Is Pope Francis a heretic? Some Catholics think so

Is Pope Francis a heretic? He might be, according to some. Pope Francis himself said so in a meeting with fellow Jesuits in Chile. 

Is Pope Francis a heretic? He might be --if you see everything he does through a political lens. Try instead, to listen with an ear attuned to the Holy Spirit.

Highlights

By Marshall Connolly (Catholic Online)
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
5/29/2018 (6 years ago)

Published in Living Faith

Keywords: Pope Francis heretic, concern, Catholic, doctrine, faith

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Pope Francis told fellow Jesuits at a meeting in Chile several months ago, "They call me a heretic." 

The claim stems from a variety of reforms and changes, as well as some statements Pope Francis has made. While Pope Francis is praised by "liberals," the "conservatives" within the Church are worried about his statements and decisions. 

Father Thomas Weinandy, who worked for the U.S. bishop's committee on doctrine, accused Pope Francis of spreading a "plague of divorce" and causing "theological anarchy." Several cardinals of the Church have also been vocal in asking the Pope to clarify comments in his exhortation, Amoris Laetitia. A few commentators have even warned against the possibility of a schism in the Church. 

Pope Francis is different. Unlike his predecessors, he seems very focused on individuals. He has democratized the Church in a way like few other popes in history. He has accomplished this by devolving power and authority. He has given priests more authority to show leeway to parishioners, especially the divorced. He has also softened the Church's rhetoric on issues such as same-sex attraction. 

Is the Pope Catholic?

To answer this question, we must first dispense with the divisive terminology. The media, especially in the United States, but also abroad, promotes division by labeling ideas "conservative" or "liberal." This frames issues within the Church as political issues and draws people to a side. It suggests there is more acrimony than there is. 

Such language is a poor fit for describing the ideas under debate within the Church. It is misleading. Of course, the media cannot be blamed, for controversy is their trade. How else should the media and the public understand the inner workings of the Church? (When a person has just a hammer for a tool, everything is a nail.)

The media reports loudly whenever someone has a comment about Pope Francis that sounds controversial.

Likewise, whenever Pope Francis makes a statement many pundits race to co-opt his words and be the first to announce a tectonic shift in the Church's teaching -- in spite of the fact that no pope can change Church doctrine. 

It must be understood that the Church is not a political institution. It is a religious organization, much more spiritual than political. It is also a philosophical institution, so debate is a normal part of the Church. In fact, a lack of debate should be more concerning to people than the presence of debate. 

But what about Pope Francis? If we strip away the political labels and media hype, is he a heretic? 

Of course not. 

Pope Francis has a personal manner and a different message. We are accustomed to popes who appear as kings, rather than popes that appear as simple priests. And we are used to being warned of hell and of being told what not to do. Pope Francis instead tells us we are loved, and invites us to do better. 

At no point, ever, has Pope Francis suggested that divorce is okay, or that same-sex sexual relations are acceptable to God. Nor, has he suggested that women shall become priests, or that priests will soon be allowed to marry, or any of the remarkable comments made by the pundits who aren't quite the experts they think they are. 

None of these things has happened, not even close. 

Yet, if you speak to anyone on the street, they are eagerly awaiting the first gay wedding at the Vatican, to be officiated by a female priest who identifies as male, immediately followed by the first gay divorce. 

The media does not speak for the Church. The media is largely corrupt, secular, has an agenda, and does not understand the spiritual vernacular of the Church. It cannot be trusted. 

There is certainly dissent within the Church over Pope Francis and some of his work. But this is normal and common. It has always existed, but only now, thanks to social media and a news media starving for sensational headlines, we are aware of it. 

Pope Francis is not a heretic. The Church is not headed for schism. Women are not soon to become priests, and while a few exceptions exist, priests are not about to be married. Homosexual relations are still a sin. Divorce is a sin. The fact that God loves sinners isn't heresy either. The fact that God loves all people as they are, even the worst sinners, isn't new or controversial. 

Bear in mind, there were two people who participated in the crucifixion of Christ, and they had one thing in common.  The first group was the social elites who feared He might disrupt the order of things. The second was the common people who came to believe that Jesus was a Jewish heretic. What they had in common is that neither side truly understood the message Jesus came to deliver. Indeed, most of these people had never heard Jesus preach firsthand, but had heard only biased reports. And those that heard and passed judgment did not understand Him. 

They are waiting for you. Will you answer?

Does this sound familiar? 

We must learn to listen with ears attuned not to politics or pop culture, but to the Holy Spirit.