By More than six months into his papacy, Pope Francis has become a rather well-known figure in the world.
Last week, Francis made headlines and attracted new followers after he participated in an interview with a Jesuit journal, according to the New York Times.
In his interview, Francis said the Roman Catholic Church had “locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules,” according to the Chicago Tribune.
Francis added that the church had become “obsessed” with issues like gay marriage, abortion and contraception, according to the New York Times.
Francis’ recent comments about these issues complement his accepting view on members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
“If someone is gay and is looking for the Lord, who am I to judge him?” Francis said according to The Independent.
While some conservative Catholics may not receive his comments well, we applaud Francis for his ability to provide insight and commentary on such matters.
It’s refreshing to see a religious leader who seems less focused on gay marriage and abortion than his predecessors.
Francis’ focus on making the church unified and tolerant seems to fit in line with what many people have advocated for.
After all, the church should be about bringing people together in worship of God, not casting judgment on those who are different.
Francis’ views on issues like gay marriage may be different than those of previous popes because he is the first non-European Pope.
According to the Vatican website, Francis was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He currently has plans to create 200 charitable organizations in Argentina by 2016, according to the Vatican website.
More of a public figure than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, Francis has brought youth and vitality to the church.
It’s ironic, however, because he is 76 years old.
“I see the church as a field hospital after battle,” Francis said, according to the New York Times. “It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol. You have to heal his wounds.”
Although Francis may be more liberal and widely known than previous popes, he’s made it clear that he still supports normal Catholic doctrine.
Conserative Catholics may support Francis’ recent decision to excommunicate an Australian priest who supported women’s ordination, according to TIME.
Francis also made headlines when he kept a church member in power who has fought against liberal nuns, according to AP.
Through his words and actions, Francis has demonstrated that he is willing to work with Catholics of all backgrounds.
While Francis may not represent the views of all Catholics, it’s nice to see him trying to appeal to others outside of the Catholic faith. After all, we could all use some insight now and again.
