Bergoglio has been criticized by traditionalists for his Christmas homily, but over the years some [noted] secularists have raised some perplexity about the Pontiff’s actions
Francesco Boezi
12/29/2017
Pope Francis is at the center of controversy because of his Christmas homily. His combination of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem for the Birth of Jesus and the theme of immigrants has been questioned by traditionalists.
For example as Antonio Socci stipulated–Joseph went to the town of his origins as a consequence of Augustus’ census and not for economic reasons. Francis – in other words – had forced the Gospel just to talk about the reception and welcome [of immigrants].
The Osservatore Romano in an article by Lucetta Scarrafia holds the idea that the Church has fallen into a “spiral of falsification”. “To put it simply, - emphasized Scarrafia – these people are silent about all that might appear of sound thinking with Christian tradition, in order, instead, to magnify some statements – even taking them out of context – which fit the image of the progressive Pope they have in mind and want at all costs to credit him with, by even forcing reality.” She continues: “Their effect must not be underestimated: even if nowadays it is very easy for anyone to get to the Pope’s original words, in practice very few do this, as the majority blindly trust the news agencies - above all their loud headlines”. The Pope’s critics [then] would be projecting a distorted image on purpose. However, perplexity about the Pontiff’s behavior doesn’t only come from ultra-Catholic circles.
The philosopher, Diego Fusaro went as far as to say that the Christmas homily seemed to be inspired “by Soros more than Christ”.
Over the years - other secularists have raised criticism regarding this pontificate.
Giuliano Ferrara in an interview to Luigi Mascheroni – voiced his opinion : “But you cannot criticize a Pope who joins forces with world, who seduces the world, who is interviewed by Scalfari, an authentic, devout atheist, so as to clear his conscience. A Pope to whom he says: I don’t believe, yet I suffer from this condition, but bless me anyway. And he expects[the Pope] to say ‘don’t worry son, you can do what you want[…]There you have it, when one criticizes a Pope like this one, you become a minority, that neither the Vatican nor the secularists like.” The former director of IL FOGLIO along with Alessandro Gnocchi and Mario Palmaro also wrote the book – “Questo Papa piace troppo” (This Pope Is Liked Too Much), in which they report that Francis’ actions and words would represent “a collection of moral relativisms ”.
Vittorio Sgarbi (art critic) – in commenting Bergoglio’s photo with the Imam Al Azhar, Ahmed al Tayeb, wrote on Facebook: “Why didn’t the Pontiff ask for an explanation for the many massacres of Christians that have taken place in recent months in Iraq, Syria or Pakistan? Why didn’t he ask the Imam in whose name were they killed?” And he emphasized: “What would we have said if Pius XII had embraced Hitler?” Strong words, which cannot be blamed on the ultra- conservative front.
Franco Battiato – in 2014 – declared : “I’m sorry for Pope Begoglio who is very nice, but he hasn’t the least idea who God is.” He continued: “ Pope Francis is popular, but I’d like it if he spoke about God in a more serious manner”. For the song-writer – in short – the Argentinean Pontiff’s teaching has been somewhat deficient from a spiritual point of view.
Gian Enrico Rusconi – Professor of Political Science at the University of Turin, wrote “ The Narrative Theology of Pope Francis” a book in which Bergoglio is essentially questioned in three aspects: “A Narration that Sows Doubt”; “The Myth of the People against the Oligarchy” ; “ A Mercy that Forgets Sin”. Rusconi is well-known as a secularist and progressive. Like all pontificates – ultimately – also Pope Francis has accumulated sympathies and antipathies.
The former President of the Senate Marcello Pera, in an interview, responding to a question about Bergoglio’s approach on the welcoming of immigrants, stated clearly: “Quite frankly, I don’t understand this Pope; what he says is beyond any reasonable understanding. It is obvious to everyone that indiscriminate reception [of immigrants] is not possible: there is a critical point that cannot be surpassed….”
All in all - secularist criticisms –– apart from the vortex of Fake News, which even the Pope has been “implicated” in.
Translation: Contributor, Francesca Romana
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