News came from the Pope today that is making headlines around the world. This just one day after the Wisconsin State Journal had a front page story about Madison Bishop Robert Morlino who uttered the words that homosexual behavior was “a behavior that can never be justified.”
Pope Francis said he will not “judge” gays and lesbians, and that also included gay priests. No one with a pulse can miss the sharp shift from his predecessor about the topic of gay men and women. Even Morlino must recognize that there is an attempt by the Pope to bridge the needless, hurtful, and damaging words and deeds of the Catholic Church.
“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” were the words from the Pope as he fielded questions from the press.
The tone and style of Pope Francis is one that allows for inclusion and sanity whereas his predecessor, Benedict XVI was stiff, stern, and scornful.
As one who advocates for openness and transparency from politicians and others with power, there was no way for me not to smile today when Francis took nearly 90 minutes to answer questions of the papal reporters. This was in stark contrast to the very few questions that were able to be asked of Benedict during his time with the Fisherman’s Ring, and even those had to be submitted in advance! There seems to be a new day dawning in Rome, and many are welcoming the change.
The Pope’s words are so different from what Morlino says. Please note the difference.
Pope Francis says “When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have good will, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”
Meanwhile Morlino, as I noted in my blog post yesterday has made it known that legalization of gay marriage will eventually spell “the end of democracy” and that the increasing acceptance of same-sex marriage is happening because “Satan has a plan to destroy our country from within.”
Francis is trying to bring the church forward and change the tone and meanness that it has often exhibited. As such, I trust Morlino has the Pope’s phone number.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 