The Church of Rome, according to some including faithful Roman Catholics, has not moved with the times. Not that it has ever been a very modern body, seething with intrigue over the Papal succession at times. It theoretically upholds dogmas which are anachronistic, especially on birth control and homosexuality. Even the revered Mother Teresa was orthodox in these matters. The present trend globally is to allow diversity and choice in preference to normative cultures. Pope Francis who is from Latin America—a break with the medieval concept that the Pontiff has to be an Italian—has come out with a string of non-conformist ideas which have been published in Jesuit publications worldwide. The first Jesuit Pope has said that the Church is obsessed with small things and small-minded rules. Humanity and compassion should be the cardinal virtues. There can be nothing against a homosexual seeking God. The Pope is not one to interfere. The Church must adapt to new realities accommodating all. The Pope’s attitude is revolutionary and courageous especially in view of the assassination of Pope Paul II.
The question is: Is Pope Francis speaking the same language as the founding fathers. “Mystery and love” are words which constitute the brick and mortar of the Vatican. Pope Francis is a man of wide cultural tastes. He loves Fellini and Chagall and is moved by Puccini’s “Turandot”. It is there that he seeks the true meaning of Christianity. Only a Renaissance Pontiff like him can secure salvation from the hidebound Roman Catholic Church. Of course, Pope Francis will not make himself popular with the orthodox following of the Church but he has the courage of his convictions.