What Do You Think About the Selection of Pope Francis?
The election of the new pope proved to be an historic event on Wednesday, but it could also spark contention when it comes to gay rights in the Catholic Church, as Pope Francis has described same-sex marriage as "a destructive attack on God's plan."
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In a historic event, the first Latin American was chosen as pope on Wednesday, March 13, but not all are happy about the new pope's stances.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Agentina, will lead Catholics around the globe as Pope Francis. Having served as novice master in San Miguel, where he taught theology, Francis was also Provincial for Argentia from 1973 to 1979, and rector of the Philosophical and Theological Faculty of San Miguel from 1980 to 1986, according to his bio on the Vatican's website.
In 1992, he was appointed titular Bishop of Auca and Auxiliary of Buenos Aires, receiving episcopal consecration. He is also Ordinary for Eastern-rite faithful in Argentina who lack an Ordinary of their own rite.
While many have praised the move, some of Pope Francis's views may prove to be controversial. The newly-elected pope is a conservative who is opposed to gay marriage and gay adoption, according to The Huffington Post, and has gone to describe same-sex marriage as "the work of the devil and a 'destructive attack on God's plan.'"
Moreover, Francis stood against a bill for same-sex marriage and gay adoption, and said that if a proposed bill giving same-sex couples the chance to marry and adopt children should be approved, it would "seriously damage the family," according to the National Catholic Register.
In response to the election of Francis, Herndon Graddic, President of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), issued a statement to The Huffington Post, saying:
For decades the Catholic hierarchy has been in need of desperate reform. In his life, Jesus condemned gays zero times. In Pope Benedict's short time in the papacy, he made a priority of condemning gay people routinely. This, in spite of the fact, that the Catholic hierarchy had been in collusion to cover up the widespread abuse of children within its care. We hope this Pope will trade in his red shoes for a pair of sandals and spend a lot less time condemning and a lot more time foot-washing.
Many praised the choice on Wednesday, while others relayed opposition. Here's what a few local Patch readers said on Facebook:
- Colleen Freeman (via Canton Patch): He is also the first Jesuit Pope! Very excited and offer prayers that he will be a good spiritual leader.
- Stephen Coote (via Foxborough Patch): The only way he and his church will ever gain respect is if he stands up and takes responsibility for the church's actions and stops harboring pedophiles. The entire institution is based on lies.
- Cindy LouWho (via Walpole Patch): I'm a little disappointed, but the new pope seems to be quite pleasant!!!
- Keely Kennedy-Hebert (via Attleboro Patch): I think this is a great choice. I was hoping for Cardinal O'Malley. But I think Francis I is going to be great for change. We shall see. God bless Francis I.
What do you think about the election of Pope Francis? Do you agree with the move, or would you rather have seen another choice, and if so, whom? Let us know in the comments section below.
Vineyard Worker
11:55 am on Thursday, March 14, 2013
I think Pope Francis made an extremely wise decision in asking not only those congregated but also potential viewers around the world, to pray for him. I believe he genuinely wanted God's hand to guide him from the get go and that was heartfelt by all witnesses. I think he made a really great first impression and I hope he remains blessed throughout his endeavours in order to save souls and spread the Word of God.
Wayne Lacroix
2:19 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
"Viva il Papa"
Emcee of Seekonk
2:19 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
I'm happy for the people of South America who tend to be the more Catholics at this point in time. Pope Francis has a lot to contend with, particularly criticisms against the teachings of the church. But, then again, it isn't about the Huffington Post or GLAAD, but more about what he feels about the direction of the church going forward. I wish him well and believe he will be a positive force for those who support him.
Justin Braga
2:19 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
The more I learn about Pope Francis, the more I'm impressed and convinced that he was the right man for the job. He's a simple man who, like our own Cardinal Sean O'Malley, has consciously managed to escape the trappings that come along with a position of power and prestige. He reportedly took public transport to work each day in Argentina as archbishop. Photos that are currently swarming through social media are mainly those of him washing the feet of AIDS patients and recovering drug addicts. I have no doubt that he will be a strong defender of the faith as Benedict XVI was and also a true "Pope of the People".
As an aside, it always amuses me when some people try to describe leaders in the church like leaders in politics, conservative and liberal. The article describes Pope Francis as being "conservative" because he is opposed to "same-sex marriage." Pope Francis' support of the traditional definition of marriage doesn't make him "conservative," it makes him someone who upholds the timeless teachings of Christ and His Church. Anyone who accepts and follows the teachings of the Church, and most certainly the man elected leader of that universal Church, would not and could not be in support of marriage being anything other than the union of one man and one woman.
Avon Barksdale
2:49 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Anyone elected leader of any Church could certainly express his/her support for marriage within that Church to be "the union of one man and one woman" while also noting that the Church can and should keep its opinions to itself when it comes to the laws of the lands in which it operates - even if those nations adopt laws that are philosophically at odds with Church teachings.
Not doing so is what makes this Pope rigid and conservative. The description fits, get used to it.
Vineyard Worker
11:00 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
Avon, Why would or should the leader of the Roman Catholic faith keep his mouth shut if he believes that some of his flock are going against Gods' Word? It does not matter what man's laws are, what matters to the pope and all of the faithful are Gods'commandments. I do not agree that the pope should keep his opinions to himself especially since he is a leader and is asked his opinion. Man' s law is nothing if it is in direct contrast to Gods' law.
deb of see-attleboro
9:49 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
IMO, the feds should just adopt a "Uniform Coupling Code" which allows any two consenting adults to join for the purpose of being regulated by the government. If they can mandate health insurance, why not? All things are possible with big guv.
As for the Church, perhaps they should divorce themselves from the government and no longer provide the convenience of combining the secular solemnization of civil marriage with the sacred sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
Emcee of Seekonk
11:00 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2013
What does conservative mean when applied to a Pope? One could argue the church he represents is also indulgent when it comes to administering to the poor and sick and helping the downtrodden. The church has many facets.
Catholics are accustomed to conventional Popes. If the College of Cardinals thinks Cardinal Bergoglio is a good choice for Pope, then he is.
MICHELLE D
9:49 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
I'm watching channel 7 news right now and Sean O'Malley is speaking saying that he is "relieved" he wasn't chosen and that he wouldn't want to be the Pope and even said that to be Pope is to be "prisoner of the museum" and "it's not a good life" So then, why the hell was he in Rome to begin with knowing full well that he could've been selected? Would you want a president becoming president if he doesn't want the job or sees himself as a prisoner to the White House? I just don't get it and find it disturbing. It makes me wonder if the newly elected Pope, really wants to be Pope or if he too, feels "Prisoner of the museum".
MICHELLE D
9:49 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
I'm watching channel 7 news right now and Sean O'Malley is speaking saying that he is "relieved" he wasn't chosen and that he wouldn't want to be the Pope and even said that to be Pope is to be "prisoner of the museum" and "it's not a good life" So then, why the hell was he in Rome to begin with knowing full well that he could've been selected? Would you want a president becoming president if he doesn't want the job or sees himself as a prisoner to the White House? I just don't get it and find it disturbing. It makes me wonder if the newly elected Pope, really wants to be Pope or if he too, feels Prisoner of the museum
russell archambault
9:49 am on Friday, March 15, 2013
GOD decided who the pope should be and had the cardinals do his work.
Carol Bragg
12:07 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
Adultery, rape and pedophilia are much bigger problems in the world and greater threats to the Christian faith than same-sex marriages. One hopes Pope Francis recognizes this and sets his priorities accordingly.
Vineyard Worker
2:07 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
Carol, you are comparing apples to oranges. Rape and pedophilia are violent crimes. Both adultery and same sex sexual relations are topics which are dealt with in God's Word. You either believe God's Word or you do not. The Pope cannot take a contrary stance on matters that are dictated by God's Word.
Emcee of Seekonk
2:07 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
Carol, if you expect this Pope or any Pope in the near future to approve of: 1) abortions, 2) same-sex marriages, 3) women in the clergy, 4) birth control (other than methods approved by the church -- which have a failure rate of about 80%), you are setting yourself up for disappointment.
I know of Southern Baptist folks and other Evangelicals who are more vehemently opposed to abortion and homosexuality than is a moderate Catholic. Every religion whether it be Muslim or whatever all else has its set of beliefs. It is my opinion that it is best to leave all that alone. Devout people tend to not appreciate medlers.
MICHELLE D
12:07 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
Really?! So do you think God decided that priests should sexually abuse children too? I believe that God gave us a brain and a conscience and it's up to US to make appropriate decisions and choices. With that said, I think Sean O'Malley should have made the appropriate choice and decision to NOT attend knowing full well that he didn't want to be the Pope, sees it as being prisoner of a museum and even said that it's not a good life. What if GOD decided that he wanted O'Malley to be Pope but O'Malley himself didn't feel the same?
Emcee of Seekonk
2:07 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
As a Cardinal, Sean O'Malley was invited/summoned to Rome to help select a Pope. The rest is all conjecture.