New Pope Francis Book Gives Insight on Gays, Divorce, and Mercy

By Zebra48bo (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
By Zebra48bo (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
A new interview with Pope Francis has given fresh understanding when it comes to his view on divorce and gays along with other topics that are hotly debated by devout Catholics.

This conversation, which the Pope had with Andrea Tornielli was published under the The Name of God is Mercy title. Incidentally, the date coincides with the Holy Year of Mercy as observed by the Vatican. The Holy Year of Mercy began in December.

New Pope Francis Book Gives Insight on Gays, Divorce, and Mercy[/tweetthis]

The interview starts with the Pope reminiscing about his early career as a teacher of psychology and literature in native Argentina. Although he was entrusted to teach classics exclusively, he also taught tomes which his students were interested in. Under his tutelage, students were encouraged to write as well. The Pope's gift for teaching seeps from the book, and his many years caring for the poor in the Buenos Aires slums also shine through.

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According to Francis, mercy is central to Jesus' message. It is important as all men sin, and thus require the grace and forgiveness of God. This quality is necessary today-the time when humanity is bleeding from wounds. The Pope mentions a war not only on social exclusion, poverty and war, but also self-righteousness, hardheartedness and fatalism.

This theme of mercy also offers the Pope a metaphor for explaining his larger aim for breaking the age old shackles bounding the Roman Catholic Church. He elaborated in detail in a large document titled Evangelii Gaudium or The Joy of Gospel. The document espouses decentralizing power within the church and concentrating on requirements of disenfranchised and marginalized. The document also condemns economic injustice.

Pope Francis asked for a church attuned to caring for the poor- an institution which has reverted to its roots and original healing ministry founded by Jesus. The document criticizes self-righteous bureaucrats intent on glorifying themselves and not Christ. Francis chastise scholars who give importance to law and does not care about love. The Pope urged everyone to regard the church as a kind of field hospital where treatment is given to he wounded. He highlighted moral sincerity and made it superior to dogma.

When it came to gays, the Pope regards every individual as unique with their own dignity and wholeness. He also cautioned defining people by only sexual tendencies. He emphasized that God loves all creatures and we will all receive infinite love. 

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