Pope Francis gets support locally

Sheldon Williams, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Notwithstanding global criticisms of what has been described as liberalism and contentious changes being made by Pope Francis in the Catholic Church, the local Roman Catholic community has pledged support for his ideals and dismissed fears that the paradigm shift is a threat to dogma.

Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner, Monsignor Richard Albert reasoned that Pope Francis was a catalyst of change, manifesting at the right time and for all the right reasons, and was leading by example to show that his ideals are not mere rhetoric but actionable and pragmatic.

"I totally agree with the thrust of what he is trying to change ... he himself is trying to show that we are to be a church of the poor. He drives around in an (unnoticeable) car and does away with flashy jewellery," Albert noted.

He said it was important for the Catholic church to be truly representational of the poor by becoming a poor church itself and akin to the plight of the poor.

"A poor Catholic Church trying to serve the poor is going to be very important in bringing about change and emphasis in the Catholic Church."

Albert said he was totally satisfied with what the Pope has been doing, and quickly dismissed the view that his ideologies are perilous to dogma.

"I am in total agreement with the new attitude he is displaying. He is not changing doctrine but he is going for more emphasis on social issues. He is naming a new set of cardinals who are all from poor or developing countries," Albert said.

The Most Reverend Charles Dufour, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, shared similar sentiments and reiterated that Pope Francis was not trying to change doctrine.

"Pope Francis has not in any way altered the understanding of the Faith. Rather, he brings the Faith to the people of God, not as a theologian like Pope Benedict XVI, but as a pastor," Dufour said."Each man has different gifts. Many persons say that Pope Benedict is perhaps the brightest theologian to ever sit in the Chair of St Peter. Yet, Pope Francis, with his approachable language, takes to the people in 'simple-speak' the profound theology of Pope Benedict."

MISUNDERSTOOD

Dufour maintained that Pope Francis' comments have at times been misunderstood, as evidenced by the reaction to the pontiff's recent response to the question of homosexuality.

"The Pope has also been quoted, for instance, on his stance on homosexuality. His famous quote, "who am I to judge", has been repeated ad nauseam and indicated by the press as a change in doctrine. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Pope was simply stating Catholic Doctrine and the quote was taken out of context," Dufour said.

He reasoned that the Pope's interpretation of this issue could be comparable to a response of Jesus.

"Pope Francis' attitude is that which can be found in the gospel. Following the press' misinterpretation of Pope Francis would be like saying that Jesus condones adultery because he said to the adulterous woman, 'I don't condemn you either', but we forget that our Lord said after that, 'Go and sin no more'. The Pope's message is the same."

Pope Francis has been vocal on other contentious issues, including opposition to abortion and questioning the effects of capitalism.

sheldon.williams@gleanerjm.com