis like him passing on the armored stretch limo and opting for the smallest, unarmored Fiat.
With the windows down.
With the windows down.
77
But the little Fiat requires more resources to protect it - its a very expensive symbolic gesture, when you think about the extra steps that the security forces must take to keep that little car safe. Think about it.
3
What did Jesus ride around in or on?
While Jesus was wondering who men were saying He was, despairing in the Garden at Gethsemane and feeling forsaken on a cross at Golgotha?
And what walled resplendent costumed privileged enclave did Jesus and his Twelve reside within?
While Jesus was wondering who men were saying He was, despairing in the Garden at Gethsemane and feeling forsaken on a cross at Golgotha?
And what walled resplendent costumed privileged enclave did Jesus and his Twelve reside within?
2
If the Pope really cared about the poor, he would lift the Church's Ban on Birth Control, stop lying about condoms not preventing AIDS and stop protecting child rapping Priests and Bishops.
But the Church's 2000 year long "War on Sex" seems more important.
But the Church's 2000 year long "War on Sex" seems more important.
17
The Church does not ban birth control. The church does not have the power to ban anything.
2
Pope Francis lends a somewhat more amenable face to the Church, he's made some worthwhile concessions to modernity and to some degree he's done good works for this world. But no amount of good works can atone for a violent and sordid history that extends even to the recent past, plus a dogma that still leaves much to be desired. Yet this cult of personality, including NPR, the Times and now even the US Congress slavishly follow his every gesture. It will take much more than the right words and a pretty face for this reader to find any relevance whatsoever in this lame excuse for a media circus.
22
This pope is what a pope should be. He is truly a great guy.
27
You write, "Like Pope John Paul II, Francis has attracted adulation from throngs of non-Catholics as well as Catholics in every place he has visited. "
Pope John Paul II landed in India, a Hindu majority nation, on Diwali, the most auspicious date and had the nerve to say that the Church needs to harvest the souls of the pagans. So save your adulation for the Vatican.
Pope John Paul II landed in India, a Hindu majority nation, on Diwali, the most auspicious date and had the nerve to say that the Church needs to harvest the souls of the pagans. So save your adulation for the Vatican.
17
Not to mention landing in the U.S. hours before Kol Nidre, the start of Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish holiday. I mention that in case the masses (pun unintended) were wondering why representatives from the Jewish faith weren't falling over each other to greet him.
3
The primary reason for the Pope to visit now is a conference called the World Meeting of Families which occurs every three years. A this is a Catholic event, it seems to me that the organizers would have little reason to consider the religious obligations of non-Catholics in scheduling this. Would organizers of a Jewish event take Christmas into consideration? Why would they?
Jeez - maybe the two of you could lighten up and give the guy a break. It's pretty clear that this pope is a good person, that he's well intended, and that he is trying to do some good in the world (e.g., rapport between the US and Cuba's not enough for you?)
Every black cloud may have a silver lining, but there's always someone who complains that it's too shiny.
Every black cloud may have a silver lining, but there's always someone who complains that it's too shiny.
3
The difference between Pope Francis and other religious leaders is quite simple. He lives and acts in accordance with basic Christian values, he reflects those values, and he applies them in his analysis of important issues. Do unto others, forgive, show tolerance, help the less fortunate.
Compare him to other religious leaders, he is unique, which is pretty amazing, almost shocking, because all he is is what religious people are supposed to do.
Compare him to other religious leaders, he is unique, which is pretty amazing, almost shocking, because all he is is what religious people are supposed to do.
89
Pope Francis supports people over greed, a nearly universal virtue except for a twisted minority that champions Greed Over People.
I hope the Pope repeats in America what he said in Bolivia in July:
"Time, my brothers and sisters, seems to be running out; we are not yet tearing one another apart, but we are tearing apart our common home.
Today, the scientific community realizes what the poor have long told us: harm, perhaps irreversible harm, is being done to the ecosystem. The earth, entire peoples and individual persons are being brutally punished.
And behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea called “the dung of the devil”. An unfettered pursuit of money rules. The service of the common good is left behind.
Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another and, as we clearly see, it even puts at risk our common home."
That is my kind of Pope.
I hope the Pope repeats in America what he said in Bolivia in July:
"Time, my brothers and sisters, seems to be running out; we are not yet tearing one another apart, but we are tearing apart our common home.
Today, the scientific community realizes what the poor have long told us: harm, perhaps irreversible harm, is being done to the ecosystem. The earth, entire peoples and individual persons are being brutally punished.
And behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea called “the dung of the devil”. An unfettered pursuit of money rules. The service of the common good is left behind.
Once capital becomes an idol and guides people’s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another and, as we clearly see, it even puts at risk our common home."
That is my kind of Pope.
152
It takes a Pope who actually resembles a Christian to show up the godlessness at the heart of America's loudest Catholics. I thought the day would never come.
70
As the old adage instructs us, "The past is a predator," and this is nowhere more true than in the case of Pope Francis, who , until now has been able to conceal from the world his past actions in Argentina as the head of the JESUIT SOCIETY, when he unapologetically supported the Dictatorship during the "unseen" or DIRTY WAR that took the lives of 30,000 innocent victims "disappeared" without a trace by the armed forces. The now Pontiff showed his allegiance to the assassins of the "proceso" by 1)holding a special mass for the first JUNTA, composed of Generals Videla, Agosti and Admiral Massera, considered the harshest of the 3, and (2)by failing to speak out even when fellow priests and nuns went missing. Having interviewed both ex"represores", ex "torturadores" as well as "familiares' of the victims, those for whom the war is a living memory,the conclusion is inescapable that Pope Francis and the Church constituted "an arm of the regime."So, my question is when will the world get wise to someone whom many Argentinians regard as an impostor, posing as a defender of human rights when in Argentina he sided with a ruthless dictatorship over a seven year period?The Pontiff is given a free pass now because of his advocacy for O's agenda re climate change, criminal justice reform and open borders immigration. But opposition research is needed.
16
The real reason you write this highly disputed account of Pope Francis, a supposed supporter of the Argentine Junta regime, becomes clear with your very last sentence by attacking President Obama on climate change, a matter taken very seriously in all other advanced nations; on justice reform in the country that has by far the highest incarceration rate per capita in the world, and that for even minor offenses; and the supposedly 'open borders' immigration, especially during the terrible humanitarian refugee crises of the Middle East, the latter having been in no small manner caused by the US's wars in that region.
8
I believe Christianity is very much about atonement, second chances and forgiveness. Perhaps the ways in which this Pope has advocated for the poor and the environment came out of a spirit of regret for his inaction in Argentina. Still, he would know as well as any the importance of meeting the mothers and families. How else to heal an open wound? For everyone's sake, he should do it.
1
Mr Harrison, you probably read some easy reading papers about the 70´s in Argentina. Also, you are not talking with the truth, because the Human Rights organizations, are supporting Francis. So, better reserch a little bit more, before to insult someone like Francis.
2
He has touched so many people because he seems to speak to our better angels. It really is very simple: He seems kind, decent, humble and non-judgmental. Much different from what passes off for the chest beating "Cardinal-RaymondBurke-mikeHuckabee-KimDavis-we-are-so-much-better-and-holier-than-you-sinners-in-your-sinful-ways version of much of American Christianity.
Contrary to Catholic teaching, I don't necessarily believe that Pope Francis is perfect but he sure seems like a drink of ice cold refreshing water after a trek In the desert like papacy of Pope Benedict.
I wish him a long, healthy, happy and safe life.
Contrary to Catholic teaching, I don't necessarily believe that Pope Francis is perfect but he sure seems like a drink of ice cold refreshing water after a trek In the desert like papacy of Pope Benedict.
I wish him a long, healthy, happy and safe life.
14
Catholic teaching does not and never has believed that a Pope is perfect.
2
Catholic teaching does and has believed that a Pope is infallible, when sitting on his throne with a jewel-encrusted throne on his head in a palace filled with riches beyond counting.
Because that's what Jesus would do?
Because that's what Jesus would do?
I find this Pope-mania very odd. The Pope is not taking any responsibility for the Vatican's role in inequality and environmental damage, or the plight of all the Latin Americans who are immigrating to the US illegally, even as they have huge territory in the Americas (much bigger than the US) that they have mishandled, misgoverned, etc.
The only I explanation I can think of is the Copernican challenge to all the patriarchal religions of the Mediterranean that the Anglo-US discovery of DNA, and inexpensively provable paternity, presents. If "virgin birth" can no longer be the foundation of your family policy, and if it is proven to have harmed children, then the Vatican, Islam, even Judaism, face an accountability from billions of people and a type of reckoning that requires courage to face the real defendants (not displace this onto Anglo-Saxon-Norse-Scot-Welsh folk as has been the pattern in the past)
Is this weird clinging to the Pope some sort of massive defense mechanism against facing the inevitable and inexorable accountability that the advances in the biological sciences and social sciences bring. The Med religions, with their "virgin birth" fictions may someday be seen for the blip, the massively mistaken blip, that they really are in the otherwise long history of the social, political and economic organizations of human beings.
The only I explanation I can think of is the Copernican challenge to all the patriarchal religions of the Mediterranean that the Anglo-US discovery of DNA, and inexpensively provable paternity, presents. If "virgin birth" can no longer be the foundation of your family policy, and if it is proven to have harmed children, then the Vatican, Islam, even Judaism, face an accountability from billions of people and a type of reckoning that requires courage to face the real defendants (not displace this onto Anglo-Saxon-Norse-Scot-Welsh folk as has been the pattern in the past)
Is this weird clinging to the Pope some sort of massive defense mechanism against facing the inevitable and inexorable accountability that the advances in the biological sciences and social sciences bring. The Med religions, with their "virgin birth" fictions may someday be seen for the blip, the massively mistaken blip, that they really are in the otherwise long history of the social, political and economic organizations of human beings.
9
He is the head of one of the world's major religions, with millions of ahherents. What he says is important to those adherents, as benighted as you may think they are.
Just because you personally haven't read what he has said or done about Syria, the Mid East etc., doesn't mean that he hasn't taken steps to alleviate the suffering.
Just because you personally haven't read what he has said or done about Syria, the Mid East etc., doesn't mean that he hasn't taken steps to alleviate the suffering.
5
I wish that Pope Francis (or, in reality, his staff) had been more sensitive to the Jewish calendar when deciding on dates for his visit to the US. The fact that today is Yom Kippur insures that there will be few practicing Jews among the crowds in Washington, and no Jews to participate this week in the so-called World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. His visit could have incorporated some recognition of Yom Kippur; if this is the plan, I have heard nothing about it in the media. I guess it just underlines the fact that the WMOF in Philadelphia is (as I had always thought) the World Meeting of Catholic Families. And, with Archbishop Chaput at the helm, it is narrower still: the World Meeting of Families whose structure he accepts.
5
How many Jews would want to attend a Catholic event? This is finding offense where none is intended.
1
Pope Francis acts like a true statesmen and leader should act! Even though I am an atheist I can only admire his behaviour.
50
The cake is a lie, but the Pope is a Jesuit.
Pope Francis speaks of the faith I grew up with: love your neighbor, care for the poor and don't judge. These messages have been missing from the church's emphasis for years. He is bringing Jesus back not just to the Catholics but to all because he sees every human being as God's child. And his love for the planet is part of this as it is God's creation. I am thrilled so many non-Catholics admire him, it joins us together. May he have a safe and inspiring visit to the US.
72
"He speaks, and millions listen — whether they are Muslim or Baptist, Hindu or atheist."
no, as an atheist, i don't listen to what the pope has to say. it is time to move away from ancient ways of thinking and evolve beyond superstitions and taboos.
no, as an atheist, i don't listen to what the pope has to say. it is time to move away from ancient ways of thinking and evolve beyond superstitions and taboos.
14
Francis is the Pope that John Paul would have been, had he not been killed during his 30 day papacy.
He is from the line of John XXIII and Paul VI and Oscar Romero whose hearts were with the poor and those spoken to, by the communist party. You won't have a picture of Francis scolding a Jesuit who supports liberation theology. The first non European pope in over 1300 years and boy, does he know what is important.
He is from the line of John XXIII and Paul VI and Oscar Romero whose hearts were with the poor and those spoken to, by the communist party. You won't have a picture of Francis scolding a Jesuit who supports liberation theology. The first non European pope in over 1300 years and boy, does he know what is important.
39
There will be those across the political spectrum who will try to bend his message to suit their political outlook. The Pope is blessed that he holds his position for life and doesn't have run for office every four years or temper his message to a changing electorate. Democrats and Republicans can both learn something from this Pope. Temper the extremes in both parties from the GOP who need to be more inclusive in their outreach to minorities i.e. gays, Latinos, and blacks. Democrats being so progressive they get ahead of the moral curve. When the Pope speaks while here on his America tour he won't just be preaching to the choir.
2
The rightwing Republican party is morally bankrupt yet you found a creative way of knocking Democrats. Congrats, I guess.
Im a life long democrat yet our own party isn't perfect either.
Why is there no mention of the massacre and consistent persecution of Catholics in the Middle East and Africa? Many in the huge migration out of Syria are Catholics. There appears to be a systematic cleansing of Catholics in Muslim countries. Surely the Pope could act to alieviate some of this suffering. Surely the Pope could use some of the deep financial resources of the Vatican to feed the hungry in these migrant camps, Christian and otherwise.
Isn't this is a more immediate and pressing crisis than any other? Or is the Pope like a politician, in that it's more popular - and easier - to talk in the abstract about climate change or inequality of income than to act on current crimes against man. All too reminiscent of the endless obfuscation about child abuse within the Church.
Isn't this is a more immediate and pressing crisis than any other? Or is the Pope like a politician, in that it's more popular - and easier - to talk in the abstract about climate change or inequality of income than to act on current crimes against man. All too reminiscent of the endless obfuscation about child abuse within the Church.
15
It's easy to talk about climate change and income inequality? I think I am not livnng on the same planet as you.
1
"There appears to be a systematic cleansing of Catholics in Muslim countries." Well, those countries managed to rid themselves of non-believers such as Jews (and by the way, where was the outrage over that), so Catholics were next on the list.
Firstly, there is also a systematic killing of groups that are considered the wrong type of muslim. Suffering is not the sole territory of Christians but anyone who is a religious others, which Christians are but so too are Shiite, atheists, or other islamic sects. Right now we've got a bunch of maniacs enforcing their code of law and horror. Secondly, the pope has been speaking out about the migrant crisis. He has urged local churches to take in migrant families and has already taken one in Rome. Perhaps you shouldn't rely on American primetime news to tell you what's going on , as this crisis is woefully underreported. http://theconversation.com/pope-francis-call-to-house-refugees-echoes-ch...
2
As a nonobservant, but highly spiritual, person with a Jewish background, Pope Francis has demonstrated the yearning among all people of all faiths for a truly numinous "lodestar" to bring us together in one global compassionate community. Through his humility and willingness to put aside the petty dogmas that others use religion to divide us, he has resurrected the essential spiritual message of healing and hope where all of us equal and deserving of the warm embrace of tolerance so lacking in our materialistic world.
87
The Pope is a mensch!
76
I am pleased to read this article. I am not a Christian and I practice an eastern religion. I do not always agree with everything about the teachings of my religion nor of Christianity and other religions. However, Pope Francis is the first holy man of Christianity (Catholicism in particular) whom I respect and admire despite disagreeing with many of his religion based beliefs. I respect him for living the Bible instead of picking and choosing Bible verses to justify one's prejudices when convenient. I admire his simplicity and living his own life as a great example to others. Though I do not live very close to the cities that he is scheduled to visit, I am happy for those who will get to see this great man.
139
So how does the Pope's populism translate into social change?
The Vatican doesn't control national budgets or agendas.
Is it just symbolism?
The Vatican doesn't control national budgets or agendas.
Is it just symbolism?
4
In the age of superpacs spending millions pumping the public with all sorts of lies and misinformation along comes this pope to slay them. His voice has risen above all the divisive politicians and self serving hucksters and exposes their greed and hypocracy. His arrival truly feels like a miracle and couldn't be more timely. He speaks so simply and clearly about real issues facing us all and inspires many to be better people. There is still hope that love and kindness will prevail in this world.
5
Changing people changes everything. It can change their own lives and decisions, and it can change those whom they support and vote for. It changes what they teach their children, and what those children do and become.
6
I hope that Pope Francis speaks to the divide we have here between those who want to protect the environment and those who deny that climate change is doing great harm. We need the help.
35
The problem is that he has zero, even less than zero, credibility because he is not acknowledging the role of Vatican in climate damage. Also, his polemic on the environment was done with an anti-Knowledge stance.
All Popes are anti-Knowledge, so this is not a surprise, nor it is a surprise that the Vatican is desperately trying to prevent the claims more than a billion people on the planet have against it for a broad range of harms, including crimes, by trying to displace this accountability to others, principally the non-Catholic countries of the North with their Bills of Rights, their scientific advances, such as the discovery of DNA, which is deeply threatening to a religion that tries to shift all responsibility for children to women via the "virgin birth" and Marianism doctrines imposed in the Counter-Reformation.
All Popes are anti-Knowledge, so this is not a surprise, nor it is a surprise that the Vatican is desperately trying to prevent the claims more than a billion people on the planet have against it for a broad range of harms, including crimes, by trying to displace this accountability to others, principally the non-Catholic countries of the North with their Bills of Rights, their scientific advances, such as the discovery of DNA, which is deeply threatening to a religion that tries to shift all responsibility for children to women via the "virgin birth" and Marianism doctrines imposed in the Counter-Reformation.
5