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cbayer

(146,218 posts)
Fri Jun 27, 2014, 09:09 AM Jun 2014

New Vision Or Just New Style? Boston Catholics Reflect On The Church Under Francis

http://www.wbur.org/2014/06/27/local-catholics-pope-francis

By Bob Oakes and Shannon Dooling June 27, 2014


Pope Francis leaves St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on June 14. (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

BOSTON — His statements, documents, comments and even musings have sparked debate within the Catholic community, from Boston to Rome.

In the 15 months Pope Francis has held the office, he’s talked of recentering the church on helping the poor, and of de-emphasizing divisive social topics.

He’s also been back and forth on some hot-button issues. For example: He’s reaffirmed the church’s unwillingness, he says, to ordain women as priests, but he’s also suggested a greater role for women in the church. He’s condemned same-sex marriage, but also hinted at support for civil unions and spoken of tolerance for gays.

“I think he has certainly reinvigorated interest in Catholicism and the Catholic community in general,” said Thomas Groome, professor of theology at Boston College. “He’s been a breath of fresh air, really. Some people say it’s just stylistic, but if you’re the pope, style is substance.”

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New Vision Or Just New Style? Boston Catholics Reflect On The Church Under Francis (Original Post) cbayer Jun 2014 OP
Style isn't substance edhopper Jun 2014 #1
That's why I have a wait and see attitude. cbayer Jun 2014 #2
"Back and forth on hot button issues"? skepticscott Jun 2014 #3

edhopper

(33,164 posts)
1. Style isn't substance
Fri Jun 27, 2014, 09:26 AM
Jun 2014

until you do something substantial.
What are the substantial changes Francis has made?

cbayer

(146,218 posts)
2. That's why I have a wait and see attitude.
Fri Jun 27, 2014, 09:39 AM
Jun 2014

I'm liking some of the style, but recognize that substance is going to be much harder.

I am particularly interested to see what comes out of this fall's conference on the family.

And, FWIW, I think he has done some substantial things in terms of the inner workings of the vatican, particularly when it comes to their finances. This may have had to be done before he could approach other issues, but I'm not sure.

 

skepticscott

(13,029 posts)
3. "Back and forth on hot button issues"?
Fri Jun 27, 2014, 01:04 PM
Jun 2014

Um...no. His actual position on "hot button" issues has not varied one whit, and is perfectly in line with RCC doctrine. These two hacks are simply being willfully ignorant in mistaking PR sound bytes for anything real or meaningful. But they're doing a great job at being just the kind of puppets the Vatican wants.

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