Art by Sacha Irick
Once more proving his utter unconventionality in terms of his papacy, Pope Francis has startled members of the Catholic Church by voicing strong statements on the issues of homosexuality, abortion and contraception. In an interview with the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, editor of the Italian Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica, the newly elected pope became exceedingly candid and astonishingly honest on such hot-button issues. Shaking the rock on which the church was built, Pope Francis explained how the church’s sudden “obsession” with these few issues surpassed the Gospel’s overall message of love, redefining how the downfalls of such moral problems should be shared with the world.
Pope Francis continues to ensure that the church’s position on homosexuality has not changed; rather that the church still officially upholds the idea that homosexuality and gay marriage is wrong based on Jesus’ teachings. Although this principle is set, the interpretation and implementation for such modern dilemmas needs alteration. The pope essentially asserted that the church’s unacceptance is unacceptable. Drawing harsh lines in the sand that separate the core beliefs of the Catholic Church from the rest of the world excludes a multitude of people and ultimately conveys a message of judgment and conviction instead of the love displayed by Jesus. While some may argue that the pope’s comments indicate an impending shift in the church’s positions, I disagree. I believe that the church will never conform to the opinion of the times; rather, they will only change how they relay the opinion.
Identifying with the notion of love that transcends the ashes of intentional denunciation and exclusion, I wholly approve and appreciate the pope’s current thoughts. I perceive this subtle and gentle tweak of doctrinal application as healthy for the Catholic community and ultimately the world. We need to comprehend the message of love before our hearts are ready to accept such harsh realities. In an ever-adapting societal makeup, the issue of homosexuality comes up more and more often. As the people adapt, so too should the church’s ability to relay its message.
The church has become so stuck on these three issues that the loud voice of condemnation has made the quiet, meek voice of compassion inaudible. This should not be the case. The pope rightfully feels that the church needs to be an empathetic, affectionate rock that possesses strong views but does not shove them down the public’s throat. This position is appealing to me, someone who appreciates demonstrating the love of the Gospel before the quintessential “fire and brimstone” spiel.
Pope Francis regretfully admits that the message of God’s redeeming love never survives across enemy lines as the church is mostly branded as the source of judgment, seared with the tattoo of hate. The church’s position on homosexuality is obvious and intrinsic to its being. If this is true, why then must the church insist on constantly replaying that perspective? The pope continues to insist that the body of the church needs to change from being an exclusive elite to an assembly of sinners who are all equally loved by God, stating in his interview with Spadaro: “This church with which we should be thinking is the home of all, not a small chapel that can hold only a small group of selected people.”
If the absence of compassion continues, Pope Francis fears the symbolic collapse of the church. He contends that a new balance has to be found because the current modus operandi of preaching the Gospel is ineffective. He believes that the position of the Catholic Church on homosexuality, contraception and abortion is absolute, but asserts that the obsession with these topics must decrease to reach all people with the Gospel and address more important concerns. The prevalence of these three subjects in present day America means that they are applicable to everyone. I am a woman, so abortion and contraception are issues to which I can relate, and especially in the 21st century most people know at least one homosexual. These ideas function as controversial topics in society and should ultimately be left to legislative bodies to decide the rules around them. The church’s stance only truly affects practicing Catholics. However, the way the church expresses this stance impacts everyone. The church has to tread carefully because these are touchy topics for many. I agree with the pope in the sense that if they fail to incorporate love into their position, a major rift in the relationship between the church and people will result.
Entirely rejecting the platforms of his predecessors, Pope Francis indirectly labels himself as “the liberal pope” through such assertions. The Catholic Church has grown accustomed to the dogmas of popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, who tended to lean conservatively on the spectrum of Catholic principles. This explains the widespread shock at the pope’s splash of cold water in the face of Catholicism. Raised as a Protestant Christian attending Catholic school, I am familiar with the practices of the faith. I understand the reaction of the older, practicing generation of Catholics because they were raised on the foundation that homosexuality is wrong and the people who commit this sin will be judged. I foresee the younger members of the church to be more accepting of the pope’s comments. It is important to ponder the future of the Catholic community.
What does this mean for members of the church? Although startled by the initial impact of Pope Francis’ reformative words, members of the Catholic Church have predominantly reacted favorably to his intent, according to a Pew Research survey from March. It will grant liberal members of the church a sense of peace and greater acceptance, as they can see a small crack of hope in the heavy door of decision. Despite the fact that the beliefs remain the same, progressive members of the church will feel a renewed sense of love due to the way those beliefs are being transmitted. However, the minority might express its discontent and displeasure by arguing that his approach creates a severe disparity in Catholic thought as the gap between straight-laced, traditionalist Catholics and more progressive believers grows. This will be exhibited mostly in the U.S. as Catholics in positions of authority utilize these issues central to their beliefs in their teachings.
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As published in the Sept. 26 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
