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Eugene

(62,646 posts)
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 01:19 PM Dec 2018

Pope says he's worried about homosexuality in the priesthood

Source: Associated Press

Pope says he’s worried about homosexuality in the priesthood

December 1, 2018

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has been quoted in a soon-to-be published book as saying that having gays in the clergy “is something that worries me” and remarking that some societies are considering homosexuality a “fashionable” lifestyle.

Italian daily Corriere della Sera’s website Saturday ran excerpts of the book in the form of an interview that Francis gave about religious vocations. Francis was quoted as describing homosexuality within the walls of seminaries, convents and other religious places where clergy live as “a very serious question.”

“In our societies, it even seems homosexuality is fashionable. And this mentality, in some way, also influences the life of the church,” Francis was quoted as telling his interviewer, a Spanish-born missionary priest, Fernando Prado.

The book, based on four hours of conversations the two had in August at the Vatican, will be published in 10 languages next week. Its Spanish title is “La Fuerza de la vocacion,” (“The Strength of Vocation”).

-snip-


Read more: https://apnews.com/420b7a6215874971bff9c98577b6c5c5
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PoindexterOglethorpe

(26,727 posts)
1. This makes it clear that Francis hasn't a clue about
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 01:20 PM
Dec 2018

what homosexuality actually is. And that he seems completely oblivious to the history of it in the Catholic Church.

 

bitterross

(4,066 posts)
6. Given his statements, he may beleive the two things are related.
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 02:05 PM
Dec 2018

It isn't "fashionable." It's an orientation. One does not take it on and off like clothing. His lack of understand makes me wonder if, perhaps, he believes the pedophilia problem is related to being gay. I'm not sure how else to take the statement about it influencing the life of the church but think he means it influences the life of the church in a negative way. Why else would it be a concern if he didn't perceive it negatively?

marylandblue

(12,344 posts)
9. The two are related, at least the way the Catholic Church does it.
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 04:47 PM
Dec 2018

I am sure there are plenty of homosexuals hiding in the church, and the church knows it. Just like they knew about the abusers and let them hide too. But as long they have all these secret "sinners," they have a lot of people covering for each other, including the abusers. The only way for the church to save itself is to change it's attitude towards sex. As long as it doesn't, the homosexuals and the abusers will provide cover for each other.

kimbutgar

(23,256 posts)
4. The two boys I knew growing up who entered the priesthood both ended up leaving because they
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 01:52 PM
Dec 2018

Were gay. My parents had a priest friend who used to joke that the catholic priesthood was filled with closeted gay men. Most were from Irish Catholic families who’s families would be shamed if they came out as gay.

MineralMan

(147,572 posts)
5. I couldn't be less concerned about what priests get up to with other adult priests
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 02:03 PM
Dec 2018

in the privacy of their quarters. I'm concerned about pedophiles going after children. The two things are not related. Il Papa seems to be confused on that matter.

The real problem is the patriarchal hierarchy that imposes unnatural restrictions on sexuality among its clergy. The solution is to end the patriarchy and to provide a broad spectrum of oversight into the lives of the clergy. There's something terribly wrong with the current environment within the RCC. Terribly wrong.

Lordquinton

(7,886 posts)
8. Being gay is something they will actually kick you out for
Sat Dec 1, 2018, 04:21 PM
Dec 2018

but raping children? They will go to great lengths to protect you.

"Oh, but it's about the relationship, and having sex which is forbidden, it's actually progressive and treating them like straights!"

If that were true then why aren't they kicking out the priests that had sex with kids?

Cuthbert Allgood

(5,170 posts)
10. Waiting for all the people here that think he is a breath of fresh air and a liberal.
Sun Dec 2, 2018, 10:29 PM
Dec 2018

Because plenty of others pointed out that wasn't the case. Would love to see some defense of this position.

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