As I have noted, I’m a Protestant with an odd fascination with Catholic popes. The accession, in March 2013, of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, 76, to become the 266th head of the world’s 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, especially when his predecessor, Benedict XVI is still alive, intrigued me.
I admit that I’ve enjoyed that he’s made some in the church hierarchy nervous, when he faults the church’s focus on gays and abortion, though that feels more like optics rather than actual change to me. He may be right, though, when he describes ideological ‘Christians’ as a ‘serious illness’ within the Church.
More interesting to me is his suggestion if it’s understood correctly in a secular press, that it’s OK not to believe in God if you have a clean conscience. For a different perspective on what the Pope may have meant, read Anthony Velez, who is studying for the (Protestant) ministry.
Dr. Anne Hendershott, Professor, Franciscan University of Steubenville had perhaps the best take on the new pontiff in the Huffington Post:
Many traditional Catholics are beginning to feel–as Time magazine columnist, Mary Eberstadt recently suggested–that they have been “thrown under the popemobile.” …
They would be wrong. While Pope Francis has said that “we cannot insist only ” on these culture war issues, most have not noticed that he also added that “the teachings of the Church are clear…and I am a son of the Church…but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.”…
And, while traditionalists maintain that we still need to talk about them sometimes, an increasing number of progressives and traditionalists are beginning to acknowledge the possibility of finding a true common ground. If Pope Francis can help us reach that common ground, then his pontificate will truly be the “one we have been waiting for.”
A few years ago,…I titled a chapter in [my book Status Envy], “A Pope Away from a Perfect Life.” The chapter suggested that progressives have always believed that they were a “pope away” from a Catholic Church that would allow full reproductive rights, female ordination, and same-sex marriage.
It is likely that progressives–and traditionalists as well–will still have to wait a while for that perfect life. Besides, Christians know that we all remain “strangers in a strange land” here on earth. There will never be a “perfect life” here. But Pope Francis is simply asking that we all work together to make that life better for each other. Perhaps it is time to start.
Frankly, I’m more impressed that Pope Francis has launched the reform of Vatican bureaucracy, with a cleanup of the Vatican bank. In September, “the bank released its first-ever financial report (it is doing quite well, making $117 million last year, more than quadruple the 2011 figure. This year’s number is projected to be substantially lower partly because of the costs of the transparency campaign).” Now, to quote someone else, THIS is a change I can believe in.
This action, tied with his simpler lifestyle, more in keeping with Scripture than some German bishops have been living, gives me some hope that some positive permanent change might come from this papacy.
Interesting post and perfect for P day.
This Pope promises goodwill and a better contact with us, Protestants.
Let us avoid looking at the differences, but start working together.
Wil, ABCW Team.
I think the new Pope is the simplest of all by what I have read about him.
It will be interesting to see how some of Pope Francis’ seemingly new ideas will play out in the catholic church over the next few years. An Arkie’s Musings
There is a lot to like about the new pope. I sincerely hope he can right a few of the wrongs within Catholicism and reinforce core, biblical beliefs and not as much pomp and circumstance.
What I like about the new Pope is how he reaches out to the unfortunate. As long as the church does not waiver from the core principles of Christ, I believe he will be a very good leader.
Ann
What a thought..to have the Church based on the Bible.
I sincerely hope this Pope can bring that about.
Viva il Papa! Papa Francesco is my favorite Pope ever. This spring we will welcome him to Israel, God willing.
Very interesting thoughts.
Ewok’s ABC WEDNESDAY
not fair, Roger! you are one PREPARED PROTESTANT! love this! I think we all have more hope since this unlikely PERSON was elected POPE!
Finally a good beginning for change
Something new for sure. Change is good…only if NO change is made to the Scripture’s view of things.
Very interesting the way you shared it.
Appreciate your thoughts, Roger.
I do like the new pope’s emphasis on a simpler life — badly needed in the US and many other western nations,I think. Like Lisa, I would like to see a return to more core biblical beliefs. Discussion with a view to understanding both viewpoints is always good, but there are some deeply divergent theological differences. A sincere desire for forgiveness and a change of heart on the part of every individual is a good place to start. Most Catholics and Protestants would agree on that.
Great article! As a lifelong Catholic (who’s been frustrated with most organized religions lately) its wonderful see a Pope who truly is living more like Jesus and embracing his teachings, ie- accepting others, living modestly, doing things for the good of humanity. I still don’t agree with a lot of the church’s views but he’s a step in the right direction!
I do not follow any religion, but I know the Catholic and has to change a lot!
That was interesting. If the Pope advocates a simple lifestyle and going back to the basic principles of goodness he is on the right path.
Change can be scary and human error has affected churches decisions throughout time, so it’s hard to tell if the Pope is right or wrong at this point. I believe Catholics and other Christians just need to be prayerful and listen discernibly to what the Lord has to say. Blessings!
I am not a Christian, but find this Pope invigorating and wonderfully hopeful.
I live in a catholic country. There are very few protestants in Belgium. In Germany there are more protestants then catholics and my parents were protestants. I don’t like popes and the Vatican it’s a big buisiness and very hypocrite !
He suggested that?! Interesting. I also haven’t heard of a transparency campaign before with the Vatican bank in the picture.
I’m not a fan of patriarchal religions, but he seems to aspire to the simplicity of Christ. I do find the history and machinations of the papacy fascinating
Very Perfect for ‘P’.
Interesting post,when I was still living in Italy, the locals were very taken with Pope Francis.
Interesting post…I grew up Catholic but don’t practice it any longer, I prefer a significantly more open minded spirituality. But I do have to say, Pope Francis does impress me, he seems to be more Christ like than any of the others I’ve known in my lifetime.