I posted some time back that I was distressed that the Holy Father would constantly bombard with insults men who earnestly struggled to be good and faithful priests. It was my hope that the pendulum was finally and decisively moving to the other side with the papal letter to priests on the 160th anniversary of the death of the Curé of Ars. Indeed, I even printed a copy for myself feeling that these encouraging words from the heart of Pope Francis were long overdue. But I guess old ways are hard to change.
Why would Pope Francis admit in public that he feels it is an honor to be attacked by Americans, when the most critical voices profess genuine loyalty to him and only beseech clarity and orthodoxy from the Holy See? Does he not understand that he has disparaged a church that has endured vile bigotry, fought back dissent, defended the sanctity of life even against her own, and is even now in a knock down fight with a modernity that has already vanquished much of Europe? Unmatched by any other entity except for maybe the U.S. government, the Knights of Columbus and Catholic Charities reaches out a helping hand in charity and proclaims a message of freedom— not asking for thanks— but deserving at the very least a certain level of recognition and respect. The Vatican would be in a shambles and there would be no “Peter’s Pence” if Americans did not shove money into the papal pockets as fast as the Pope took it out.
American Catholics love the Holy Father. While many of our brethren have fallen away, there are still millions of us who keep the faith even when it takes us to the cross. As for the priesthood, we have our share of sinners and saints, but most of our men daily lay down their lives for their flocks. They try to help people while not compromising the Gospel. This is not rigidity but an effort at humble service rooted in charity and in truth. We preach both repentance and the forgiveness of sins. If we pamper sin we might make friends and even fill a few more pews, but the lie would deny salvation to souls and make us accomplices in sin. This is not the form of accompaniment demanded by Christ.
My priest colleague and old friend, Msgr. Charles Pope has an ever widening media footprint and he has taken some negative feedback recently for saying that which needs to be said. Knowing him and his profound loyalty to Christ and to the holy pontiff, it must have been the most painful statement of his life.
The Holy Father stated:
“I would like to emphasize an attitude that I do not like, because it does not come from God: rigidity. Today it is fashionable, I do not know about here, but in other parts of the world it is fashionable, to find rigid people. Young, rigid priests, who want to save with rigidity, perhaps, I don’t know, but they take this attitude of rigidity and sometimes – excuse me – from the museum. They are afraid of everything, they are rigid. Be careful, and know that under any rigidity there are serious problems.”
Monsignor Charles Pope wrote on social media:
“Santo Padre, I’m not feeling the love here, I don’t feel accompanied by you. Make room in your heart for me and others like me. I am not a young priest, but I know you don’t like my type of priesthood. Further I am an American and this mere fact seems to also make me troublesome in your eyes. I am not afraid of everything as you state, but I do have concerns for the ambiguity of some of your teachings and severity of some of your actions. Yet when we, your less favored sons, ask you questions, you will not answer or clarify. In all this I am still your son and share the priesthood of Jesus with you. I await the solicitude and gentle care from you that you say I, and others like me, lack. Meanwhile I must honestly and painfully say that I am wearied from being scorned and demonized by you. Respectfully, Carlo.”
If there should be any backlash for such courageous honesty, I hope it will be measured by justice and respect for the truth. The saints are weeping.
A Priest Trying to Understand the Pope
Pope Urges an End to Insults… YES!
Filed under: Catholic, Church, Conscience, Discipleship, Magisterium, Pope, Pope Francis, Priests, Uncategorized |
Blogger Priest 
I have a very dear priest-friend, FSSP, who is quite discouraged concerning the liberal and unorthodox stands this pontiff has taken. He is extremely devoted to his calling and told me that if things continue to obstruct the Traditional Church/liturgy, etc. he will reluctantly go “underground.” Isn’t that so sad after what Popes John Paul II and especially Benedict XVI did to promote this ancient rite?
The Church has many different rites BUT why this pope singled out the Tridentine Rite is unconscionable.