Title: Pope Francis Criticizes “Reactionary” Elements in the US Catholic Church
Date: August 28, 2023
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis expressed his concerns about what he termed a “reactionary” Catholic Church in the United States, where political ideologies have taken precedence over faith, during a private meeting in Lisbon. The comments were later published in the Jesuit journal Civilta Cattolica.
Over the past decade, Pope Francis has faced criticism from conservative factions within the American Church who oppose his progressive reforms. These reforms include advocating for greater roles for women and lay Catholics, making the Church more inclusive and less judgmental, particularly towards the LGBTQ+ community.
During the question-and-answer session, a Portuguese Jesuit shared his observations of the United States, revealing that many Catholics, including some bishops, displayed hostility towards the pope’s leadership. In response, Pope Francis acknowledged the existence of a “very strong reactionary attitude” and commented on how it emotionally influences people and their sense of belonging.
Religious conservatives in the United States have often aligned themselves with politically conservative media outlets to criticize Pope Francis on a range of issues, including climate change, immigration, social justice, gun control, and his opposition to the death penalty.
The pope acknowledged that he had personally experienced a climate of closure during his visits to the United States, emphasizing that there were situations where the true tradition was overshadowed by the influence of ideologies. He highlighted that faith should take precedence over any particular sector within the Church.
Pope Francis urged his critics to understand that there is an appropriate evolution in matters of faith and morals. He emphasized the importance of looking forward rather than being backward-looking, stating that it is “useless” to cling to outdated perspectives. As an example, he mentioned that the Church’s views on slavery had evolved over the centuries.
Among Pope Francis’ staunchest critics in the United States, Rome-based Cardinal Raymond Burke had recently expressed reservations about a meeting of bishops called by the pope for this October. Burke claimed that the meeting could potentially sow “confusion, error, and division” within the Church.
The pope’s comments invite reflection on the current state of the Catholic Church in the United States and the role of ideology in influencing its members. With ongoing debates and divisions, the Church faces challenges in reconciling tradition with social progress.
Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Angus MacSwan