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The Church is full of holy priests and worldly priests. Ditto laypersons both holy and worldly. Sadly more of us who follow the Apostles—as they flee from the Garden!

I'm reminded of when they allowed altar girls in what was supposed to be extenuating circumstances, and the churches in the US just ran with it. Now it's not even questioned. As many good things that happened in JPII's ministry(I'd argue he wasn't really at fault), that was a disaster.

You make a good point of what he's getting at, as the tradition is a showing of humility towards others, as well as a command to his disciples. It does the former well, the latter not.

Overall, while I like his focus on evangelization, I don't see why symbolism and tradition(even the more minor ones) have to be sacrificed to accomplish this. I trust him, though actions like this make me wonder is he's aware of the tornado he might be unleashing.

Here is what I think Pope Francis is up to...I am trying to get at what I think Pope Francis is really up to.

Mindreading. Let the man speak (or not speak) for himself.

It would appear to this non-catholic that he is demonstrating humility, which seems fully in line with what he’s all about. I’m not sure there’s any more complicated message involved.

Interesting, not very encouraging to those who come from the Tridentine through the “new order” confusion to where we’re at now. Two or three new reworked hymns from sundry denominations or changed Catholic melodys or lyrics(copyright protection) to learn at every Sunday mass we attend and the poor souls no longer get prayers for enternal rest.

Good evangelization analysis.

I agree with Fr. Z.

From the very first I saw this. Trying to identify with both sides.

Wait till he makes friends with the liberals and then starts putting his foot down on the laws of the Church.

Stay tuned!

What is Pope Francis really saying?
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Father Cantalamessa's 2nd Advent Sermon: "The Second Wave of Evangelization" (For History Buffs)
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I am trying to get at what I think Pope Francis is really up to.

Why? Why not just trust Christ?

Or why not show Pope Francis, a distinguished and successful man even by simply worldly standards, the basic human respect of not acting as if he might be an utter idiot?

I wonder if Pope Francis would wear the National Sarcasm Society t-shirt, in order to tell all such contingent and "helpful" folks, "Like I need your support!"

We are not going backwards globally in evangilization. Just the opposite actually. We are going backwards in the morally corrupt west but its full steam ahead in the global south and east.