Pope Francis, in St Peter’s Square, has become a very popular pope
Photo by Edgar Jiménez from Porto, Portugal
I imagine many of you have been busy with services and fellowshipping today, and perhaps you haven’t seen the news yet that “Pope Francis: Catholic Church must focus beyond ‘small-minded rules’“:
Pope Francis has warned that the Catholic Church’s moral structure might “fall like a house of cards” if it doesn’t balance its divisive rules about abortion, gays and contraception with the greater need to make it a merciful, more welcoming place for all.
Now, this doesn’t mean that the pope has turned his back on traditional Catholic teachings, but it is obvious that this pope, more than any in my memory, is trying to be all-inclusive. Even Pope John Paul II was criticized by a few for not going far enough. However, as the article says, “he wants a less judgmental church.”
Which, of course, sounds good in a world where the only thing to be intolerant of is intolerance. When “sin” is not popular, a message of inclusiveness appeals. However, the Bible preaches that forgiveness of sins comes after repentance.
Pope John Paul II was popular, even somewhat charismatic, yet I had my doubts he could truly have fulfilled the role of the False Prophet. This pope, however, has several earmarkings that show he is yet to be a force to be reckoned with. He might be one that can pull off a one-world religion … for a while at least.