It would be great if they could get back to having a religious leader, a church leader, like it was for centuries, instead of a partisan political advocate. Yeah, I know you can claim most popes, just by the nature of their influence, have political clout. But lately, it's way more than that. It's basically getting in bed with a political movement, and focusing on that more than the essence of their religion.
Yes I hope we get a more traditional pope this time. Growing up with John Paul the Great and then Benedict, Francis was a big swing. I hope it swings back.
Even though I am not catholic, I think the Pope is one of the most influential world leaders - so very interested (and the process they use to pick is fascinating to me).
Hopefully the next pope actually stands up for kids who are molested by pedophile priests, cardinals, decans etc . and he turns these bastards over to law enforcement and they get prosecuted and put in prison .
But I doubt that will happen. They would rather protect pedophiles than protect children. True colors.
I wonder what Jesus would do in this same situation? 🤔
I think that's probably likely, although the primary reason wouldn't be that. As opposed to what many think, the world actually DOESN'T revolve around donnie.
People cheering for colored smoke like it’s some divine sign. Meanwhile, we’re just watching the next ceremonial ‘peacemaker’ step in as caretaker of a legacy that includes laundering Nazi gold through the Vatican Bank after WWII. Same ritual, different face.
Statistics show that children are more frequently n dangerous at school or by family members and friends of the family than by Catholic priests. That does not justify it at all in the church however we should see it as it is in retrospect to everything else. God haters and those with bias against Christians use this to attack Christianity. I never hear them complaining about the teachers which are more likely to do this.
No one is excusing abuse by teachers or family members. They’re prosecuted, sued, and publicly condemned—just as they should be. The difference is that the Catholic Church systematically covered up abuse, transferred abusers, and prioritized its image over victims for decades. That’s not just individual failure—it’s institutional complicity. Pointing fingers elsewhere doesn’t erase that. You don’t get moral credit for saying “others do it too” when your institution actively hid it.
Teachers and friends of the family cover it up too. Those who are Catholic priests and do this should be legally responsible just like everyone else. That is the issue. It does happen more in other areas.
Correct—accountability should apply to everyone. But that’s not the only issue. Society has improved systems to catch and punish abusers. Schools, families, and institutions face lawsuits, arrests, and investigations. What has the Church done? For decades, it protected abusers and resisted accountability. Comparing it to other areas where people actually get in trouble just softens the real problem—an institution that chose its image over its victims.
The church coverups were a massive scandal, and horrible stain on its legacy, but I think the uncovering of it almost completely eliminated it. Yeah, almost. But the widespread coverups are largely a thing of the past, if only because of the fight for transparency, which was resisted and opposed by the church. Still, it's history at this point, not so much an ongoing problem.
Not at all. I disagree with most of what the Catholics do. Christianity as a whole would be far better off if everyone left the Catholic Church and started practicing under Protestant traditions.
I'm sure every muslim would say it would be ideal if every Christian converted to Islam, and every Moonie would say everyone should convert to "Moonieism" (or whatever it's called), and - as often conveyed here - every athiest wants everyone to be athiest.
I’m okay with it this time as you inaccurately personally attacked the prior Pope! When you can share your explanation of how any comment has been “gaslighting” I will gladly share an apology. I know how proud you are of your education.
Can you read? Comprehension is difficult for many first graders. You thought I personally attacked you because you can’t explain what gaslighting is and how it fits in your context.
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