CLARITY, CATHOLICISM, COURAGE
What a great trip for Pope Benedict XVI and Catholicism! From tossing the gauntlet at Catholic pro-abortion politicians to exhorting Brazilians to be faithful to Christ, see the Church as home, and reverence the Eucharist and Sunday Mass, to reminding both capitalism and marxism that they are not replacement religions or the salvation of humanity, Benedict was crystal clear in his message. Guess what? The people liked it! Crowds were enthusiastic, the Pope seemed both very relaxed and exuberant with the people--there was a connection there that can only be seen as positive for the future of the Catholic Church in Brazil and Catholicism throughout Latin America.
Why does this Pope confound the pundits? They say he is not charismatic like JPII, yet he draws huge crowds. They say his message is too tough, yet millions listen and are paying to read his new book on Jesus Christ. They say he doesn't touch where people are, yet no religious figure can equal his voice or his effect.
Clearly, we are seeing a continuation of the Regensburg moment which many even in Catholic circles thought was a mistake and a misspeaking on the Pope's part. You remember Regensburg and the speech on Islam, calling Moslems to face the mindless violence inherent in radical Islam. Too blunt, not diplomatic, a faux pas. But it wasn't. Instead, real dialog began to happen. Speaking truth tends to do that. And the Pope has done it again in Brazil.
Here's a good link to an article by a non-Catholic religious broadcaster: Where are all the Protestant Benedicts? There is just something about this Pope that keeps him in the public eye, not as a curiousity, but as a leader who must be taken seriously. This May looks to be one of high visibility for the Pope. This week his book on Jesus comes out in English. Newsweek is publishing excerpts in its May 21 edition.
Clarity, unapologetic Catholicism, and great Courage: congrats to the Pope on a fantastic missionary pilgrimage. (Above picture from AP: Gergio Borgia)
Reuters has reported that the Holy Father outraged the native people of Brazil in his last speech. Have you heard anything about this?
******Looks like that dealt with some indigenous tribes upset that the Pope saw a synthesis between native culture and Christianity. Some felt that Christianity was imposed on those tribes and that the Pope should have mentioned that. Msgr. Barr
Posted by: Sharon | May 16, 2007 at 03:52 AM