How Will New Pope Handle Controversial Issues?

April 3, 2013
Written by Alonzo Weston in
"Sticky Wicket" Questions
Login to rate this article
Pope Francis blesses a baby before his inaugural mass, but many question how he will deal with current issues surrounding gay marriage and abortion. Photo Credit: ZUMA/Rex Features

Dear Sticky Wicket,

How do you think the new Pope will deal with the issues of gay marriage, abortion, and other controversial concerns of the people?

~Religion vs. Personal Freedom, Canada

Dear Religion,

Jorge Mario Bergoglio was renowned for his humility, compassion for the poor, and willingness to reach out to others well before he became Pope of the Catholic Church in March.

He chose the papal name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. It was in reverence and honor of the 13th century friar whose life was defined by humility and his service to the poor.

As testament to that humility, on the night of his election, Pope Francis I took the bus back to his hotel, rather than ride in the papal car. Instead of living in the papal quarter, Pope Francis prefers to reside in the Vatican guesthouse. He also washed and kissed the feet of 12 young people, including two young women, one of whom was a Muslim, during a visit to a juvenile detention facility in Rome, something no pope in history has done before, during the Last Supper Mass on Mar. 28, 2013.

But many wonder how this humble and outreaching new pope will deal with the controversial issues of the 21st century. What are his views on gay marriage, abortion, and other issues that perplex not just the Catholic Church but today’s society as a whole?

Jennifer Watson is executive director of the Culture of Life Foundation. The Culture of Life Foundation is a research and education institute that focuses on bioethics, humanity, and the moral foundations of Judeo-Christian culture.

Watson points to Pope Francis’ service as Cardinal where he appealed for reform in the church. However she believes any reform the new pope has or will support will not go contrary to the original teachings of the church.

“So there is no question that abortion will remain infanticide, contraception contrary to life, and homosexual marriage unacceptable,” Watson says.

Pope Francis will continue as a pope of the people who will continue to unite through prayer and works, she adds.

“He will be a servant of the church, one who will humbly wash the feet of the infirm, morally, spiritually, and physically, while holding accountable those who have been trusted with much, especially within the offices of the Church,” she says.

 

Tags:
"Sticky Wicket" Questions

Comments

The Pope

Submitted by PARKF2014-14 on

Watson points to Pope Francis’ service as Cardinal where he appealed for reform in the church. However she believes any reform the new pope has or will support will not go contrary to the original teachings of the church.
I was raised in the "catholic" church, and though I no longer go to that church, I am a believer and have chosen to attend a nondenominational church. I do believe that people have the right to believe whatever they choose. I also believe the person in the leadership role has a duty and responsibly to their people to hold up to the teaching of that biblical teaching. If he cannot and chooses to change the teachings in accordance to what is going on around him, is he truly a leader that represents his people. Things in this will world will continue to change and unless we have leaders to hold true proper values what will happen to our futures, our country, and our people?