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September 19th, 2013
11:01 AM ET
Pope Francis: Church can't 'interfere' with gaysBy Eric Marrapodi and Daniel Burke, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editors (CNN) - Pope Francis said the church has the right to express its opinions but not to "interfere spiritually" in the lives of gays and lesbians, expanding on explosive comments he made in July about not judging homosexuals. In a wide-ranging interview published Thursday, the pope also said that women must play a key role in church decisions and brushed off critics who say he should be more vocal about fighting abortion and gay marriage. Moreover, if the church fails to find a "new balance" between its spiritual and political missions, the pope warned, its moral foundation will "fall like a house of cards." The interview, released by Jesuit magazines in several different languages and 16 countries on Thursday, offers perhaps the most expansive and in-depth view of Francis' vision for the Roman Catholic Church. The pope's comments don't break with Catholic doctrine or policy, but instead show a shift in approach, moving from censure to engagement. Elected in March with the expectation that he would try to reform the Vatican, an institution that many observers say is riven by corruption and turf wars, Francis said his first mission is to change the church's "attitude." "The church has sometimes locked itself up in small things," the pope said, "in small-minded rules." "The people of God want pastors," Francis continued, "not clergy acting like bureaucrats or government officials." MORE ON CNN: New interview shows why the pope is so beloved The interview was conducted by the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, editor of La Civilta Cattolica, a Jesuit journal based in Rome, over three meetings this August at Francis' apartment in Rome. The pope approved the transcript in Italian, according to America magazine, a Jesuit journal based in New York that initiated the interview and supervised its translation into English. Advance copies of the interview were provided to several news organizations, including CNN. Jesuits from around the world submitted questions to Spadaro. Francis answered them with the frankness that has become a hallmark of his young papacy. To begin the interview, Spadoro bluntly asks, "Who is Jorge Mario Bergolio?" - Francis's name before he was elected pope. "I am a sinner," the pope answers. "This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner.” The pope didn't mention any particular sins, and Catholic theology holds that all humans are sinners, a consequence of Adam and Eve's original transgression. Still, a pope describing himself foremost as "sinner" is striking. MORE ON CNN: The pope said what? Six stunners from Francis Offering new glimpses of his personal life, Francis said he prays at the dentist's office and felt trapped in the Vatican's traditional papal apartments. (He moved to a smaller one in a nearby building.) He has a taste for tragic artists and Italian films and keeps the will of his beloved grandmother in his prayerbook. But it was the pope's vision for the church's future - painted in broad strokes - that's sure to rile or inspire Catholics, depending on which side of the church they sit. Here are some highlights: On Women In July, Francis said, emphatically, that the "door is closed," on women's ordination, a statement that disappointed many Catholic liberals. But that doesn't mean the church should consider women secondary or inferior, Francis said. "The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions," he told Spadora. Francis also called on Catholics to think hard about the function of women in the church. "Women are asking deep questions that must be addressed," the pope said. "The church cannot be herself without the woman and her role." On Homosexuality When Francis was a bishop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he received letters from gays and lesbians who said they were "socially wounded" by the church, he said. "But the church does not want to do this," Francis said in the interview. The pope then recalled his comments in July, when he told the media aboard a flight to Rome, "Who am I to judge" gay people? MORE ON CNN: Pope Francis on gays: 'Who am I to judge?' "By saying this, I said what the catechism says," the pope told Spadaro. The catechism, the Catholic Church's book of official doctrine, condemns homosexual acts, but says gays and lesbians "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity." "Religion has the right to express its opinion in the service of the people, but God in creation has set us free: it is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person." Francis said that someone once asked him if he "approved" of homosexuality. "I replied with another question," he said. "`Tell me, when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person. Here we enter into the mystery of the human being." Abortion, gay marriage and contraception Some American Catholics grumble that Francis has been largely silent on signature Catholic political issues. "I’m a little bit disappointed in Pope Francis that he hasn’t, at least that I’m aware of, said much about unborn children, about abortion, and many people have noticed that," Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence, Rhode Island, said earlier this month. Francis said that he's aware of the criticism, but he is not going to change. “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods," he told his Jesuit interviewer. "I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that." But the pope said the church's teachings on those issue are clear, and he clearly believes in those teachings, so what else is there to say? "It is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time," Francis said. False prophets and quick decisions Only false prophets claim to have all the answers, Francis said. "The great leaders of the people of God, like Moses, have always left room for doubt," he said. "You must leave room for the Lord." But church leaders, including himself, haven't always practiced humility, the pope admitted. Many of the bad decisions he made while leading Catholics in Argentina came about because of his "authoritarianism and quick manner of making decisions," the pope said. That won't happen again, Francis said, as he begins to steer the church in a new direction. He didn't offer an exact course, but he said change will come. Sooner or later. "Many think that changes and reforms can take place in a short time," he said. "I believe that we always need time to lay the foundations for real, effective change. And this is the time of discernment." soundoff (3,625 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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This is good new, they did not mess with Child Molesters and always encouraged people to have more children than they could afford.,
False Prophet ie. Obama – he claims he has all the answers to make our country the best yet wants us to think we can have everything for free? Nothing in life is for free and liberals are fools to think it is and should be.
How did Obama get into a Thread about the Pope? you Trolls need to grow up.
You should go to your church...maybe they are handing our healings for stupidity!
You're a fool. None of this was political and here you are crying
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RlBr2fyqn9g
Jesus fed the masses with a couple of loaves of bread and some fish.
I don't recall him asking for payment.
If you hate liberals you must really hate Jesus.
Lucky for you, freedom of speech ensures your right to say any idiotic, inaccurate thing you want.
Right on, Sara!
Wow, what are all you bigots going to do now? You no longer have the church to stand behind you and your non-christian thoughts
Get over yourself.
Magister is the one that needs to get over himself
Rick Santorem will be calling for the impeachment of this liberal pope, telling the world that the pope is destroying the world. LOL, poor Rick can't even get the pope to back up his absurd notions.
Pope Francis is a marvelous example of what a Pope should be. I'm so glad we have him overlooking the church & welcome the coming changes.
A Pope should follow the doctrine of God even if it flies in the face of "political" correctness. The Bible's teachings on this matter are clear and will stand the test of time.
Tom.....NOTHING in the bible will stand the test of time. Eventually, science will be able to explain pretty much everything (how the universe actually started, that gays are born that way, that a sky overlord doesn't really exist, etc). Just because it's not known now does not give anyone the right to wave a magic wand and say that 'god did it'. Pretty banal philosophy really. Do you know anybody that still believes in Zeus?
The Pope is not saying anything new. It may sound new because of his personna. The Church has always expressed unconditional acceptance of the person, irregardless of his/her actions. Actions are separate from the person in the Church's way of thinking. Given that, even Hitler and Stalin are loved and accepted by the Church.
Irregardless is not a word – Stop saying it.
Neither is Derp. Stop using it.
Now that's actually kind of funny
Don't sweat the small stuff.
The word has been in print since 1795. Now if you want a really good definition, just look at the Urban dictionary...lol:
Used by people who ignorantly mean to say regardless. According to webster, it is a word, but since the prefix "ir" and the suffx "less" both mean "not or with" they cancel each other out, so what you end up with is regard. When you use this to try to say you don't care about something, you end up saying that you do. Of course everyone knows what you mean to say and only a pompous,rude a**hole will correct you.
Finally, the integrity of the church is being restored and honesty is taking its course. I admire the Pop, and I look forward to read on every article he has to say because it is inspirational. I use to be a Christian Missionary and I even attend a Christian University. Some how I came to be at peace by walking away from the faith. I hope the Pop doesn't lose his ambition and keeps speaking because those who are in the trenches are listing.
Maybe you walked away because you know that there's no love more conditional than that of a church-goer.
It is refreshing to see honesty and candid talk here. The way he presents his vision is the way Jesus would have him behave. Bravo! And – for a lesson in how women can play powerful and important roles in a church without being "ordained" – look to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That church sponsors the oldest and largest womens organization in the world – and the women there are highly respected and valued, having critically important world-wide leadership posts.
The malachy prophecy describes how this pope will be the one to take the church into the tribulation.
I could have sworn we should have already been in tribulation about a dozen times over... every minor event that happens povokes religious people to claim the end is near. Just get over it and realize your own religion says not to try to predict it.
The Malachy "prophecies" are nothing if not nonsense.
so is the bible
The Bible contains the Word of God that throughout generations had been proven authentic, true, powerful, accurate and can change lives. And this is all throughout time. As Jesus said, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
You are just a grass. After sometime you will wither and die. After one generation nobody would even remember you existed but at that time I guarantee you the Word of God will still continue to change Lives and He always Prove Who He Is. He is coming soon. You better start reading the bible and may discover that you may find life and eventually know the real Bread of Life.
Oh I see......mentions him by name, does it?
Roy....I'll bet you one million dollars that he doesn't. Do we have a bet?
Roy isn't saying the prophesy is true, Just that it was predicted by St. Malachy that their would be like 112 popes only and the count says the number is up.
I quit being Catholic years ago because I got tired of being told what I "can't" do. (Which in Catholicism is virtually everything).
How can the church honor women and their wisdom if they are banned from positions of authority?
Brava Barbara. Succinct and accurate.
The better question is: how does the Church retain its tax exempt status when it is clearly a discriminatory organization that violates Federal, State, and local anti-discrimination laws?
How is it possible that we have, basically, the same handle?
As one who grew up under a woman priest in the Episcopal Church, let me assure you: They're just as shallow and unreliable as men priests.
Being ineligible for the priesthood does not equal a lack of respect. Look at how Catholics revere Mary.
Kind of the way "separate but equal" worked so well to ensure equality between races....except the church doesn't bother with the "equal" bit.
The church accepts unequivocally that women are equal to men. In some cases clearly above men (Mary). It only does not ordain women because Jesus chose only men as his apostles. You might argue "that was a different time", but that does not wash. It implies that God made a mistake in choosing that time or that he was too afraid to break stereotypes. Nonsense. Jesus broke more difficult stereotypes. If he was God then He chose men because he wanted men. The Church simply does not claim the authority to change that. Understand that it is the Church's faithfulness to the Gospel that is at the heart of it's priesthood, not discrimination against women.
Using that failed logic Chris...how do you explain that Jesus didn't completely chastise slavery? He preached on how you should treat slaves, not that it was an abomination. I guess you are saying then that he supported slavery. Odd.....
Mary Magdalene was a disciple.
The church didn't like that so they turned her into a sinning harlot.
The holy grail is Jesus & Marys children.
wisdom and women, I think you already know.
To quote a Laura Nero song, "Stoney End", "I was raised on the good book jesus, 'till I read between the lines".
I suggest people think about what that means, since the jesus story is not at all what most think it is.
Yeah base your beliefs on a 1970's Barbra Streisand song....that's real smart!
Just like basing one's life and persona on a rap album. Equally dumb.
Yes, the truly wise follow a book of ancient mythology filled with contradictions.
That song makes more sense than the bible.
2cnd cor 11 First of all
. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing great if his ministers also keep transforming themselves into ministers of righteousness. But their end shall be according to their works.
Mathew 24
. 38 For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; 39 and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away,
The preaching is being done globally everyday..they knock on your door as Jesus and his disciples went
mathew 24:14
14 And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.
GOOD NEWS BECAUSE THIS SYSTEM OF WICKNESS..WILL SOON BE UNDER KINGDOM RULE..EVERYTHING (WORLD EVENTS )IN THIS TIME OF THE END IS BEING HURRIED TOWARD THIS CONCLUSION
1ST THESS
. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying: “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman; and they will by no means escape.
EVERYONE MUST MAKE A DECISION
Certainly safety will not come by doing nothing, by “sitting tight” and waiting to see what happens. The words of God are not given in vain. Jesus gave an illustration that sets the matter before us clearly:
“Therefore everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded upon the rock-mass. Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house and it caved in, and its collapse was great.”—Matt. 7:24-27.
“These sayings” that Jesus referred to were not demanding anything unreasonable of his hearers, but were only those things that any person who has genuine respect for God and for the rights of his fellowman should do. If you read Christ’s Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters five to seven you will see that he stressed, first of all, the importance of being conscious of one’s spiritual need, seeking righteousness, being purehearted and peaceable. And he emphasized proper living, repeatedly mentioning the kingdom of the heavens, the need to seek it and God’s righteousness. Jesus stated that safety lies in obedience to these teachings.
A MATTER OF FREE WILL
All these things are left to the free will of each individual to do or not to do. No one is forced. God delights in the fact that he rules by love. “God is love,” says the apostle John, and Jehovah himself says: “I am Jehovah, the One exercising loving-kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I do take delight.”—1 John 4:8; Jer. 9:24.
It is in harmony with his creatorship and his dignity and sovereignty that he lets each intelligent individual choose to accept and acknowledge His sovereignty. God is interested, not in mere service to him, but also, primarily, in heart motive. “I, Jehovah, am searching the heart,” he declares. “Jehovah is making an estimate of hearts,” says the inspired writer. (Jer. 17:10; Prov. 21:2) God is not impressed with one’s great ability. On the other hand, he does not accept a mere show or profession of loyalty. One must have genuine works, proving his loyalty.
Of course, any organization claiming to be Christian should instill in its members strong faith in God, a knowledge of his Word, and loyalty to his kingdom. However, you may, on seriously considering these matters, find that you are affiliated with a religious organization that is not teaching the truth of the Bible. If that organization has not enabled you to understand the Bible so that you have the ability to explain it to others, and furthermore, if the organization condones wrongdoing, shows partiality to the rich and influential or preaches doctrines contrary to the Bible, what will you do? Will you follow the command: “‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”?
hey thanks for the book you freak
That was uncalled for and pretty damned immature. Are you 11 years old?
no, he's right-no one reads long posts-and for dog's sake, think for yourself-stop quoting primtives who hated women!
Too long.. too boring.. too old
You forgot....too unbelievable....too stupid....too illogical.
No, I WON'T worship your version of the Supreme Being. Now tell me how I'm going to hell for not being more like you, with all your wonderful Christian love and tolerance.
Amen!!
You know what's really funny about you? You preach about going to church yet you call yourself monk. A monk develops his faith in private, individually, and with only minimal guidance from his Father Superior. If you were REALLY Mr. I Know Church you would know that. You don't, which means you're just preaching YOUR faith to the masses, which is how cults get started. Nice try. I'll bet the people on this board are smarter than that. Sorry. No followers for YOU today!
Agree with Monk's quotes from the Bible.
Great! Now we know you are just as delusional as Monk is....good to know.
If I wanted to read a novel, I would get a book from the library.
'All these things are left to the free will of each individual to do or not to do. No one is forced. God delights in the fact that he rules by love'
since when is do as I say or I will burn you forever in hell 'ruling by love'?
And talking of freewill.....why is it only the bad guys supposedly get free will? why dont the victims ever get the free will choice to not be m urdered, r aped, or whatever?
Obviously the Pope has not read the Bible. Great cop out for him.
What an ridiculous statement.
Child Molester are OK also
Wow! TWO ridiculous statements in the same thread? What are the odds?
OMG! You win the "Asinine Comment of the Day" award. Congratulations!
You mean the part that says, "Judge not, lest ye be judged"? Or how about John 8:7, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."?
That doesn't mean don't judge. It means that in the same way you judge others, that is how God will judge you. So, if I want God to be kind and gentle in my judgement, that is how I should judge others. If I judge others with an iron fist, that is how He will judge me. Make sense? We all judge constantly each and every day. God is telling us what is acceptable. In John 8, Jesus was the only person there that was without sin and what He demonstrated was kindness, forgiveness, mercy.
A Pope that sees things as they are and says them as they are. How refreshing and I am not even Catholic.
Against all better judgement... I like this Pope.
As an atheist all I can say is... if people are going to pick a religious leader, they couldn't have picked a nicer guy with what appears to be a sincere love for all mankind.. I respect that.
Look around, everything you see , even your very life was created by Him. How anything in this world can be of existence without a creator. When you see an artwork, could you deny that there was an artist who created it. Everything you see, your system in your body, digestive system, nervous system, DNA and everything. These are billion times more complex than an artwork that you could see in a gallery. How could you deny the Almighty Creator?
Jesus died on the cross for your sins and He rose again from the dead. It is your choice to accept His gift of salvation or not. No matter what you believe you cannot change the fact that Jesus was born on earth and became a living sacrifice. There are so many writers who wrote about Him, so many changed lives , so many miracles time after time. Even a few decades after His resurrection, the world was turned upside down because of His teachings and changed lives. The greatest human government at that time was even threatened of His teachings that's why there were so Christian martyrs that gave up their lives and did not renounce their faith.
You can believe whatever you want to believe but you cannot stop Jesus from coming back to earth.
When He comes you better get ready as that time because ...
every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
You cannot change this reality. You have a choice... fullness of life that Jesus offers or be with the devil and demons who rejected him.
Okay, "JesusLovesYou," time for you to stop talking. Now.
All that "Wow" posted was that they are an atheist and they are pleased that the church's leader isn't a complete moron.
I don't think in any part of their post did they ask for your judgement, or ask you what they should do or believe, or ask how they need to gain salvation from your "god." THIS is the exact reason why most of us atheists cannot stand religious zealots. You feel the need to "save" everyone, and teach everyone your little stories, and push your beliefs on everyone. You pity those who don't believe in your imaginary friend and who don't fall for the same tricks you do. STOP IT. No one cares what you think. "Wow" didn't ask for your opinion, judgement, or your little stories. Just stop.
@ Amanda: Pot. Kettle. Did you just read what you wrote? Now just swap out your name to understand how many (more!) feel about you.
No one cares what think either Amanda, yet you fell the need to post your negative comments.
If you really want to understand the catholic church, and the spirit behind it, visit be4thefire.com. Check out the Vatican exposed link, and all other videos as your heart desires. Remember, the same spirit that built the Vatican is working through this Pope. Watch the videos, and decide for yourself if the Pope is spreading false doctrine that will lead people into Hell.
Radical Islam disagrees, maybe its time for the God-fearing good old boy in the US to acknowledge Allah as God.
I have the right to express my opinion but not to interfere spiritually = just means what?!, dude seriously the Catholic faith is so spiritually bankrupt, just stop saying anything, until the Lord speaks.
Next I would like the pope to tackle the issue of religious people ringing my doorbell on Saturday mornings. I 'm growing tired of yelling fug off.
i tell them that religion is personal and then start asking about their se_x life.