Has a new Pope been elected or a new political leader of some type? The Pope certainly wields the power of a head of state. He is much more than a religious leader, the leader of the Roman Catholic church. Everyone in the known world is aware of that. That has been the case since Saint Peter. I'm no theologian, no expert on the Catholic church and its' history, and much of what I think could be debated, possibly disproven or simply not accurate. I compose these blogs without doing extensive research, after all I'm not writing a thesis on any of this, just offering my opinion. I do not feel any obligation to "fact check" anything I'm saying, you are welcome to do that should you feel it necessary. In fact, I think it is a good thing when you do, at least you are thinking about what I wrote, even if only to contradict me. That's where discussions should begin.
The first Pope in history that was born in America. That is certainly a significant thing, a reflection perhaps of a shift in global politics. Is America becoming more like the "old country" we have all heard stories about. Nations that have existed for hundreds of years, but not as Republics, as various other forms of government. Are we losing the American Republic? There was a deep concern about just that back in 1960 with the election of John F Kennedy. He was a Catholic!
Yes, the concern was that Kennedy would follow the directives of the Pope. At the time it was Pope John XXIII and he was known for reform. In short, he embraced liberal views and many non-Catholics in America were concerned about that. What if Kennedy started changing our laws to align with the views of the Catholic church? You know, you have to keep an eye on those Catholics! Remember Martin Luther wrote 95 these in opposition to the Catholic church. Yes, there was a prejudice against Catholics, just as there are prejudices against the Jews and Muslims today. I don't believe we have a problem with Trump however, he will not be swayed one way of another. Thing is, this Pope is only 69 years old, quite young, and will be in office long after Trump is gone.
As a protestant I view the Pope more as a political leader than a religious one. I do not believe he is a descendant of Saint Peter or has any divine powers or whatever. He is just a man like all others, albeit a man with tremendous power and responsibility. His profession is being the political leader/arm of a religious order. A man that has been elected to lead that group into the future. The church itself is facing many challenges in this new world. It has come under attack and close scrutiny. The true reason for that is because of the wealth and political power of that group. That hasn't changed one bit over the centuries. Remember when the Pope ordered the arrest of the Templars? Why was that? Wealth and Power is the answer and an allegiance with the King of France. It was a win-win.
I expect this new Pope will make some changes to the policies. Is he a DEI hire? Well, that remains to be seen. I don't mean any of this in a disparaging way, just personal observations and opinion. The movement toward what I have called "a more convenient faith" has been an ongoing thing and will continue. Will we see Priests getting married and female cardinals? I think so. I remember when Catholics weren't supposed to eat meat on Friday. The church doesn't recognize civil divorces because the state can not undo what God has done. You have to get an annulment from the church for that to be valid. If you don't, you can't participate in certain sacraments. That could change, if it hasn't already. Currently the church opposes same sex marriages but will bless them, something I find rather confusing from a religious standpoint but understandable in the political arena.
I don't believe whatever the Pope does will have any great effect on my life. I understand how important he is to the millions of Catholics around the globe. I can see changes in the doctrines and practices will effect Catholics. It is always difficult when the old traditions, beliefs or ways are challenged or changed in any way. I have been to church where their was a woman minister, wearing a collar, and it didn't feel right to me. I can offer no valid reason why they shouldn't but that feeling remains. I've seen people in church wearing shorts, crop tops and flip-flops. Doesn't seem right to me. What will this Pope do? Is he liberal or conservative? He is one or the other, regardless of anything anyone has to say.
He's just a man like all of us and believes what he believes. As Pope he can not change doctrine. His role is to preserve, protect and offer clarity to those doctrines. I have read that Catholics believe the Pope, when speaking from the chair (ex-cathedra) is infallible. But that infallibility only applies to matters of faith and morals. It's about discipline. He can change practices that do not contradict doctrine. It's a very fine line in my opinion and one I really don't have a good understanding of. Sounds like a bunch of political double talk to me. But, that is the concern of those calling themselves Catholics. He is Pope number two hundred and sixty seven. It is up to him to carry that faith forward, it's a big job. May God Bless and guide him. An American pope. The times they are a'changin'.
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