There are plenty of ways he could express his viewpoint on this matter without resorting to the kinds of language he seems to be in the habit of employing. It would take careful and deliberate speaking to get his point across, and would have to be a lengthier diatribe on the topic than he probably is used to, but it is possible. I don't …
There are plenty of ways he could express his viewpoint on this matter without resorting to the kinds of language he seems to be in the habit of employing. It would take careful and deliberate speaking to get his point across, and would have to be a lengthier diatribe on the topic than he probably is used to, but it is possible. I don't think Pope Francis is capable of this kind of articulate, nuanced way of speaking, however.
Something like this is probably better communicated in writing, anyway, through an official Vatican channel, possible as a reinforcement or update to the 2005 guidance. But I don't think there is a willingness on the Pope or many of his close advisors to do this either. Putting something out in writing would surely meet with harsh criticism from the secular world and the liberals/progressives in the Church, which is something that Pope Francis and those close to him try to avoid at all costs. As a result, we're left with little more than second- or third-hand accounts of his views, that can be hand-waved away by the Vatican Press Office as the ramblings of an 87 year old man. It's a tactic that is trying to be used to please both sides. But I think it's likely all we're going to get under this pontificate on this topic.
The official communiques are really for the lawyers. While there is a universal air of reverence for the papacy, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere in the world that is applying or following everything Pope Francis or Benedict passed on to us. Everyone picks and chooses what to emphasize. If you are working to reach Catholic culture you go through other channels in the modern world.
There are plenty of ways he could express his viewpoint on this matter without resorting to the kinds of language he seems to be in the habit of employing. It would take careful and deliberate speaking to get his point across, and would have to be a lengthier diatribe on the topic than he probably is used to, but it is possible. I don't think Pope Francis is capable of this kind of articulate, nuanced way of speaking, however.
Something like this is probably better communicated in writing, anyway, through an official Vatican channel, possible as a reinforcement or update to the 2005 guidance. But I don't think there is a willingness on the Pope or many of his close advisors to do this either. Putting something out in writing would surely meet with harsh criticism from the secular world and the liberals/progressives in the Church, which is something that Pope Francis and those close to him try to avoid at all costs. As a result, we're left with little more than second- or third-hand accounts of his views, that can be hand-waved away by the Vatican Press Office as the ramblings of an 87 year old man. It's a tactic that is trying to be used to please both sides. But I think it's likely all we're going to get under this pontificate on this topic.
The official communiques are really for the lawyers. While there is a universal air of reverence for the papacy, you would be hard pressed to find anywhere in the world that is applying or following everything Pope Francis or Benedict passed on to us. Everyone picks and chooses what to emphasize. If you are working to reach Catholic culture you go through other channels in the modern world.