IDOLATRY? 'Get that thing down, immediately,' Pope Francis says of Argentinean statue

Catholic Online ^ | 7/11/2013

[Alex Murphy]

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Pope Francis, at the age of 76, has found himself to be a most unwilling media celebrity. A household name and on countless newspapers and magazines, he has been adamant that the message of the church, and not him, is his mission on Earth.

Believers have visited the statue to pay homage to it ever since being installed in the cathedral's garden two weeks ago. Tourists have had their pictures taken alongside the figure. The fiberglass statue is five feet, six inches tall and has been a fixture of the cathedral since the end of June.

The former Archbishop of the Argentine capital, Pope Francis was reportedly horrified at the news.

Strong words with the priest responsible were exchanged between Francis and the priest responsible. "Get that thing down, immediately," the Argentinean newspaper Clarin reported. Since his election in March, Francis has gone to lengths to be seen as humble, showing little patience for the pomp and fuss that come with his position as head of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.

Eschewing the robes and trimmings traditionally allocated to the Pope, Francis continues to wear a simple white cassock and iron cross.

Refusing to move into the luxurious Papal apartments, claiming they are too grand, Francis prefers to live in a humble guesthouse for visiting clerics, with whom he eats meals and offers mass every morning.

His celebrity, however, is to be expected. Vanity Fair magazine has declared Francis as Man of the Year in the magazine's Italian edition. "His first 100 days have already placed him in the category of world leaders who make history," the magazine says. "But the revolution continues."

[Alex Murphy]

Believers have visited the statue to pay homage to it ever since being installed in the cathedral's garden two weeks ago. Tourists have had their pictures taken alongside the figure. The fiberglass statue is five feet, six inches tall and has been a fixture of the cathedral since the end of June. The former Archbishop of the Argentine capital, Pope Francis was reportedly horrified at the news. Strong words with the priest responsible were exchanged between Francis and the priest responsible. "Get that thing down, immediately," the Argentinean newspaper Clarin reported.

[Alex Murphy]

Related, recent news (April 13):
World's tallest statue of Pope John Paul II is funded by tycoon who believes pontiff saved his drowning son

[Jeff Head]

Eschewing the robes and trimmings traditionally allocated to the Pope, Francis continues to wear a simple white cassock and iron cross.

Refusing to move into the luxurious Papal apartments, claiming they are too grand, Francis prefers to live in a humble guesthouse for visiting clerics, with whom he eats meals and offers mass every morning.

Would to God that once again, we would elect such a leader.

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[GBA]

Wow! That’s the right answer and I admit that I didn’t expect it. He has his work cut out for him.

[bigbob]

Not being Catholic, I figure I don’t have a voice in these matters, but I have to say, I really like this guy. If he can inspire non-Catholics, that’s pretty good I’d say.

[oldtimer]

Me too, I like the guy. And when he ex-communicates baby murderers like pelosi, biden, etc., it will be wonderful to see.

[.45 Long Colt]

So he’s serious about idolatry? Should we look for him to order the crucifixes and statutes of Mary tossed into the fire?

[ArrogantBustard]

[markomalley]

Also see this thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3041178/posts

[Alex Murphy]

Heck, that's nothing.

[Buckeye McFrog]

Argentines seem prone to idol worship. Many of them still have Evita shrines inside their homes.

[diamond6]

Pope Francis is setting a precedent for future popes. I'm glad, they should all be imitating Christ.

[ArrogantBustard]

[Made In The USA]

Same here Bob. I’m impressed with how Pope Francis conducts himself. I hope other church leaders follow his example.

[jp3]

He’s your pope too bigbob;)

[AnalogReigns]

Looks like Calvin...

[PLMerite]

"...Francis continues to wear a simple white cassock and iron cross. "

That's gonna raise some eyebrows.

[Alex Murphy]

[Stentor]

Argentines seem prone to idol worship. Many of them still have Evita shrines inside their homes.

Unlike all the urban shrines to JFK that were maintained after his assassination.