Surprising contributions by Francis to the Magisterium...
From our correspondent in Rome
There exists a certain philosophical simulacrum, whose most profound meaning is expressed in the maxim ‘a truth’s worth is always in keeping with the number of its followers’. Such an idea dominates the capacity of forming judgments of a great number of our contemporaries, who think it unnecessary to distinguish between believing and voicing an opinion.Continue Reading
A series of critical objections against the doctrine and praxis of the Church pertain to questions of a pastoral nature. Some say, for example, that the language used in the ecclesial documents is too legalistic, that the rigidity of law prevails over an understanding of dramatic human situations. They claim that the human person of today is no longer able to understand such language, that Jesus would have had an open ear for the needs of people, particularly for those on the margins of society. They say that the Church, on the other hand, presents herself like a judge who excludes wounded people from the sacraments and from certain public responsibilities.Continue Reading
There was consternation in the media due to the coldness demonstrated by Francis when he received the Argentine president, Mauricio Macri, on Saturday, February 27. Normally, cordiality is the norm for a diplomatic encounter, although there may be differences between the parties involved; this is basic protocol… Read on…
In the first part of this study, undertaken by our specialist in Social Doctrine, we examined the “peculiar” use that Francis made of some references from John Paul II’s Encyclical Laborem exercens. One of the points that still remains to be dealt with is regarding an affirmation of the Polish Pontiff: “the right to private property is subordinated to the right to common use, to the fact that goods are meant for everyone” – a fact that was brought up and taken advantage of by the current Bishop of Rome in his controversial Encyclical Laudato Si’. Read on…
One of our collaborators received a letter, through a friend, from an individual who we are unacquainted with at this point. In it, he manifests deep sadness in seeing the work undertaken by the Denzinger-Bergoglio. We didn’t know what to tell him in response, but we do wish to share the most significant passages of his missive with our readers.Continue Reading
One of the aspects in which Francis has caused most perplexity – especially in the western world – is his blatant aversion to capitalism, shown by criticizing the free market whenever he gets a chance, by his unconcealed partiality for a motley assortment of communist leaders, as well as by the transmission of messages of dubious content, which – if one has the heart to get to the bottom of them – contain unpleasant surprises.Continue Reading
The figure of the Good Shepherd, ready to confront the wolf so as to protect and save his sheep even at the cost of his own life (Jn 10: 11-12) is an eloquent and very moving image. Created by Our Lord Jesus Christ himself to describe his own sentiments, it also expresses the pastoral zeal that every Bishop should have for the competent fulfillment of his mission, in collaboration with his priests and under the authority of the High Pontiff, “teaching, sanctifying, and governing” (Vatican Council II. Decree Christus Dominus, no. 11).Continue Reading
As everyone knows, the famous saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” insinuates an adaptation to the customs and culture of the places we visit, in order to feel more at ease and be more easily accepted by the inhabitants. This norm is applied, obviously, to those practices that don’t offend good morals, for it’s also true that as good Catholics we should never frequent places where this could occur. Even more, in places where our faith might be put at risk.Continue Reading
On reading the affirmation that titles this post, many will remember that he always denied that he was. Without having to go too far, take for instance his recent interview on the flight to the United States after his trip to Cuba.Continue Reading
“The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 747). Every since the beginning of Christianity, this sanctifying action has resulted, among numerous other aspects, in the fraternal help and assistance in favor of our brothers and sisters in need.Continue Reading
