It's often forgotten that he had an antigay past. But as political as he was spiritual, he saw where things were going. That also helps explain lapses even in recent times.
The movie is really good. I grew up catholic (I tell everyone I’m a recovered catholic now agnostic) and it was likely as close as we will ever get to see how a conclave works. The politics of who got the nod was fascinating.
Fascinating background on Francis. A true study in political and moral tightrope walking. I was raised Catholic (but not hardcore) and always found Ratzinger appalling—an ideologue masquerading as a shepherd. Francis’ balancing act, while imperfect, felt at least sincere—unlike Ratzinger, who came off as a bitter, small-souled cleric entirely unworthy of the role.
Michelangelo, thanks for the dive—it was enlightening. Here's hoping Francis' nuanced approach paves the way for a successor who champions servant leadership over culture war crusades. We certainly do not need another Ratzinger right now.
I do feel bad that one of the last people Poor Pope Francis saw alive was that heretic JD Fucking Vance. 🤮 Speaking of that hollow husk of performative piety, I couldn’t help but notice the cosmic irony: Francis dies a day after meeting Vance. Obviously kidding—but truly, Vance’s smug, smarmy brand of self-righteousness is exhausting. He’s not fooling anyone with his pseudo-devout act.
Thank you Nella, and yes, JD Vance being the last person you see! But Francis got the last laugh, going out and giving his sermon speaking out against the attacks on migrants.
Stress is a killer and that had to be stressful for an already debilitated individual. Shows the selfishness of JDV and this administration-a photo op.
Not being a Catholic, my great aunt was a nun and experienced Nazi Germany at a young age, so I have an opinion, and in that humble way I will say that I think Francis did more to accept that gay people exist both inside and outside the Church, while leading with humility. May he rest in peace.
There will be, behind the Vatican walls, a viscous fight by the ultra conservative members of the Opus Dei to insert a “conservative” Pope. Unfortunately, Pope Francis was very aware of the dangers of living within the Vatican walls, thus he chose to live outside the walls to lessen his exposure to the ultra - right winged Pontiff staff.
Like President Johnson when he was running for Senate, regarding civil rights and President Carter, when he had to run for governor of Georgia against civil rights, Pope Francis had to make statements he did not believe.
LBJ was supportive of African-Americans and Latinos from his earliest days. I love the picture of him as a 20-year-old teacher with a bunch of Latino kids.
He knew that he could not become senator from Texas in the Jim Crow South on a pro right agenda. He needed to have power.
In fact, when the great civil rights hero, James Farmer asked him about it in the office. He stated instantly that he would “quote a friend of yours. You will instantly recognize it! ‘Free at last free at last thank G-d Almighty I am free at last!”’
Pope Francis worked in incredible ways with the framework he was in, both before and during his tenure as pontiff. I am hoping--praying, actually, as I have found myself to be doing more and more in the last few years as a certain Annoying Orange has risen to power twice--that the conclave finds the path to a more progressive or, at least, moderate continuation of Francis's legacy reminding Catholics worldwide that the core of the Catholic Church (and any church, really) is actually supposed to be loving each other and doing good for others instead of trying to be harm others. I'm hoping that his legacy gets to continue, as does the love he attempted to encourage in others. I haven't been an active Catholic since my Confirmation (I kind of grew up in a straight-to-lapsed pipeline outside of doing church choir for a few years) but the last few years I started following some priests online who actually give me hope for the church again.
There is the issue of empty pews and closing Catholic churches around the United States.
Hard line conservatism had not reversed this trend prior to Francis. I am not sure if Francis' more inclusive years has helped draw more people to services either.
We need a progressive Pope. We are submerged in right-wing b.s. and need some leader, like the Pope, to speak out for LGBT, women and DEI.
We’re living through a real life “Conclave”. Let’s hope they pick a Benitez and not a Tedesco.
I'm just starting to read the book, but maybe I should check out the movie first anyways.
The movie is really good. I grew up catholic (I tell everyone I’m a recovered catholic now agnostic) and it was likely as close as we will ever get to see how a conclave works. The politics of who got the nod was fascinating.
The movie was good. Great actors!
Fascinating background on Francis. A true study in political and moral tightrope walking. I was raised Catholic (but not hardcore) and always found Ratzinger appalling—an ideologue masquerading as a shepherd. Francis’ balancing act, while imperfect, felt at least sincere—unlike Ratzinger, who came off as a bitter, small-souled cleric entirely unworthy of the role.
Michelangelo, thanks for the dive—it was enlightening. Here's hoping Francis' nuanced approach paves the way for a successor who champions servant leadership over culture war crusades. We certainly do not need another Ratzinger right now.
I do feel bad that one of the last people Poor Pope Francis saw alive was that heretic JD Fucking Vance. 🤮 Speaking of that hollow husk of performative piety, I couldn’t help but notice the cosmic irony: Francis dies a day after meeting Vance. Obviously kidding—but truly, Vance’s smug, smarmy brand of self-righteousness is exhausting. He’s not fooling anyone with his pseudo-devout act.
Thank you Nella, and yes, JD Vance being the last person you see! But Francis got the last laugh, going out and giving his sermon speaking out against the attacks on migrants.
Yes he did! I love that!!!
The stress of having to give a photo op to JDV might have caused the Pope’s fatal health issue.
LOL right? Poor man!
Stress is a killer and that had to be stressful for an already debilitated individual. Shows the selfishness of JDV and this administration-a photo op.
Not being a Catholic, my great aunt was a nun and experienced Nazi Germany at a young age, so I have an opinion, and in that humble way I will say that I think Francis did more to accept that gay people exist both inside and outside the Church, while leading with humility. May he rest in peace.
There will be, behind the Vatican walls, a viscous fight by the ultra conservative members of the Opus Dei to insert a “conservative” Pope. Unfortunately, Pope Francis was very aware of the dangers of living within the Vatican walls, thus he chose to live outside the walls to lessen his exposure to the ultra - right winged Pontiff staff.
Like President Johnson when he was running for Senate, regarding civil rights and President Carter, when he had to run for governor of Georgia against civil rights, Pope Francis had to make statements he did not believe.
LBJ was supportive of African-Americans and Latinos from his earliest days. I love the picture of him as a 20-year-old teacher with a bunch of Latino kids.
He knew that he could not become senator from Texas in the Jim Crow South on a pro right agenda. He needed to have power.
In fact, when the great civil rights hero, James Farmer asked him about it in the office. He stated instantly that he would “quote a friend of yours. You will instantly recognize it! ‘Free at last free at last thank G-d Almighty I am free at last!”’
Pope Francis worked in incredible ways with the framework he was in, both before and during his tenure as pontiff. I am hoping--praying, actually, as I have found myself to be doing more and more in the last few years as a certain Annoying Orange has risen to power twice--that the conclave finds the path to a more progressive or, at least, moderate continuation of Francis's legacy reminding Catholics worldwide that the core of the Catholic Church (and any church, really) is actually supposed to be loving each other and doing good for others instead of trying to be harm others. I'm hoping that his legacy gets to continue, as does the love he attempted to encourage in others. I haven't been an active Catholic since my Confirmation (I kind of grew up in a straight-to-lapsed pipeline outside of doing church choir for a few years) but the last few years I started following some priests online who actually give me hope for the church again.
There is the issue of empty pews and closing Catholic churches around the United States.
Hard line conservatism had not reversed this trend prior to Francis. I am not sure if Francis' more inclusive years has helped draw more people to services either.
The church faces some tough decisions.
https://open-for-business.org/special-focus-common-ground-report