I have so many questions and no answers.
How and when can we tell if the Pope Francis effect is positive or negative?
How can we tell if lapsed Catholics and non-Catholics are really looking anew at the faith? Can we use Church attendance numbers? What are the criteria?
Should we look at the number of seminarians? But what kind of seminarians are we getting?
How do you know if rather drawing people into the Church, most people are using the Francis’ effect to justify their current lifestyles?
At what point can we tell if Pope Francis’ approach to the papacy is a boon or a bust? Whether the college of Cardinals swung at a curve ball and missed or homered?
Are we even allowed to make such a judgement? Or do the intentions of the Pope matter more than actual results? In some circles you are not even allowed to examine critically the verifiably horrific results of the post-Council period.
Is this period of neo-aggiornamento (redundant, I know, but apropos) to be given the same assumption of infallibility?
If it is clear it is not working, are we allowed to say so without fear of anathema?
Is the only criteria we can judge a papacy is whether a Pope promulgated something contrary to the faith, meaning not at all?
To be Catholic, must we take on faith that these initiatives will bear fruit at some future date, some future date when all the hard-hearted souls impeding its wonderful achievements (me) move on to greener pastures?
How Do You Judge A Papacy?
October 26, 2013 at 5:14 pm
He also wore white shoes while hiking, yes I know. My point is that I don't think his somewhat loud displays of humility are going to bring anyone back to the Church. To say nothing of some very confusing public statements. Again, though, I think, like the rest of us, he is trying. A JP 2 is one in a million.
October 27, 2013 at 5:07 am
There are a lot of non-Catholics who view the Church differently now. Whether it's what Pope Francis says or does, they like him. Others have a much more favorable view. There are Catholics returning. And the most popular baby name in Italy right now? It isn't Benedetto, it's Francisco.
October 27, 2013 at 8:57 am
I think I'm judging the Papacy on the muddy pronouncements our Holy Father seems to enjoy making. Example: today's @Pontifex tweet "Too often we participate in the globalization of indifference. May we strive instead to live global solidarity." What does this mean? Definition of terms, clarity of doctrine, policy, etc. seems completely missing. Even if he is speaking off the cuff, shouldn't it be clear what he is talking about? I wonder if he has any clue how much confusion he is sowing?
October 28, 2013 at 1:12 am
The fact that non Catholics view the church differently depends on which ones. Evangelicals are complaining he does not even know the bible. Yes I know Francis is the new favorite name for boys, but you know what? That does not change the fact that he and those around him are either causing confusion or scandal. The latest is the Cardinal from Honduras saying that Italians in the curia are too greedy to stay in power. Btw his popularity means nothing it is like the large crowds who came to see and hear John Paul l.
October 28, 2013 at 1:15 am
the college of cardinals does sound as petty as any country club at this point. it's really depressing. you have the latin americans now emboldened and mocking the italians. sad.
October 28, 2013 at 3:35 pm
How do you judge a papacy? I think that like everything, we have to take the long view. It's not even been a year yet. It's too early to make a pronouncement on a papacy.
November 11, 2013 at 6:28 am
Judge him by what he says and does. Like anyone else. He does some good but ultimately, he causes confusion and I agree that he does not like traditional Catholics.