Catholic Reading Wednesday

With many thanks to our awesome curator, Karen Celano, you can delve into a faith-related news article each Wednesday! Karen writes:

Last week, Jesuit magazines around the world published an extensive interview with Pope Francis, in which the new pontiff discoursed about his approach to the papacy, his identity as a Jesuit, and the mission of the church in the 21st century.

Reactions to the interview have been broad and varied.  Disaffected former Catholic Andrew Sullivan believes that that Pope Francis' words constitute "a gentle but nonetheless revolutionary rejection of the entire John Paul II-Benedict XVI era," especially with regard to the Church's teachings on homosexuality.  Others, I think, rightly point out that Francis' words are directing us to a shift not in content but a shift in pastoral practice.  Still, some who work for pro-life and pro-family causes are concerned about the implication the media's interpretation of Francis' words has for their work. 

No matter where we stand, however, I think it's fair to say that the Pope's interview is challenging everyone to reassess their faith and how they live it.  As I see it, Pope Francis wants us to distance ourselves from stale and ineffective partisan squabbling and to think of new ways to frame the issues.  We have to be sure that the world understands that the Church's message, though challenging, comes from a place of love, not from a place of condemnation.

One of the most touching reflections on the Pope's interview comes from Greg Popcak, who acknowledges that the Pope's interview troubled him, but also challenged him to be more humble and welcoming to those who disagree with him.  It's a reminder to all of us that it's okay - and in fact can be spiritually beneficial - to be ambivalent about and troubled by our Pope and our faith.  In what way has the Pope challenged you to think differently about your faith and how you live it?