Pope Francis lamented the “strong reactionary attitude” of some Catholics in the United States who refuse to accept changes in the Church. These comments by the 86-year-old pontiff were made to Jesuits in Lisbon during World Youth Day on August 5, but have only now been made public by the magazine Civiltà Cattolica.
A Jesuit questioned the pope about criticism of his leadership by some high-ranking American Catholics, many of whom complain that Francis is not outspoken enough on abortion and too compassionate toward gays and the divorced.
“I would like to remind these people that indigetrismo is useless and that it is necessary to understand that there is an adequate evolution in the understanding of questions of faith and morals. When you go backwards, you form something closed, disconnected from the roots of the Church and lose the sap of revelation”, replied the Pope.
The Pope also repeated that the church must be open to all, specifically speaking to LGBTQ people.
“A lot of sensitivity and creativity is needed to accompany people spiritually and pastorally. But everyone, everyone, everyone is called to live in the Church. Never forget it,” Francis stressed.
Source: TSF
