There is always a media circus surrounding the selection of a new pope, but it’s a shame that so much of that attention wanes once he’s been chosen. It’s likely that most Americans have heard about Pope Francis’ appointment to the head of the Catholic Church, but far fewer know about his dramatic breaks from traditional Catholic doctrine since he came to power.
In fact, everyone should be informed about Pope Francis because he seems poised to alter some of the most enduring fixtures of modern Catholicism.
Pope Francis seemed conservative enough at the time of his appointment, but his comments on issues like homosexuality, atheism, wealth and nontraditional families set him apart from the Catholic norm. Francis may be considered a “red letter” Christian; that is to say, he prioritizes Christ’s message of compassion over doctrines of condemnation.
This is exemplified by Francis’ recent comments on homosexual priests. “If they accept the Lord and have good will, who am I to judge them?” Francis told a news conference on Monday. “They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency [to homosexuality] is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”
This is a far cry from the attitude of Pope Benedict, Francis’ predecessor, who said in a Christmas speech that homosexuality was destroying “the very essence of the human creature.”
Surprisingly, Francis’ lack of judgment of gay priests isn’t his most divisive belief. In May, Francis implied that it is possible for atheists to do good and be redeemed in the eyes of God, touching off a firestorm of controversy and leading to a quasi-denouncement by church officials.
Francis has also condoned the use of contraceptives to prevent disease; offered his support to unwed mothers; condemned unchecked capitalism and lavish displays of wealth; and apologized for his predecessor’s hostility to the Muslim world.
While these stances don’t actually contradict Catholic doctrine, they fly in the face of Catholic tradition. And in this case, they may help preserve the church’s place in an increasingly modern world.
The fact of the matter is that worldwide and especially in the United States, individual opinion is shifting from Catholic doctrine. On social issues like gay marriage, the church has lagged behind the general population for decades. In many affluent countries, this is leading to slowed growth in the church compared to other belief systems.
By focusing on Christ’s doctrine of compassion, Francis has accomplished two things. First, he has de-emphasized some of the most controversial and divisive elements of the Catholic religion. And second, he has brought public attention to the parts of Catholicism that are most beneficial to society: namely, altruism and service.
Francis has been the subject of some hostility from church officials because of his unorthodox views. But in the long run, I don’t see how he can hurt Catholicism by emphasizing the good they accomplish, rather than the people they condemn.
Nathan James is a junior majoring in public relations.
