Pope Francis Criticizes Conservative Elements in US Church, Calls for Doctrinal Evolution
In a recent address to Portuguese Catholics, Pope Francis expressed his concerns about the presence of strong reactionary attitudes within the Catholic Church in the United States. He lamented the fact that some members of the Church have adopted a rigid ideology that narrows their understanding of doctrine, thereby hindering the progress and growth of the Church.
The Pope firmly believes that doctrine should not be stagnant but should evolve over time, just as it has on issues such as slavery and the death penalty. He emphasized the need for a new attitude towards the LGBTQ2 community, advocating for greater inclusivity and acceptance.
While Pope Francis did not explicitly name his target, it is clear that he was referring to the more traditional and conservative elements within the Church. These individuals tend to focus on topics such as women’s choice, same-sex marriage, and what they perceive as societal decay. They often align themselves with secular conservatives and exhibit disdain for the Pope’s views on climate justice, migration, unemployment, and the excesses of capitalism.
This conservative mindset is particularly prevalent in the United States, where right-wing Catholic judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court, bishops have publicly criticized President Joe Biden, and various media outlets disseminate political and religious conservatism to a significant audience.
The situation in Canada is not as pronounced, although there are echoes of social conservatism within the political landscape. The former Conservative leader, Andrew Scheer, was known to be influenced by a right-wing version of his Catholic faith, and there are influential columnists in national media who share similar viewpoints.
However, the Pope is not alone in his interpretation of Catholicism. The majority of Catholics simply attend Mass and strive to do good, unaware of the battles that take place at higher levels. Still, the growing schism within the Church cannot be ignored.
Pope Francis’s recent statement is part of a series of criticisms aimed at the traditional notion of the Catholic Church as a sanctuary for resistance to progress. His views diverge from those of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who shaped a generation of clergy and activists with their conservative ideologies. It will take time for the influence of these individuals to diminish.
At the age of 86, Pope Francis’s critics are preoccupied with who his successor will be. If his successor shares his views and tenure, it is likely that many influential figures within US and Canadian Catholicism will leave the Church. Although they may turn to ultra-Catholic breakaway sects or even consider Eastern Orthodoxy, it is unlikely that these alternatives would fully satisfy their expectations.
Alternatively, Pope Francis urges his fellow believers to prioritize Jesus over the free market and to place their Christian values above conservatism. It is an appealing thought, one that emphasizes the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice in the teachings of Christ.
As the Catholic Church grapples with the tensions between tradition and progress, it is essential to find a common ground that upholds the core principles of the faith while embracing the evolving needs of a changing world. Only through open dialogue and a willingness to listen to different perspectives can the Church move forward and fulfill its mission of spreading love and compassion to all.
