Shout Out To Pope Francis

[thesometimesaint]

Who knew we would see the day on here that a Mormon would be defending a teaching of the Pope to a practicing Catholic.

Religion, like politics, makes for strange bedfellows.

[Storm Rider]

Rather that is followng Christ is strongly up for debate.

As far as knowing about the Catholic Church, I know a bit. I do not know what happens on Sundays in the Catholic Church, heard it is pretty symbolic. I do know the history and many beliefs the Catholic Church holds. Despite all that he will gain followers, cult of personality.

What is the strong debate?

[Calm]

I realize not all priests take such vows, but I was under the impression that some do. Could definitely be wrong about that though.

So apparently there are 'secular' priests that don't make such vows and 'religious' priests that do (these belong to a religious order). Found out that on the wikihow site on the question of "how does one become a Catholic priest, but was too simplified to be very helpful.

Found this site that promises to be a bit more on topic, haven't read it yet:

http://catholicexchange.com/the-priesthood-and-the-vow-of-poverty/

[Kenngo1969]

I can just see someone at Ford saying "you can't buy publicity like this!"

[Robert F. Smith]

Though I have been impressed with some of the things that Pope Francis has been doing, I have talked with enough good Catholics like my friend 3DOP to know that South American priests may come with a very leftist political agenda that motivates some of their perceived charity. There is a long history of problems with SA priest theology and what the Catholic Church actually teaches. I am not wanting to discount the good he is doing, but he has put many Catholics in a wait and see mode with a degree of concern. I do think that not living in the papal apartments is bit silly, but then again I have never seen them. Maybe in staying away he seeks to avoid the temptation of getting wrapped up in what he is obviously trying to teach the Italian priesthood.

His own fellow cardinals chose him. Why?

My recommendation: Buy or rent the wonderful 1968 film "Shoes of the Fisherman," and ask yourself whether you'd like to see a man of God who is humble and charitable, or just another "prince" of the Church.

[Robert F. Smith]

I would prefer to see leftist and rightist when talking about people of God go out the window and focus instead on faith, hope, and charity. Anyone that espouses these principles and lives them will reflect the Holy Spirit regardless of which church they belong. Tyler, have you ever investigated the Catholic Church? You will find that it is a wonderful religion, but it does not mince words or standards about its desire to follow Christ, as in: against SSM, SSA, and some of your other strongly held beliefs. You will find the CC has far more in common with the LDS Church than what is dissimilar.

Quite so!

[volgadon]

His own fellow cardinals chose him. Why?

My recommendation: Buy or rent the wonderful 1968 film "Shoes of the Fisherman," and ask yourself whether you'd like to see a man of God who is humble and charitable, or just another "prince" of the Church.

[media=]

The novel is good, too.

[volgadon]

I couldn't help but think of the Russian Orthodox Church, where this sort of thing is an open scandal, encouraged by the upper echelons.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I believe they do take a vow of poverty, but I have no idea how that is supposed to translate to real life for Catholic clergy.

I am behind the curve, I stated out Preaching in a Church that would pay and left it for Mormonism, where I paid to preach.

[Storm Rider]

His own fellow cardinals chose him. Why?

My recommendation: Buy or rent the wonderful 1968 film "Shoes of the Fisherman," and ask yourself whether you'd like to see a man of God who is humble and charitable, or just another "prince" of the Church.

I think there are many reasons why cardinals vote a particular way. I saw the movie and I enjoyed it years ago and I am sure I would enjoy seeing it again. My point is focused on motivation for action or teaching. Liberation theology is not the gospel of Christ, but a distortion. I don't know if P. F. is a proponent or not of such a political position, but I am listening to my Catholic friends and think their position seems wise. It is wait and see. I agree with others that there is much to admire and I am still waiting and observing.

[Calm]

So priests keep all their personal property and money when receiving the priesthood?

A priest may come from a wealthy family, for example, and if he has not made a vow of poverty in a religious institute, he may inherit money and property from his relatives. Priests who have not vowed poverty may also freely choose to invest their income as they see fit, and so they may lawfully own stocks or shares in mutual funds....

The bottom line is, our priests are required to live simply, but they have not necessarily taken a vow of poverty. They have the right to appropriate compensation for their ministry to us, which of course is beyond price in any case.

From the link I gave before

[Calm]

Also from the link, the comment section:

What are your thoughts on Rolls Royces, Mercedez Benz and other super expensive luxury vehicles? I don't think Jesus would approve, and I see priests in them all of the time here in Chile.

So perhaps it is something that the Pope has seen in his past in certain locations of the world where the 'culture' among the priests is different than in the US.

[saemo]

So priests keep all their personal property and money when receiving the priesthood? What about nuns?

Men and women who join a religious order take vows of poverty. Not all priests are members of a religious order. Even then, a vow of poverty is not a vow to become poor, but a vow that renounces personal property ownership. It follows Acts 4:32-35, where property in a religious order is communal. That does not mean religious orders exist to accumulate property, as materialism is always viewed as sinful. Non-religious clergy are not under a vow of poverty, and like all people, come from all economic walks of life. Also, depending on the parish in which they serve, where the people may be rich or poor, Catholics make donations to their clergy for performing marriages, saying a special Mass, performing a baptism, etc. These donations aren't required. We view it as supporting our clergy who otherwise have no means of earning money. So, some clergy collect a lot of donations, which is theirs to use as they wish. Others, collect very little.

I agree with St. Francis that it is out of sync with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for a member of the clergy to accumulate material wealth. It is not a sin to own a car, it is a sin to forsake the poor in order to flash one's wealth. In the case where a priest owns a Mercedes because of donations he has received, it raises questions about the fidelity of the priest to the Church and his calling to serve the Church and those of us who belong to it.

[Damien the Leper]

I absolutely love the Holy Father! He has been so amazing in such a short amount of time.

[cdowis]

What a wonderful person!

We can expect him to be escalated to a Saint very shortly after his death -- just need a couple of miracles.

Mormons honor their past presidents by publishing a priesthood manual.

[The Nehor]

I suspect he just did this so he could lose the infamous Popemobile name with a new car. I see through his ploy and christen his new car the Popemobile 5000.

Your move Francis.

[bluebell]

What a wonderful person!

We can expect him to be escalated to a Saint very shortly after his death -- just need a couple of miracles.

Mormons honor their past presidents by publishing a priesthood manual.

Well, Mormons think every member is a saint, so that really limits our options.