Pope Francis: “Who am I to judge” gay people? “Women in the Church are more important than bishops.”

Last updated on: January 15, 2015 at 8:39 am by Phil Fox Rose

Pope Francis: “Who am I to judge” gay people? “Women in the Church are more important than bishops.” 2015-01-15T08:39:50-05:00 Phil Fox Rose

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“If someone is gay, who searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”

“The Madonna and Mary were more important than the apostles, bishops, deacons and priests. Women in the Church are more important than bishops and priests. I think we are missing a theological explanation on this.”

— Pope Francis in press Q&A on the plane back from Rio; full transcript is not yet available

Last week, Archbishop Chaput said “right wing” Catholics weren’t happy Pope Francis hadn’t talked about the hot-button issues yet. I think now they probably wish he’d kept quiet.

Is it a 180? No. I’m reminded of the way some on the Left felt about President Obama at the beginning, investing in him all their hopes for radical change, while forgetting that he emerged through and was a product of the current system. John Allen stakes out the middle ground, saying these latest remarks from the pope are neither huge shifts in policy nor offhand remarks; they are, he says, “a significant shift in tone.” But even though it’s true the pope isn’t advocating for women priests or gay marriage, I think Allen is underplaying it a bit. In recent decades, the Vatican has actively suppressed talk of reform and hardened its positions on social issues. As I said a few weeks ago, a reversal of not just tone but also emphasis, away from attacking those in disagreement over dogma and towards holding up universal Christian values, will restore a culture in which conversation can occur, in which people of faith can discuss what’s essential and what is not — such as as with Fr. Schuller’s current U.S. tour. In the long run, this may lead to substantial change. And while women priests may be off the table, Francis has said women deacons are not. Gay marriage is one thing, but as archbishop of Buenos Aires he is reported to have supported a civil unions bill. On celibacy of priests, he’s said it’s a tradition, not a matter of faith, and “might change.” As I reported a few weeks ago, Pope Francis said, “the Church always goes forward, giving space to the Holy Spirit that renews these structures, structures of the churches. Don’t be afraid of that!” Reform may be closer than many people hope or fear.

Oh, and I just love this detail from the press conference. Pope Francis was asked about the bag he carried on the plane. You see, popes don’t typically carry their own luggage! Associated Press reports his answer:

“The keys to the atomic bomb weren’t in it,” Francis quipped. The bag, he said, contained a razor, a prayer book, his agenda and a book on St. Terese of Lisieux, to whom he is particularly devoted.

“It’s normal” to carry a bag when traveling, he said, stressing the style that separates him from other pontiffs, who until a few decades ago were carried around on platforms. “We have to get use to this being normal.”

I’m certainly not surprised he’s devoted to the Little Flower.

Faith & Spirituality

catholic

Previous Post

July 19, 2013

Fr. Helmut Schüller's "Catholic Tipping Point" Tour Calls for Disobedience

Next Post

July 31, 2013 Holy Means Whole: A reflection on Psalm 99

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Addiction & Recovery Culture Faith & Spirituality Health Music Politics Uncategorized

Select a Month May 2019 October 2015 September 2015 April 2015 March 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 November 2009 August 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does Paul say in 1 Thessalonians about the day of the Lord?

Select your answer to see how you score.

It will come when peace is declared It will come with great signs It will come like a thief in the night It will come after the tribulation