Pope tells Catholics to shout 'Jesus' instead of 'Francis' (Ecumenical)

Catholic News Agency ^ | 05/21/2013 | Estefania Aguirre

[Alex Murphy]

While I agree with the sentiment, I do not like that his comments reinforce the false idea that Catholics worship the Pope. Even though Catholics may chant Francis (although the chant is more likely “Viva la Papa”) it doesn’t mean those people worship the Pope as Lord.

No one can say what is in the hearts of the chanters. I suspect that Pope Francis feels the ball is a little too close to the wrong endzone, and has decided to change plays to advance it towards the right goal line.

[Cronos]

A good Pope. The Holy Spirit gives us the right person at the right time.

[Cronos]

A good Pope. The Holy Spirit gives us the right person at the right time.

[Campion]

No one can say what is in the hearts of the chanters.

Correct, therefore we ought not to impute bad motives to them, lest we, ourselves, commit the sin of rash judgement. Saying that Pope Francis "feels the ball is too close to the wrong endzone" is trying to guess what's in his heart.

I don't think the Pope sees everyone around him as idolaters, the way some people who hate the Catholic church seem to. I think he would find that attitude inimical to the spirit of humility he seems diligent to pursue and inculcate in his flock, a spirit which says first of all, "Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner."

[Alex Murphy]

And therefore Catholics ought not to impute bad motives to those outside of the Catholic church, lest they themselves commit the sin of rash judgement. Assigning impure motives to those outside of the Catholic church, saying that they “hate the Catholic church” is trying to guess what’s in their hearts.