Pope Francis Leading a Modernized Society
The world is ever changing, and this persistent evolution is due in part to the creation of revised leadership, beliefs, and ideals by each generation. The Catholic Church is a pivotal example of evolving change and perspective. While the Church has always been steadfast in holding to tradition, some people believe she is shifting her laws to fit those of modern culture. This shift started when Jorge Mario Bergoglio become Pope Francis and established his new way of leading the church. Unlike recent papal leaders, the Pope has chosen to remain silent on controversial topics, such as abortion, gay marriage, and contraception. As a result, the media as well as the Catholic community has interpreted his actions in various ways as to whether he is breaking Catholic tradition and law or simply changing the world’s focus.
In addition to being the first Jesuit Pope, Pope Francis brings forth a unique leadership style that has attracted a large amount of attention. Pope Francis approaches abortion, gay marriage, and contraception with a progressive attitude. He believes the Church is putting too much emphasis on these contentious topics, and instead should turn her focus towards the under-privileged people in society. Previous church leaders have generally believed that morality and culture exist in relation to one another. However, today’s culture has grown more acceptant of these traditionally contentious topics. He believes abortion has grown in popularity due to “social circumstances in which inequality begets inequality” (Tollefsen 59). Pope Francis is leading the world in a different manner than those before him, while still adhering to Church tradition. He is redirecting our focus on the poor in both physical and spiritual means. The “change” he is creating is not a change in regards to Catholic beliefs, but a change in the way we approach controversial topics (Iltis 4). Tradition and dogmas are necessary to maintain because they are the solid foundation to grow in the Catholic faith. The Pope does not speak often about abortion, because he believes the church has already established her stance on the issue (Tollefsen 60). The Church believes every life matters, and that all humans have dignity and are worthy of respect. Ana Iltis, author of “Whither The Future? Pope Francis And Roman Catholic Bioethics,” argues that the Church’s views on abortion, homosexuality, and contraception have not changed, however, the Pope has shifted the focus from these topics to topics of “neglected moral and social issues” (4). Iltis believes the Pope does not discuss these topics in hopes of bringing fallen Christians back to the Church (4-5). This is not to say that these Christians should not live in accordance with canon law—rules and guidelines created and followed by the Catholic Church. Instead, the Catholic Church must first make those who question they faith feel welcomed, loved, and valued. Once that occurs, and these fallen Christians grow in their relationship with Christ, then that lays the framework for them to obey Scripture and Church teachings (Iltis 4-5). Mary Margret Mooney, author of “Habemus Papam,” believes that inviting those who have lost their faith to the Church will save more lives than those that are lost through abortion (70). This makes sense, because if the Church can change a generation’s view on these topics, then that generation will stop this “accepted” behavior, and procedures, such …show more content…
Francis of Assissi, who was known for his simple life and love of the poor. Francis entered the papacy with humility. He did not accept the multiple riches that came with papacy, such as new shoes, house servers, fancy meals, and the “Popemobile”—a protection vehicle for him to ride in. He serves as a model to us through his humility. Furthermore, Pope Francis is calling on men to come into the priesthood with humble and merciful hearts. He is asking everyone to live simply and take care of one another. He has declared this year as the year of mercy, and through this he inquires Christians to pray for the conservation of hearts. Pope Francis believes that people will be more inclined to care for the poor with merciful attitudes. He requests that we humble ourselves, so that we can see into the eyes of the poor—the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Gallagher
The world is ever changing, and this persistent evolution is due in part to the creation of revised leadership, beliefs, and ideals by each generation. The Catholic Church is a pivotal example of evolving change and perspective. While the Church has always been steadfast in holding to tradition, some people believe she is shifting her laws to fit those of modern culture. This shift started when Jorge Mario Bergoglio become Pope Francis and established his new way of leading the church. Unlike recent papal leaders, the Pope has chosen to remain silent on controversial topics, such as abortion, gay marriage, and contraception. As a result, the media as well as the Catholic community has interpreted his actions in various ways as to whether he is breaking Catholic tradition and law or simply changing the world’s focus.
In addition to being the first Jesuit Pope, Pope Francis brings forth a unique leadership style that has attracted a large amount of attention. Pope Francis approaches abortion, gay marriage, and contraception with a progressive attitude. He believes the Church is putting too much emphasis on these contentious topics, and instead should turn her focus towards the under-privileged people in society. Previous church leaders have generally believed that morality and culture exist in relation to one another. However, today’s culture has grown more acceptant of these traditionally contentious topics. He believes abortion has grown in popularity due to “social circumstances in which inequality begets inequality” (Tollefsen 59). Pope Francis is leading the world in a different manner than those before him, while still adhering to Church tradition. He is redirecting our focus on the poor in both physical and spiritual means. The “change” he is creating is not a change in regards to Catholic beliefs, but a change in the way we approach controversial topics (Iltis 4). Tradition and dogmas are necessary to maintain because they are the solid foundation to grow in the Catholic faith. The Pope does not speak often about abortion, because he believes the church has already established her stance on the issue (Tollefsen 60). The Church believes every life matters, and that all humans have dignity and are worthy of respect. Ana Iltis, author of “Whither The Future? Pope Francis And Roman Catholic Bioethics,” argues that the Church’s views on abortion, homosexuality, and contraception have not changed, however, the Pope has shifted the focus from these topics to topics of “neglected moral and social issues” (4). Iltis believes the Pope does not discuss these topics in hopes of bringing fallen Christians back to the Church (4-5). This is not to say that these Christians should not live in accordance with canon law—rules and guidelines created and followed by the Catholic Church. Instead, the Catholic Church must first make those who question they faith feel welcomed, loved, and valued. Once that occurs, and these fallen Christians grow in their relationship with Christ, then that lays the framework for them to obey Scripture and Church teachings (Iltis 4-5). Mary Margret Mooney, author of “Habemus Papam,” believes that inviting those who have lost their faith to the Church will save more lives than those that are lost through abortion (70). This makes sense, because if the Church can change a generation’s view on these topics, then that generation will stop this “accepted” behavior, and procedures, such …show more content…
Francis of Assissi, who was known for his simple life and love of the poor. Francis entered the papacy with humility. He did not accept the multiple riches that came with papacy, such as new shoes, house servers, fancy meals, and the “Popemobile”—a protection vehicle for him to ride in. He serves as a model to us through his humility. Furthermore, Pope Francis is calling on men to come into the priesthood with humble and merciful hearts. He is asking everyone to live simply and take care of one another. He has declared this year as the year of mercy, and through this he inquires Christians to pray for the conservation of hearts. Pope Francis believes that people will be more inclined to care for the poor with merciful attitudes. He requests that we humble ourselves, so that we can see into the eyes of the poor—the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ (Gallagher