Keep out of Politics, Stick to Preaching: Republicans to Pope Francis

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Republican politicians urge Pope Francis to stay away from politics and concentrate on the work to lead people to Jesus Christ and Salvation.

Republican politicians have asked Pope Francis to stay away from politics. Given the several religion based bills recently, this comes as a surprise and has been criticized for its hypocrisy.

Pope Francis has to be one of the most open minded religious leaders around when you consider his take on a majority of global issues. The fact that he speaks regularly on emerging issues with a clear position and reflecting the changes in time have not only set him apart from previous pontiffs but also made him a relevant global voice. From criticizing priests’ lack of piety during holiday Mass and making comments on homosexuality which have been considered more moderate than his predecessors, the Papacy has moved to the political arena recently.

Firstly, a top aide of the Pope criticized US politicians for their denial of climate change and blamed it on capitalism. While this may have raised eyebrows, it is Vatican’s recent change of policy regarding the Palestinian state that had the Republicans all riled up. Pope Francis has moved to recognize the Palestine state and with the Republican Party being strong defenders of Israel policies this has elicited strong emotions among the party ranks.

The most vocal of Pope Francis recent action critics has to be Representative Jeff Duncan (R.S.C). He is quoted saying “It’s interesting how the Vatican has gotten so political when ultimately the Vatican ought to be working to lead people to Jesus Christ and salvation, and that’s what the Church is supposed to do.” Duncan went on to express his disappointment in the Pope’s decision to recognize the Palestine state without requiring its recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.

Other critics have asked the Pope to let the Palestine issue be sorted out in the Middle East while others like Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) have criticized Pope Francis for granting recognition to a vowed enemy of Israel when Israel is a staunch ally of the US. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) has gone even further questioning the Pope’s decision on Biblical grounds. He and Steve King (R-Iowa) have gone on to suggest that the Pope may just not know any better regarding the issue he may not be a good politician and he is a good Pope.

Pope Francis is set to address Congress later this year upon the invitation of the Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). The whole world would be watching to hear the message he delivers. Meanwhile the Republicans have been blasted for their criticism of Pope Francis since they have always made religion part of their politics when it suits them. Some like Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kansas) already have an agenda they would prefer the Pope to stick to on his coming address.

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