…judges Francis’ idea on if doctrine can be interpreted against the infallible Magisterium
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The Gospel illuminates the temporal sphere, and not vice-versa
The tendency of other groups, on the contrary, is to consider certain political aspects as imperative, as a preceding condition for the Church to fulfill her mission. This is to identify the Christian message with an ideology and to submit it to the latter, appealing to a ‘re-reading’ of the Gospel starting out from a political option (cf. John Paul II, Inaugural speech I, 4. AAS 71, p. 190). In reality, it is necessary to reflect on politics starting from the Gospel and not the other way around. (CELAM – III Latin American General Episcopal Conference, Puebla, no. 559, January 28, 1979)
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We cannot forget the transcendence of the Gospel in relation to all human cultures. Inculturation cannot in any way pledge itself to syncretism
We cannot, however, forget the transcendence of the Gospel in relation to all human cultures in which the Christian faith has the vocation to root itself and come to fruition according to all its potentialities. However great the respect should be for what is true and holy in the cultural heritage of a people, this attitude does not demand that one should lend an absolute character to this cultural heritage. No one can forget that, from the beginning, the Gospel was a “scandal for the Jews and foolishness for the pagans” (1Cor 1:23). Inculturation which borrows the way of dialogue between religions cannot in any way pledge itself to syncretism. (International Theological Commission. Faith and inculturation, no. 14, 1988)
…judges Francis’ idea that Koran is a book of peace
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Human solidarity comes about only in Christ, who gives Peace that the world cannot give
Finally, peace is the fruit of love. It is the expression of true fraternity among men, a fraternity given by Christ, Prince of Peace, in reconciling all men with the Father. Human solidarity cannot truly take effect unless it is done in Christ, who gives Peace that the world cannot give. (Second Conference of the Episcopate of Latin American and the Caribbean. Medellin Document, II, 14, c, September 6, 1968)
…judges Francis’ idea on human suffering
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Jesus freely surrendered himself to death on the Cross, the goal of his life’s journey
Fulfilling the mandate received from his Father, Jesus freely surrendered himself to death on the Cross, the goal of his life’s journey. The bearer of the freedom and joy of God’s kingdom chose to be the decisive victim of this world’s injustice and evil. The sorrow of creation is assumed by the Crucified One, who offers his life as a sacrifice for all. He is the High Priest who can share our weaknesses; the Paschal Victim who redeems us from our sins; the obedient Son who, in the face of his Father´s saving justice, incarnates the cry of all men for liberation and redemption. (Denzinger-Hünermann 4615. John Paul II, Document of the Third General Assembly of the Latin American Bishops in Puebla (Mexico) ‘The Evangelization’, February 13, 1979)
…judges Francis’ idea comparing Catechesis with Yoga and Zen
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The action of the Spirit deepens in catechesis
The action of the Spirit is expressed in the prayer and listening to God’s Word, catechesis deepens, we celebrate the liturgy, is witnessed in life, communicates in education and is shared in the dialogue which seeks to offer all new life brothers who, without merit on our part, receive in the Church as operatives of the first hour. (Third Episcopal Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Bishops. CELAM, Puebla, no. 566, January 28, 1979)
…judges Francis’ ideas present in Laudate Si‘
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The best way to respect nature is to promote a human ecology open to transcendence to recapitulate all things in Christ and praise the Father with Him
The best way to respect nature is to promote a human ecology open to transcendence, which, while respecting the person and the family, environments and cities, follows Paul’s urging to recapitulate all things in Christ and praise the Father with Him (cf. 1Cor 3:21-23). (Benedict XVI. Letter to the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, Fifth Conference of the Episcopate of Latin America and the Caribbean, Aparecida Document, no. 126, June 29, 2007)
… judges Francis’ ideas on the evangelization of the Americas
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The Glory of the Church consists in having undertaken the work of civilization so that the indigenous people were incorporated into the bosom of true civilization
It is a glory for the Church to have undertaken the work of civilization [of America] and its evangelization; a glory to have defended it against those who wished to abuse it in other times; glory to have instilled this profound religious sentiment that solely awaits a persevering labor so that the ‘Indian’ may be incorporated with honor into the bosom of true civilization. The work of the missions among the unbelievers fills the most beautiful pages of the history of the Church in America. May this work continue gloriously, thanks to the apostolic spirit that, today as long ago, so powerfully fills our missionaries. (CELAM, First General Conference, Declaration of the Cardinals, Bishops and other prelates representing the Latin American Hierarchy, Rio de Janeiro, August 4, 1955)
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Faith in God and the Catholic tradition are the greatest wealth of America
Therefore, we especially give thanks to God and praise him for everything that has been bestowed on us. We accept the entire reality of our continent as gift: the beauty and fertility of its lands, the richness of humanity expressed in the individuals, families, peoples, and cultures of the continent. Above all, we have been given Jesus Christ, the fullness of God’s Revelation, a priceless treasure, the ‘precious pearl’ (cf. Mt 13: 45-46), the Word of God made flesh, Way, Truth and Life of men and women, to whom he opens a destiny of utter justice and happiness. […] Faith in God who is Love and the Catholic tradition in the life and culture of our peoples are their greatest wealth. It is manifested in the mature faith of many of the baptized and in popular piety… (CELAM, Fifth General Conference, Concluding Document, no. 6-7, May13-31, 2007)
…judges Francis’ idea on the flesh of Christ and poverty as a theological category
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The preferential option for the poor is neither exclusive nor excluding
Hence, ‘the preferential option for the poor is implicit in the Christological faith in the God who became poor for us, so as to enrich us with his poverty.’ This option arises out of our faith in Jesus Christ, God made man, who has become our brother (cf. Heb 2:11-12). Yet it is neither exclusive nor excluding. (V General Conference of the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, CELAM, Aparecida, Concluding Document, no. 392)
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True human promotion cannot be reduced to particular aspects
We also understand that true human promotion cannot be reduced to particular aspects: ‘It must be well rounded; it must foster the development of each man and of the whole man’(Gaudium et Spes 76). (V General Conference of the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, CELAM, Aparecida, Concluding Document, no. 399)
…judges Francis’ idea on the Re-reading of the Gospel
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It is the Gospel that enlightens the temporal sphere, not the other way around
No. 559 The tendency of other groups, on the contrary, is to consider certain political aspects as imperative, as a preceding condition for the Church to fulfill her mission. This is to identify the Christian message with an ideology and to submit it to the latter, appealing to a ‘re-reading’ of the Gospel starting out from a political option (cf. John Paul II, Inaugural speech I, 4. AAS 71, p. 190). In reality, it is necessary to reflect on politics starting from the Gospel and not the other way around. (CELAM – III Latin American Episcopal General Conference, Puebla, no. 559, 1979)
