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Faith

What Simple Act Did Pope Francis Do Today That Has Everyone Buzzing?

Mar. 14, 2013 12:08pm

VATICAN CITY (TheBlaze/AP) — The world is still buzzing about Pope Francis — the Catholic Church’s new pontiff (read TheBlaze’s biography on him here). On Thursday, he created even more intrigue, as he put his humility on display during his first day as pope. Francis stopped by his hotel to pick up his luggage and pay the bill himself, showcasing a decidedly different style of papacy than his tradition-minded predecessor, who tended to stay ensconced in the frescoed halls of the Vatican.

The break from Benedict XVI’s pontificate was evident even in Francis’ wardrobe choices: He kept the simple pectoral cross of his days as bishop and eschewed the red cape that Benedict wore when he was presented to the world for the first time in 2005 — choosing instead the simple white cassock of the papacy.

The Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi acknowledged the difference in style, attributing it to Francis’ life work as the pastor of Buenos Aires whereas Benedict was long an academic. He said it was too early to make a “profound evaluation” of Francis’ priorities, urging instead reflection on his first few homilies — particularly at his installation Mass on Tuesday.

Pope Francis Stops By Hotel to Pay Bill, Get Luggage and Greet Staff Himself

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis puts flowers on the altar inside St. Mary Major Basilica, in Rome, Thursday, March 14, 2014. Credit: AP

The former Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio began his first day as pope making an early morning visit in a simple Vatican car to a Roman basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary and prayed before an icon of the Madonna.

He had told a crowd of some 100,000 people packed in rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square just after his election that he intended to pray to the Madonna “that she may watch over all of Rome.”

He also told cardinals he would call on retired Pope Benedict XVI, but the Vatican said the visit wouldn’t take place for a few days.

The main item on Francis’ agenda Thursday was an inaugural afternoon Mass in the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals elected him leader of the 1.2 billion-strong church in an unusually quick conclave.

Francis is expected to outline some of his priorities as pope in the homily. Lombardi said it would likely be delivered in Italian, another break from the traditional-minded Benedict whose first homily as pope was in Latin.

Francis, the first Jesuit pope and first non-European since the Middle Ages, decided to call himself Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, the humble friar who dedicated his life to helping the poor.

The new pope, known for his work with the poor in Buenos Aires’ slums, immediately charmed the crowd in St. Peter’s, which roared when his name was announced and roared again when he emerged on the loggia of the basilica with a simple and familiar: “Brothers and sisters, good evening.”

Pope Francis Stops By Hotel to Pay Bill, Get Luggage and Greet Staff Himself

In this photo provided by the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis kneels in prayer in front of the icon of the Virgin Mary inside St. Mary Major Basilica, in Rome, Thursday, March 14, 2014. Credit: AP 

By Thursday morning, members of his flock were similarly charmed when Francis stopped by the Vatican-owned residence where he routinely stays during visits to Rome and where he stayed before the start of the conclave to pick up his luggage and pay the bill.

The Rev. Pawel Rytel-Andrianek, who teaches at the nearby Pontifical Holy Cross University and is staying at the residence, said he didn’t just come to get his luggage, noting that anyone could have come to get his suitcases.

“He wanted to come here because he wanted to thank the personnel, people who work in this house,” he said. Francis met with the staff in the dining room. “He greeted them one by one, no rush, the whole staff, one by one,” Rytel-Andrianek said, noting that the pope knew everyone by name.

“People say that he never in these 20 years asked for a (Vatican) car,” he said. “Even when he went for the conclave with a priest from his diocese, he just walked out to the main road, he picked up a taxi and went to the conclave. So very simple for a future pope.”

Benedict displayed that same sense of simplicity and humility immediately after his election, shunning the special sedan that was to transport him to the hotel so he could ride on the bus with other cardinals, and refusing even an elevated platform from which he would greet them, according to U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

“He met with us on our own level,” Dolan said.

“I think we’re going to see a call to Gospel simplicity,” said U.S. Cardinal Donald Wuerl. “He is by all accounts a very gentle but firm, very loving but fearless, a very pastoral and caring person ideal for the challenges today.”

During dinner, Francis, however, acknowledged the daunting nature of those challenges in a few words addressed to the cardinal electors: “`May God forgive you for what you have done,’” Francis said, according to Lombardi.

The 76-year-old Bergoglio, said to have finished second when Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005, was chosen on just the fifth ballot to replace the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.

Pope Francis Stops By Hotel to Pay Bill, Get Luggage and Greet Staff Himself

Argentina’s cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, elected Pope Francis I (C) addresses the crowd on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica’s after being elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on March 13, 2013 at the Vatican. Argentina’s Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope Francis on Wednesday, becoming the first Latin American pontiff in an astonishing decision that raises hopes of greater openness for the troubled Catholic Church. Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Francis urged the crowd to pray for Benedict and immediately after his election spoke by phone with the retired pope, who has been living at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo south of Rome. A visit to Benedict would be significant because Benedict’s resignation has raised concerns about potential power conflicts emerging from the peculiar situation of having a reigning pope and a retired one.

Benedict’s longtime aide, Monsignor Georg Gaenswein, accompanied Francis to the visit Thursday morning at St. Mary Major. In addition to being Benedict’s secretary, Gaenswein is also the prefect of the papal household and will be arranging the new pope’s schedule.

Like many Latin American Catholics, Francis has a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his visit to the basilica was a reflection of that. He prayed before a Byzantine icon of Mary and the infant Jesus, the Protectress of the Roman People.

“He had a great devotion to this icon of Mary and every time he comes from Argentina he visits this basilica,” said one of the priests at the basilica, the Rev. Elio Montenero. “We were surprised today because did not announce his visit.”

He then also went into the main altar area of the basilica and prayed before relics of the manger in Bethlehem where Jesus is said to have been born – an important pilgrimage spot for Jesuits

Francis’ election elated Latin America, home to 40 percent of the world’s Catholics which has nevertheless long been underrepresented in the church leadership. On Wednesday, drivers honked their horns in the streets of Buenos Aires and television announcers screamed with elation at the news.

Cardinal Thomas Collins, the archbishop of Toronto, said the cardinals clearly chose Francis because he was simply “the best person to lead the church.”

“I can’t speak for all the cardinals but I think you see what a wonderful pope he is,” he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “He’s just a very loving, wonderful guy. We just came to appreciate the tremendous gifts he has. He’s much beloved in his diocese in Argentina. He has a great pastoral history of serving people.”

The new pontiff brings a common touch. The son of middle-class Italian immigrants, he denied himself the luxuries that previous cardinals in Buenos Aires enjoyed. He lived in a simple apartment, often rode the bus to work, cooked his own meals and regularly visited slums that ring Argentina’s capital.

“If he brings that same desire for a simple lifestyle to the papal court, I think they are all going to be in shock,” said the Rev. Thomas Reese, author of “Inside the Vatican,” an authoritative book on the Vatican bureaucracy. “This may not be a man who wants to wear silk and furs.”

Francis considers social outreach, rather than doctrinal battles, to be the essential business of the church.

As the 266th pope, Francis inherits a Catholic church in turmoil, beset by the clerical sex abuse scandal, internal divisions and dwindling numbers in parts of the world where Christianity had been strong for centuries.

While Latin America is still very Catholic, it has faced competition from aggressive evangelical churches that have chipped away at strongholds like Brazil, where the number of Catholics has dropped from 74 percent of the population in 2000 to 65 percent today. Like Europe, secularism has also taken hold: more and more people simply no longer identify themselves with any organized religion.

Francis also inherits a Vatican bureaucracy in need of sore reform. The leaks of papal documents last year exposed the petty turf battles and allegations of corruption in the Holy See administration.

One of his most important and watched appointments will be that of his secretary of state, who effectively runs the Holy See. Lombardi said Francis, like his predecessors, would probably confirm all Vatican officials in their jobs for the time being, and make changes at a later date

 

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Comments (108)

1 2
  • ihasa
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:37pm

    I’m not a Catholic. Hey I’m not even religious. But i am optimistic about this new pope, if he wishes to cut through some of that silly Vatican pomp.

    Report this comment

    ihasa  
  • sacwoodpusher
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:10pm

    I’m not Catholic, but I like the simplicity that this pope is carrying about. I have, however, been an executive…….When he discovers that he does not have enough time to do everything that needs done, NO MATTER HOW HARD HE WORKS, he is going to have to give up doing some things for himself. To be effective, he MUST. It took me 20 years of growth to adjust to the life of an executive. I hope he masters it, because if he doesn’t, the job will kill him.

    Report this comment

    sacwoodpusher  
    • Dean1964
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:47am

      You are right…he has a 24/7 role as Pope and I pray that he will be able to allow others to do things for him.

      Report this comment

      Dean1964  
  • NILAP
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:12pm

    The Mormon Faith teaches that there is our Father AND Mother in Heaven but that prayers should be directed only to the Father and that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are separate Beings. I like this knowing that we have a Mother and Father in Heaven, that God is the Holy Parents.

    Report this comment

    NILAP  
  • jnk2
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:15pm

    @ MCSLEDGE – I can appreciate most of your comments, however you stated “Gonzo – Didn’t Christ teach His Apostles to pray unto the Father in His name? Where are you getting this pray unto Christ info. Christ is not the Father and the Father is not Christ. Christ made this clear and it is written in black and white in the Bible.”
    Jesus said in John 10:30 “I and my father are one”. He also said in John 14 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?”
    The Bible says that God is a Spirit, he is immortal, he is invisible and no has seen Him at anytime. In order for God to come to earth and die, he had to become visible and mortal. He robed himself in flesh in the form of Jesus, but they are one and the same.
    Also read John 3:16 and then read I John 3:16. If God and Jesus are one, then those scriptures agree.
    Also see II Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9
    God Bless!

    Report this comment

    jnk2  
  • Slowman101
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:24pm

    I was no real fan of Pope Benedict. I am cautiously optimistic about our new Pope. He seems to be off to a good start, lets see what happens in the next few months.

    Report this comment

    Slowman101  
    • 1389AD
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:14pm

      I am very interested to see what will happen on Tuesday.

      Report this comment

      1389AD  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:44pm

      Pope Francis will do the same thing the last 2 Popes did.

      If he meets with Biden in person, he will privately tell him we are all sinner. No one is without fault. And he will stress the importants of protecting the most innocent among us.

      Don’t expect the Pope to walk over and wack Biden over the head.
      The Church does not proform a ceremony to excommunicate people.
      You basically excommunicate yourself. If you are not “in communion” with the Church the you are excommunicated.

      Biden knows not to receive communion, he’s already been told several times.
      At Ted Kenedy’s funeral mass he did not even process up to the alter.

      Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see Biden walk to the front and get a hand across the face and told to go sit down. But I don’t think that will happen.

      Report this comment

      by faith  
  • lessoneleg
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:21pm

    He stupidly put himself into harms way proving “his” point that he can remain intertwined with the public.
    No pal, Mr.Pope. You cannot do what you have done. Every dirt bag whack job like John Hinkley or a Muslim jihadist out to rid the world of a leading Christian leader will be waiting 24 hours per day to take out the Pontif.
    You got away with this one. But guarantee in the future some nut job or Radical Islamist will be waiting for their 15 minutes of fame. The Pope elect must be more prudent or he will not get off so lucky.

    Report this comment

    lessoneleg  
  • media-bias-steals-elections
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:09pm

    Yes its remarkable, not that he is against car ownership, but that part of his job is to talk to the taxi driver, talk to people on the bus, and connect with people?

    Americans will always be wary of those who are part of an establishment of religion, sometimes religion is welcomed, sometimes it is ignored, I believe it is written somewhere, to paraphrase, each will have his reward?

    Report this comment

    media-bias-steals-elections  
  • battles
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:50pm

    The pope had better hope that there are not any Russian assassins around!
    ‘Those Who Ignore The Lessons Of History Are Doomed To Repeat Them’

    Report this comment

    battles  
  • balij
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:33pm

    Some Important Things to Know about Pope Francis

    1. Francis opposes same-sex marriage and abortion

    2. Francis clashed with the government of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner over his opposition to gay marriage and free distribution of contraceptives.

    More Important facts about Pope Francis are at

    http://wallstnews.blogspot.com/2013/03/pope-francis.html

    Report this comment

    balij  
    • cbotrader
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:29pm

      Do you understand that these things are in keeping with our faith……your point is that since the Pope does not agree with you…he needs to change.

      You do NOT have to be a Roman Catholic. If you do not agree with its principles, you are free to join another church….but PLEASE do not try to change us!

      Report this comment

      cbotrader  
    • freedom_gurl35
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:05pm

      And so he should, as the pope is the head of the Catholic Church, whose believes oppose all these things. Christianity, in general, opposes these things.

      Report this comment

      freedom_gurl35  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:22pm

    He had told a crowd of some 100,000 people packed in rain-soaked St. Peter’s Square just after his election that he intended to pray to the Madonna “that she may watch over all of Rome.”

    ——-
    Mary was mortal. Mary married Joseph and had additional children. Mary sinned like all of us. Mary was not God.

    Christ gained his immortality and power from His Father. He gained his mortality and frailty from His mother. Mary was blessed to serve the role she played, but even she could not save herself.

    God does not inspire anyone to pray to anyone else but Himself in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. This has been stated emphatically in the Bible.

    I wish the Leader of the Catholic Church all the best. But one cannot overlook this fundamental flaw in worship which opposes God and Christ’s teachings.

    Report this comment

    mcsledge  
    • kcm285
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:03pm

      I think you don’t understand that when catholics pray to the Blessed Mother or to the Saints, they are praying FOR their intercession on our behalf to Our Lord.

      Report this comment

      kcm285  
    • Dudley Do-Right
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:05pm

      Every single word is right from scripture!

      Hail Mary, full of grace.
      The Lord is with thee.

      (Luke 1:28)

      Blessed are you AMONG WOMEN and
      blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
      (Right there we are affirming her humanity)

      (Luke 1:42)

      Holy Mary, Mother of God.

      (Luke 1:43)

      Pray for us sinners,
      now and at the hour of are death.

      (Luke 6:27-36)

      Report this comment

      Dudley Do-Right  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:14pm

      kcm285 – there is only one Mediator with the Father and that is Christ. No man or woman who has lived on this earth (besided Christ) can save themself or save aother).

      No where in the Bible does Christ teach anyone to pray unto Adam, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Mary, etc.

      Paul taught that there would be a falling away before Christ came again. Your proving his point with your argument.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • WhiteFang
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:37pm

      mcsledge,

      You are accurate in you statements here, in this thread.

      Report this comment

      WhiteFang  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:51pm

      Dear MCSLEDGE,

      Thank you for such a respectful post. I really appreciate the fraternal tone and the good will of your post. I just will like to clarify some points which I hope that at the very least might help you understand the Catholic faith better.

      Yes, our blessed Mother Mary was mortal and she needed a savior just like all of us, as we read from Luke 1:46-48:

      “And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.”

      However we believe as many other protestant believe that Mary as a special and unique role in the history of salvation. She is Jesus mama! The reverence that we give Mary only reflects the monumental importance of Christ in our salvation. We don’t worship Mary. To do so would be a grievous sin. We do ask her and the saints in heaven to pray for us. As Christian we believe that we are called to pray for one another (1 Timothy 2:1-15) but also we believe as St. Paul teaches that neither death or principalities can separate us form God (paraphrasing Romans 8:38) and therefore we know that once in heaven we will be even closer to God and able to intercede and pray for those that are here on earth as John describes in Revelation 5:8. To pray is not to worship. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as introducing a question, request or plea.

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:52pm

      I understand your perspective on this and I doubt that I can completely clarify the position of the Catholic faith in such a format but I hope this helps a little bit concerning praying to Mary.

      The theology of Mary immaculate conception and sinless life is not only scriptural but also deeply rooted in the study of typology of the Old and New testaments. Scripture tell us that the Ark of the Covenant carried the word of God (Commandments), the Aaron’s rod (symbol of the priesthood) and the manna from the desert. We believe that the Virgin Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant that carried with her the Word of God made Flesh (John 1:1), the High Priest (Hebrew 9:11) and the new Manna from Heaven (John 6:31) our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore it is expected that Marry like the Ark of the Covenant would remain undefiled and pure…This is no easy question to answer and our theology is far deeper and scriptural than what I am presenting here but I hope it give you a window as to why we believe the things that we believe in…There are people far better prepared than me to explain it. I would recommend you to search Patrick Madrid essay Any Friend of God is a Friend of Mine

      http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/any-friend-of-god-is-a-friend-of-mine

      or Time staples:

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6OwlfNwc9A

      Sorry for the long post…

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:57pm

      I meant Tim Staple :-)

      Also, if I pray for you would that make me a mediator between you and God? We acknowledge that there is only one mediator between God and us and that is our Lord Jesus Christ but we can also cooperate in his work…we can only reflect his light through our good works, we can only reflect the Grace he has given us, we can only reflect the love he has given us and it is through him and with him that we can participate in his body by praying for one another…my two cents on that…

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:17pm

      MCSLEDGE

      This is an oversimplified example, but stay with me on this.

      Let’s say you have a job.
      You know the boss is considering you and one other person for a promotion.
      You also know your boss loves and respects his mother. He truly lives out the commandment to honor your father and mother.
      You happen to go to a prayer group and one of your fellow members is your boss’s mother.
      You are not just two people in a group praying together, over the years you have become friends who often speak about many things.
      Would you not at some point ask your friend to put in a good word with your boss? She has no business dealing with his work, but she is vouching for your character.

      It’s the same with Mary.

      If Jesus is our brother (because we share the same Father) then Mary is our mother. There is one mediator between God and men, yes we agree. Jesus is both God and Man. Mary leads all men to her son. She is not equal to Jesus nor is she mediating to God the Father. Mary intercedes for man to a man(Jesus)

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:33pm

      Your version sounds rather tame compared to this:

      “The foundation of all our confidence is found in the Virgin Mary. God has committed to her the treasury of all good things, in order that everyone may know that through her are obtained every hope, every grace, and all salvation. For this is His will: that we obtain everything through Mary. Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation!” Pope Pius IX

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • bulldawg
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:58pm

      Sorry, but your comment that Mary had other Children, Show me where it says in the Bible Mary had other Children, Stop and think, would you as Joesph touch the woman who gave birth to our Savior?

      Report this comment

      bulldawg  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 10:21pm

      BULL, “Jesus’ brothers are mentioned in several Bible verses. Matthew 12:46, Luke 8:19, and Mark 3:31 say that Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. The Bible tells us that Jesus had four brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). The Bible also tells us that Jesus had sisters, but they are not named or numbered (Matthew 13:56). In John 7:1-10, His brothers go on to the festival while Jesus stays behind. In Acts 1:14, His brothers and mother are described as praying with the disciples. Galatians 1:19 mentions that James was Jesus’ brother. The most natural conclusion of these passages is to interpret that Jesus had actual blood half-siblings.” http://www.gotquestions.org/search.php?zoom_sort=0&zoom_query=mary+have+other+children&search.x=0&search.y=0

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • JakeDog
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:06pm

      So why then do people ask other people here on earth to please pray for them? Isn’t that the same thing? If Mary is in Heaven, and I don’t know many people who do not think that she isn’t, wouldn’t asking her to pray for you be reasonable? Isn’t she close to her son? Why do you think and Earthly pastor has the same standing?

      Report this comment

      JakeDog  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:08pm

      Praying to the dead is strictly forbidden in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:11. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between man and God. 1 Tim 2:5.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • Manukai1
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 12:54am

      Does anyone else find it fascinating how people who aren’t of a particular faith tell everyone else of that faith what they really believe…..How exactly does that work? That’s like going to a job interview and having the Interviewer tell you what qualifications you have, skills, and personality traits you’ve acquired over your life to be offered the job, without you saying a word.

      Report this comment

      Manukai1  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 2:51am

      I appreciate God’s gift of agency and man’s right to belief according to his/her conscience.

      I do believe that their is great benefit in praying for others. I believe that God may shed mercy and blessings on His sons and daughters because of the righteousness of His other sons and daughters. Prayer availeth much and I do pray for others.

      However, Christ taught His Apostles how to pray. He taught them to direct their prayers to the Father in His name.

      To those who would pray to others, I ask but one question. If the Father is the giver of all good gifts and has commanded man to build a relationship with him (including converse with him), why would you direct the desires of your heart to anyone other than the Father?

      Although we should fear offending God, we should never fear getting close to God. He is our Father. We are His offspring. We were created in His image. As Paul taught, Christ was the express (identical) image of His Father. He loves each of us and He pleads for us to reach out to Him.

      May the God of Heaven bless you all.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:08am

      Other
      What do you think your quote from Pope Pius IX proves?
      Through Mary the Savior came into the world so “through her are obtained every hope, every grace, and all salvation” Your hatred and bias is preventing you from seeing the truth.

      Once again you fail to respond to the statement and change the subject. Maybe you can threaten me with physical violence again.

      You often interject yourself into Catholic conversations with “your wisdom”. You seldom repsond to the actual topic at hand and you never tell us what you believe. It’s alway a misguided false interpretation of what you think Catholics believe. Why not focus on what we agree?

      BTW the four brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas in Matthew. All 4 are later shown to have different parents than Jesus. Maybe if you read what was in the Bible and not just see what you want to see. Why did Jesus give his mother to John at the foot of the cross if He had brothers and sisters who could take care of her? Did he forget?

      Prayers to the dead is in 2 Maccabees, Matthew, Revelations…
      MCSLEDGE
      Catholics do pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, through Mary his mother. All Prayer is ultimately pointed to God.
      I must ask you seem to separate Jesus and the Father. Do you not believe in the Trinity?

      Report this comment

      by faith  
  • The Third Archon
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:18pm

    “Like Europe, secularism has also taken hold: more and more people simply no longer identify themselves with any organized religion.”
    (1) That’s not actually secularism, that is irreligion–secularism is, and is ONLY, a belief about the proper relationship between ecclesiastic and political authority (namely that the two should be separate). Nothing more, nothing less. And despite what conservatives might lead one to believe, there actually ARE pro-secular theists (in fact, MOST American Christians are probably pro-secular–MOST Americans, including most American Christians, don’t WANT America to be a “Christian nation” in the sense of the term the theocratic elements of the Right mean it).
    (2) And yes, irreligion IS on the rise–and what a glorious future it is. Irreligion enjoys the advantage of being the natural position–we are all BORN atheists, and we are later TAUGHT religion. Religion, therefore, has to make an effort to sustain itself, whereas irreligion simply exists de facto in the absence of an imposition of religion. My guess is, the more democratic a society (i.e. the greater access to information the People have), the harder it is for religion to maintain its power base and sustain its continued existence. Which is of course why theocracy is so attractive to the zealots.

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    The Third Archon  
  • hi
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:08pm

    He said “pray to Madonna.” God says only to pray to HIm. Wake up.

    Report this comment

    hi  
    • Mojoron
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:28pm

      Don’t show your ignorance HI. How often do you ask someone to pray for you? How often do you pray to your dead grandmother or other dear relative for assistance? Mary IS the mother of God, don’t you think that Mary might pray for you if you asked? Try it.

      Report this comment

      Mojoron  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 3:03pm

      Mojoron – No, I don’t pray to anyone but God the Father as was demonstrated by Christ. Mary was the mother of the mortal Christ. She can no more help another obtain eternal life than she can help herself. Christ alone stands as the Savior of mankind. He is our Mediator with the Father.

      Christ is a God. He did not obtain this power from Mary. He obtained it from His Father.

      Those who pray to others are likely to be visited by others. I believe they like to be called ‘Legion’ for they are many.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • NHwinter
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:48pm

      mcsledge – At the wedding feast, Mary asked Jesus to turn the water into wine. He replied, it is not yet my time. But, He did it anyway. He loved His mother. Don’t you think He would still respond to her intercession now on behalf of someone. If He loved His mother, shouldn’t we also love her. Also, there is no proof Mary had more children. Brothers and cousins in the Bible were considered the same. Jesus was Divine and mortal at the same time. He said, if you know Me, you know the Father.

      Report this comment

      NHwinter  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:12pm

      MCSLEDGE

      You seem to be honestly searching for truth. Here is a Catholic view of Mary and those supposed other children.
      Catholic View
      “Your mother and brothers are here to see you”. Jesus said “who are my mother and brothers? Those who believe in me and follow me are my mother and brothers”. I am paraphrasing.
      The term “adelphi” that was used in aramic means “cousin or kinfolk”. It was a very common term used during this time. In fact, in the book of Tobit we see “this is my brother, Tobit” followed a few short sentences later with “have you met my cousin Tobit?”

      This interpretation of the meaning of the word “brothers” is supported by several other references in the gospels to these guys. For example, Matthew reports that watching Jesus on the cross from far away was amongst others, Mary the mother of James and Joses. This cannot be the same Mary, mother of Jesus as John 19:25 has her standing at the foot of the cross. There are other references in Mark and Acts to the people named as Jesus’ brothers, but in those they have different fathers, strongly indicating that they were not Jesus’ blood-brothers.
      But more significantly don’t you think it’s rather strange for Matthew and Mark to write “Mary the mother of James and Joses” instead of just Mary, Jesus’ mother seeing as the gospels are about Jesus and not his brothers?

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:18pm

      Also, John reports that when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved he said to his mother “Behold your son” and to that disciple “Behold your mother”. Now if Jesus had all those brothers and sisters it would have been extremely offensive and unusual in a culture where family and kinship ties were totally central for Jesus just to “give” his mother away like that. There’s no reason not to think that if Jesus actually had any actual brothers or sisters they would have been quite capable of looking after Mary.
      Another point is that if Jesus did have a number of brothers then it didn’t take years and years for them to be born. Yet 3-4 years after Jesus’ birth Matthew tells us Joseph took the child and his mother back to Egypt. Not children and their mother. Similarly Luke 2 has Jesus at the temple when he was 12 years old. It has his parents returning home while he stayed behind in the temple. Later when they come back to get him, Mary says “your father and I were anxiously looking for you”. No mention at all of any siblings. If he was still an only child at 12 then Mary and Joseph must have waited an awful long time to have more kids!
      It is plainly repugnant to the spirit if not the letter of the gospels to imply that Jesus had siblings. This is a case where ancient Church teaching definitely needs to be invoked to prevent blasphemy and heresy.

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      by faith  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:21pm

      These facts show that the question of whether Christ had siblings is not at all settled by the Bible as Protestants insist, and there is nothing contradictory between the Bible and the Catholic dogma of the perpetual virginity. In any case it’s only when this controversy comes up that Protestants ever talk about his siblings. For the rest of the time Jesus is treated as if he were an only child.

      In context the Bible verses mentioned can have only one meaning, since Mary was clearly Jesus’ mother and His other siblings were with her. If the generic term was meant then literally all believing men and friends of Jesus would be His brethren and all females in the same relation His sisters, which is the distinction He plainly draws.
      Jesus Himself in the gospel passages is clearly and plainly drawing a distinction between the earthly relationship of kinship and the spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood. Any other interpretation makes the dialogue utterly meaningless.

      Are you familiar with how Jesus actually died on the cross? When one was crucified, it caused extreme pressure on your chest and made breathing very difficult. You had to push up with your feet, which had a large nail thru them, to breath. This cause extreme pain. You basically suffocated as your strength gave out. With this in mind, one would come to the conclusion that if you wanted to speak, you would make sure that what you said was very important because of what you had to endure in order to speak.

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      by faith  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 5:26pm

      Jesus did speak from the cross. He said “woman”- which in that era was a term of endearment, “woman, behold your son”, then turning to His beloved disciple, He said “Behold your mother”. He then asked John to take her into his home to care for her. If Jesus had brothers, he would not and could not have done this. We would have also heard major dissent from his siblings over him saying this. There was none because there were no siblings. It was the custom and the law for the next oldest male to have taken in the mother to care for her, but Jesus asked John to do this as Jesus was an only child.

      And please don’t respond with “Joseph did not have relations with her until after the child was born.
      Since when does until mean the opposite happens after a given event occurs.
      By that “logic” how do you explain:
      Jesus said “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
      After the end of the age Jesus will leave us?

      Or if your loved one tells you “Until we meet again, I love you”
      Does she hate you after you meet again?

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:10pm

      @ByFaith

      Very well explained!

      BTW Christ is God not a God…

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:28pm

      Calab

      Keep up the good fight brother
      I pray all is well with you and your family

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:41pm

      Prayer is a form of worship; a devout petition or a spiritual communication reserved for God and God alone. Praying (petitioning, supplication, thanksgiving, etc.) to someone other than God, is idol worship, plain and simple.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 2:57am

      NHwinter – Christ is not the Father. God the Father has asked his children to call upon Him in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. Even Christ did not direct His Apostles to pray unto Him. He directed them to pray unto the Father in His name. They are two separate, distinct and glorified beings.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:10am

      Other
      By your definition, you have made the Bible an idol

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 7:03pm

      Thanks ByFaith!

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
  • NILAP
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:00pm

    The new Pope holds the same view as President Obama that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina as pointed out at Breitbart.com:

    http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/03/13/Falklanders-Overwhelmingly-Choose-To-Remain-British-Overseas-Territory

    Report this comment

    NILAP  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:52pm

    Hey, good time to move on to something important!

    Report this comment

    watashbuddyfriend  
  • Witness1974
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:48pm

    “he created even more intrigue, as he put his humility on display” This is a quote from the article. Does anyone else see a problem?

    Report this comment

    Witness1974  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:04pm

      There is a lot here that I, as a protestant, don’t understand. Like praying to Mary when you have Christ Himself to pray to. It is a big day for Catholics though and I hope this man does a good job.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:38pm

      Gonzo – Didn’t Christ teach His Apostles to pray unto the Father in His name? Where are you getting this pray unto Christ info. Christ is not the Father and the Father is not Christ. Christ made this clear and it is written in black and white in the Bible.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:29pm

      John 14:11
      Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me

      John 10:30
      The Father and I are one.

      “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” ( Mark 12:29)

      “I and the Father are one.” ( John 10:30)

      “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also.” ( John 14:6-7)

      But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working still, and I am still working.’ This was why the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. ( John 5:16-18)

      “Whoever hates me hates my Father also.” ( John 15:23)

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      by faith  
    • proliance
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:55pm

      Gonzo, just as you pray for your friends and family, Pope Francis is asking Mary to pray for him.

      Report this comment

      proliance  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:48pm

      He is praying to Mary. For whatever reason, that is idol worship. Prayer is a form of worship; a devout petition or a spiritual communication reserved for God and God alone. Praying (petitioning, supplication, thanksgiving, etc.) to someone other than God, is idol worship.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:51pm

      He will not taste death forever who, in his dying moments, has recourse to the Blessed Virgin Mary. What will it cost you to save us? Has not Jesus placed in your hands all the treasures of His grace and mercy? You sit crowned as Queen at the right hand of your Son: your dominion reaches as far as the heavens, and to you are subject the earth and all creatures dwelling thereon. Your dominion reaches even down into the abyss of Hell, and you alone O Mary, save us from the hands of Satan. Pope Pius XI

      This is blasphemy if you ask me.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • Witness1974
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 11:50pm

      Actually, the reason I made this post was to raise the question about “putting humility on display.” I can’t know Francis’ heart. Perhaps he is truly humble. But the guy that wrote the article should have rephrased it perhaps. By definition, one does not purt their humility on display.

      But, there was a good discussion here nonetheless.

      Report this comment

      Witness1974  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 3:18am

      by faith – I can appreciate the verses you have shared. There are sizeably more scriptures that identify them as separate and distinct but with one purpose.

      John 17: 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

      Did Christ really desire the Father to make twelve men (Apostles) one in being or purpose? Purpose.

      Did Stephen lie upon his death bed when he claimed that he saw Christ on the right hand of the Father.

      Did Christ in John 17 not say ’25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.’

      Christ could not be the Father if the world did not know the Father because Christ was in their presence.

      But one of the greatest witnesses of all has also been dismissed by so many. Joseph Smith saw both the Father and the Son and they are two separate and distinct beings as so evidenced by the majority of the Bible. Christ has restored His Church on earth today according to its original order with Prophets and Apostles with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone who leads His Church through divine revelation. God is alive and He speaks to men today.

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:25am

      MCSLEDGE

      You obviously have a problem with the concept of the Trinity. I assume you a Later Day Saint.

      The Trinity is one of the most difficult realities to comprehend but it might be a helpful start to recognize the distinction between a “being” and a “person.”

      God is one Being (the one and only divine Being). This divine Being exists as three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is unusual to us because each human being is only one person and it might seem that every being has to be one person: one being = one person.

      But that’s simply not always the case. For example, a dog is a being but is not a person. A tree is a being but is not a person. In these cases, one being = zero persons. On the other hand, an angel is a being and is a person. In their case, angelic beings are similar to human beings: one being = one person.

      Once you recognize that not every being is always exactly one person, it might be easier to grasp God’s unique reality, the Trinity: one Being = three Persons.

      I hope this is a helpful start.
      Unlike many on this site, I will not attack you faith. I only defend falsehoods about mine.

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • Witness1974
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 3:42pm

      I John 5:7: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (For clarification of what “the Word” means here, refer to the Gospel of John chapter one).

      Report this comment

      Witness1974  
    • Witness1974
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 4:22pm

      I think that Matthew 13:55,56 makes it pretty clear that Christ had half brothers and sisters. There is evidence to suggest that the James and Jude were written by two of his brothers. His brother, James was the head of the church in Jerusalem. I really don’t see the problem here. Mary was an ordinary sinful woman whom God selected to impregnate while she was still a virgin. Unless there is an interest in elevating her beyond her station, one should expect that after the birth of Christ she had normal marrital relations with her husband, Joseph. To do anything else would have been to defraud him. The sinless Christ was born of a sinner, lived among sinners, and died at the hands of sinners, and yet never sinned himself. Why try to guild the people around Christ when He went to great lengths to place Himself among the most ordinary of people? There was nothing special about Mary other than her lineage and the will of God in selecting her.

      As far as praying to her goes: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come BOLDLY unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16). Christ sits on that throne, not Mary. She is not omniscient. He is.

      Report this comment

      Witness1974  
  • jackact
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:41pm

    Man of the people?
    Let’s see how the church attempts to address abortion in the near future.
    You know it’s coming.
    We won’t know which Catholic church we have until then.

    Report this comment

    jackact  
    • tradcatholicgirl
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:51pm

      It doesn’t matter who we elect as Pope. That is the beauty of the Catholic Church. The doctrine of LIFE doesn’t change.

      Report this comment

      tradcatholicgirl  
    • mcsledge
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:58pm

      tradcatholicgirl – Maybe so, but the doctrine of baptism changed. Baptism (Greek) means immersion and it was conducted in this manner (as taught by Paul) until around 100 AD in which the Catholic Church changed it.

      Paul taught that the Church was founded upon Prophets, Apostles, Pastors, Teacher, etc. The Catholic Church changed this as well.

      Christ in Matthew 16 stated that upon this rock (divine revelation from Christ as referred to in the previous couple of verses) would His Church be built and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. The Catholic Church intpreted this as Peter and not divine revelation from Christ. It is hard to think that Christ meant Peter as being able to withstand the gates of hell when four verses later Christ told Peter to stand behind Him satan because Peter mocked the Lord for prophecying about His own Crucifixion. Or even more, Peter’s denial of Christ on three separate instances.

      Peter was a great man and Christ’s Chief Apostle. He led Christ’s Church through divine revelation until murdered by Romans. Following Peter’s death and the death of other Apostles it is quite clear that Christ’s Church changed as Paul predicted (a falling away).

      Report this comment

      mcsledge  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:40pm

      Do you really think the early Christians only baptized with full immersion? They were hunted and killed for the simple fact they followed Jesus. They worshiped in caves and in the catacombs. They were not standing in the middle of the river. Look at all the ancient artwork you will see both immersion and pouring.
      It is true that baptizo often means immersion. For example, the Greek version of the Old Testament tells us that Naaman, at Elisha’s direction, “went down and dipped himself [the Greek word here is baptizo] seven times in the Jordan” (2 Kgs. 5:14).
      But immersion is not the only meaning of baptizo. Sometimes it just means washing up. Thus Luke 11:38 reports that, when Jesus ate at a Pharisee’s house, “The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash [baptizo] before dinner.” They did not practice immersion before dinner, but, according to Mark, the Pharisees “do not eat unless they wash [nipto] their hands, observing the tradition of the elders; and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they wash themselves [baptizo]” (Mark 7:3–4a). So baptizo can mean cleansing or ritual washing as well as immersion.
      Paul also taught
      1 Timothy 3:15
      “if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the CHURCH of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

      Peter’s Authority
      http://www.catholic.com/magazine/articles/peter%E2%80%99s-authority

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:44pm

      Please continue your explanation on the Church

      After Peter’s death the Church fell away?
      Where did it go?
      Under what authority did the Catholic Church cannonize the Bible?
      Under what authority did Luther remove or edit 11 books?
      Who was King James and why do you read his Bible?

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:46pm

      FAITH, you are very confused about a lot of things that you think you know. Please read Roman Catholics and Evangelicals by Geisler and MacKenzie.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 9:58pm

      The RCC makes a lot of WILD and unBiblical claims.

      We declare, say, define, and pronounce that it is absolutely necessary for the salvation of every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff. Pope Boniface VIII

      Into this fold of Jesus Christ no man may enter unless he be led by the Sovereign Pontiff, and only if they be united to him can men be saved. Pope John XXIII

      Those who are obstinate toward the authority of the Church and the Roman Pontiff… cannot obtain eternal salvation. Pope Pius IX

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:15am

      Do you have a reading comprehension problem? I have told you before I already read that book.
      Everything the Catholic Church does can be backed up Biblically. You do not accept those explanations.
      You keep quoting Popes, are these not extra biblical? By your own word not proof of anything

      Obviously you don’t even read what I post. Every post has biblical support for the Catholic view.
      You don’t have to accept it, but stop being untruthful with the Catholics don’t use the Bible lie.

      Report this comment

      by faith  
    • by faith
      Posted on March 15, 2013 at 9:30am

      Other

      “Please read Roman Catholics and Evangelicals by Geisler and MacKenzie”
      You keep asking me to read this book and I keep telling you I already read it.

      You want me to get my information on my church from your source, but you will not get your information on my church from my church.

      If all you read is anti-catholic hate maybe it is you who should get a different source.

      Report this comment

      by faith  
  • noslave
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:25pm

    NOW THATS A HUMAN,IF IT WAS OBAMA,HE WOULD HAVE PISSED OFF OF THE BALCONY trying to hit as many of the “little subjects/pesants under his rule??

    Report this comment

    noslave  
    • encinom
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:46pm

      I am waiting for the anti-catholic rant by Beck. The new Pope is a Jesuit, the Jesuit are the founders of Liberation Theology. the Jesuits preach against the sins of capitalism and reject Ayn Rand’s gospel of greed. I guess Beck will be telling the Catholics to leave the church, he already made a snide comment last night on his program.

      Report this comment

      encinom  
    • noslave
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 4:42pm

      echinom what gets me out of all this people are argueing the merits of different religions,but if we dont concintrate on obama and crew religion will be a moot point?like a jet with a heat seeking missle on its azz,obama throws out a ton of distractions everybody has an opinion about and lose track of the main issue,hes a communist out to achieve his goal,concentrate on whats important,the rest could be fixed later??

      Report this comment

      noslave  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:25pm

    I pray he does a good job. Congratulations on your new Pope Catholics.

    Report this comment

    Gonzo  
  • tradcatholicgirl
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:22pm

    John Paul II was just as simple in his ways, humble in his lifestyle.

    Deep humility comes in all sizes and shapes.

    But I think it is odd that our media point out his courtesy and kindness as something remarkable.

    Report this comment

    tradcatholicgirl  
    • Caleb-Texas
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:16pm

      Very True! I was moved by his humility last night!

      St. Francis of Assisi pray for us and our Pope!

      Report this comment

      Caleb-Texas  
  • Stoic one
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:18pm

    I hope God works miracle’s through him..

    Report this comment

    Stoic one  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:18pm

    He’s making a good start at his new position.

    Keep up the humble work Pope Francis. : )

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:11pm

    I think Pope Benedict XVI resigned for a lot of reasons but a big one was that he could not get sufficient control of the papacy bureaucrats and got tiered and disillusioned. He too was a very good man of GOD.
    In addition to the internal issues of the church the 800 pound gorilla(s) are the secular movements (especially in Europe and North America) and the Muslim issues. Will HE try to reach out and placate or stand tall and fight against that religions transgressions and war on Christians and jews?

    Report this comment

    jakartaman  
    • The Third Archon
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:23pm

      LOL–by “secularists” I assume you mean “the irreligious.” So we’re an 800lb. Gorilla now? Awesome–pretty impressive given that we’re, what, ~15% (the irreligious) of the American populace?

      Report this comment

      The Third Archon  
    • Xanderson
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 2:34pm

      For whatever reason Pope Benedict XVI chose to step aside, I applaud his glorious timing. All of the wonderful world-wide attention focused on The Church at this holy time of the year is proving a uniting force for all Catholics just in time for blessed Easter!

      Thank you Benedict, Pope Emeritus and God bless Pope Francis and everyone this holy season!

      Report this comment

      Xanderson  
    • theotherberean
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 10:28pm

      Ah yes, Easter. There’s just nothing like a pagan ritual to honor Christ.

      Report this comment

      theotherberean  
  • spirited
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:56pm

    May he lead the way to exposing –and inciting the intollerance of– corruption, deception and the centuries old systematic destruction of ‘the individual’ having real choice and living by his own conscience and convictions.

    Atheists’ legal demand that “In God We Trust” be removed from our currency is so appropriate to the alleged liberal-minded time many in the ‘world’ claim is –a natural and necessary evolution; for the sake of social justice.

    Although sheep are guided, led and managed as a herd
    –for the sake of the shepard;
    for food, clothing and a shepard’s personal benefit,

    sheep overall, are not prohibited from roaming, eating, mating and yelping “bahhh”.

    Report this comment

    spirited  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:46pm

    We may be seeing a genuine transformation within the Vatican and the Catholic church; it will be interesting to see which emerges the stronger – the new pope or traditons.

    Report this comment

    Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • mersey
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:53pm

      What specific transformation are you expecting from Pope Francis? The Bible, the word of God is not transforming, neither is the Catholic doctrine.

      Report this comment

      mersey  
    • spirited
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:59pm

      Man’s foolery and his passive followers –for a starter.

      Report this comment

      spirited  
  • NILAP
    Posted on March 14, 2013 at 12:30pm

    Look, the new Pope is a good guy. As long as he believes that redistribution of wealth should be an individual’s choice and not imposed by big government I am fine with that. That is what Jesus taught. Socialism is good when it is not imposed by any kind of government. Now this Pope also stated recently that the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina despite that a few days ago the residents vote all but three to remain British. Popes do not always believe in democracy just like kings. Argentina took land from their Native Americans whereas the Falklands has always been British. Look at the facts.

    Report this comment

    NILAP  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:04pm

      ¬iberals tend to confuse Jesus with Robin Hood.

      Report this comment

      Smokey_Bojangles  
    • circleDwagons
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:18pm

      I doubt he stated that the Falkans belong to Argentina. He might have stated that Las Malvinas where Argentine.

      Report this comment

      circleDwagons  
    • Winedude
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:27pm

      The Falklands have not always been British. However, since the Argentine army invaded Las Malvinas (what they’re called in Argentina…where, by law, they must be included in any map of Argentina) and were repelled by the British, it is now British territory. One interesting fact about the war…the Argentine pilots were flying quite low, most likely in an attempt to avoid radar. They made the mistake of dropping time-delayed bombs which either didn’t go off or went off far too late to do much damage. If the pilots had flown as little as 500 feet higher in altitude, the islands would now be under Argentina’s control.
      As an aside, I have been to the Falklands (as stamped on my passport). There is only one seriously occupied island and I dare say that there are many more penguins than people. Getting to the islands on a cruise ship is interesting. I’ve heard tales of storms coming up in South Atlantic that prevents ship tenders from being able to ferry folks back and forth. There are no hotels in Stanley so the residents have put up cruise ship passengers in more than one emergency.

      Report this comment

      Winedude  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:47pm

      It’s British territory until somebody bigger and badder takes it away from them. It’s the way of the world, get over it.

      Report this comment

      Gonzo  
    • encinom
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 1:55pm

      I am waiting for Beck to tell the Catholics to leave the church. Pope Francis is a Jesuits, Jesuits are the founders of Liberation Theology (Jesuits taught Castro). Jesuits, including the Pope often stand with the poor against Capitalism and capitalists, unlike Beck who seeks to serve up the poor, working class and even some in the middle class to the rich.

      Report this comment

      encinom  
    • barber2
      Posted on March 14, 2013 at 6:59pm

      SMOKEY: Agree. Jesus did not come ” to put a chicken in every pot.”

      Report this comment

      barber2  
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