Religion
Related: About this forumNew Vision Or Just New Style? Boston Catholics Reflect On The Church Under Francis
http://www.wbur.org/2014/06/27/local-catholics-pope-francisBy Bob Oakes and Shannon Dooling June 27, 2014
Pope Francis leaves St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on June 14. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)
BOSTON His statements, documents, comments and even musings have sparked debate within the Catholic community, from Boston to Rome.
In the 15 months Pope Francis has held the office, hes talked of recentering the church on helping the poor, and of de-emphasizing divisive social topics.
Hes also been back and forth on some hot-button issues. For example: Hes reaffirmed the churchs unwillingness, he says, to ordain women as priests, but hes also suggested a greater role for women in the church. Hes condemned same-sex marriage, but also hinted at support for civil unions and spoken of tolerance for gays.
I think he has certainly reinvigorated interest in Catholicism and the Catholic community in general, said Thomas Groome, professor of theology at Boston College. Hes been a breath of fresh air, really. Some people say its just stylistic, but if youre the pope, style is substance.
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edhopper
(33,651 posts)until you do something substantial.
What are the substantial changes Francis has made?
cbayer
(146,218 posts)I'm liking some of the style, but recognize that substance is going to be much harder.
I am particularly interested to see what comes out of this fall's conference on the family.
And, FWIW, I think he has done some substantial things in terms of the inner workings of the vatican, particularly when it comes to their finances. This may have had to be done before he could approach other issues, but I'm not sure.
skepticscott
(13,029 posts)Um...no. His actual position on "hot button" issues has not varied one whit, and is perfectly in line with RCC doctrine. These two hacks are simply being willfully ignorant in mistaking PR sound bytes for anything real or meaningful. But they're doing a great job at being just the kind of puppets the Vatican wants.