Pope Francis Resistance

Pope Francis Welcomes Resistance to Controversial Policies

Pope Francis Resistance

Pope Francis appreciates the openness used by those who criticize him claiming that resistance is normal and welcome.

Pope Francis has been a love-him-or-hate-him kind of pope making bold declarations on many of the biggest issues Catholics face today. Pope Francis has often made some controversial decisions and comments, and, as he revealed in a recent interview he has received a lot of resistance from other leaders in the Catholic Church, but it has not discouraged him. Despite the fact that many people would consider such disagreements and hints at another schism upsetting, Pope Francis has stated that instead of being angry at the internal resistance, he is instead very appreciative of the different opinions that his advisors can bring to him.

It has become rather controversial over the last few weeks, especially as Pope Francis has made the decision to move the well-respected Cardinal Raymond L. Burke from his position as the head of the Vatican’s highest appeals court to the Chaplain of the Order of the Knights of Malta. To many people this was a serious demotion, and critics have argued that Pope Francis made the change because Cardinal Burke allegedly had been criticising many of Pope Francis’ policies at the most recent Synod of Bishops comparing Pope Francis’ church to a “ship without a rudder.” However, Pope Francis claimed he had never personally heard such a phrase from Cardinal Burke or anyone else. He also assured the public that he had spoken with Cardinal Burke about the move to his new position long before the Synod and that Cardinal Burke actually appreciated the role and the travelling that will accompany it.

However, Pope Francis enjoyed the openness of those who disagree with him claiming, “resistance means different points of view, not something dirty.” He believes that resistance is “a good sign,” especially to have it in the open and not behind closed doors. Never wanting to be a tyrant, Pope Francis appreciates the contributions of those who disagree with him. “It all seems normal to me, if there were no difference of opinions, that wouldn’t be normal.” This is striking when the Catholic Church in the past has struggled to deal with its critics, from heresy in the medieval ages, to those who have argued against its beliefs in the scientific community. However, it now seems that Pope Francis is ready to reach out to critics with open arms.

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