No more surprises

In Pope Francis’ recent interview with Eugenio Scalfari, which Fr. Federico Lombardi has since confirmed as having accurately communicated the pope’s intended message, the Holy Father said:

“Vatican II, inspired by Pope John and by Paul VI, decided to look to the future with a modern spirit and to open to modern culture. The council fathers knew that opening to modern culture meant religious ecumenism and dialogue with nonbelievers. After then very little was done in that direction. I have the humility and the ambition of wanting to do it.” [Emphasis added]

Some questions come to mind, first, has he lost his ever-lovin’ mind? The man cannot be serious. If the ecumeniacal folly of the last four decades amounts to “very little,” what in Hell does “a moderate amount” look like? (I think I just answered.)

Furthermore, when an individual announces to the world the superiority of his own humility relative to those who came before him, isn’t that a fairly blatant demonstration of pride? Just sayin.

As to the latter, is Pope Francis seriously implying that “John Paul the Great Ecumenist” and Benedict XVI, the popes who brought us the shameful debacles known as Assisi I, II and III , lacked in the humility and ambition necessary to engage in “religious ecumenism and dialogue with nonbelievers?”

One shudders to imagine the kind of scene likely to unfold during a Francis led (or more likely, followed) Assisi IV should he (or the world, for that matter) survive that long.

How exactly will he outdo his predecessors, one wonders? Will he dress in civies so as not to give any hint of religious superiority? Will he chant pagan prayers to hand carved idols as an expression of solidarity? Will he arrange for the big event to take place in some neutral location just to be fair? (Actually, that would be a substantial upgrade to be sure.)

Serious question: Is there anything, and I mean anything this pope might say or do at this point that would surprise darn near anyone?

Latest Comments

  1. linda stella zentner October 9, 2013
  2. Rushintuit October 9, 2013
  3. FrA October 9, 2013
  4. David October 9, 2013
  5. David October 9, 2013
  6. Theresa October 9, 2013
  7. Catholic at Rome October 9, 2013
  8. roguehop October 10, 2013
  9. I am not Spartacus October 10, 2013