Interview - CathNews New Zealand

Pope says he avoids conflict with ultra-conservatives

Michael — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 17:09:59 +0000

Pope Francis has said he avoids conflict with Catholic ultra-conservatives. "They do their work and I do mine," Francis said in interview published in Argentina's La Nacion on Sunday. "I want a Church that is open, compassionate, that accompanies wounded families. They say no to everything," the Pope said of ultra-conservatives. But he added, "I'm Read more

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Pope warns against clericalism in making laity deacons

Michael — Thu, 19 May 2016 17:09:35 +0000

In a wide-ranging interview, Pope Francis has spoken about sexual abuse, the Society of St Pius X and clericalising laity by making them deacons.

Pope Francis told French newspaper La Croix that it is often a mistake to "clericalise" talented laity by turning them into deacons.

"In Buenos Aires, I have known many good priests who, seeing a capable lay person, immediately exclaimed ‘Let's make him a deacon'," Francis said.

"No, you must let the lay person be lay."

Pope warns against clericalism in making laity deacons

Pope under fire for praising China in interview

Michael — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 16:05:53 +0000

Pope Francis has come under criticism for lavishing praise on China, but not mentioning human rights issues and restrictions on Christians.

In an interview with the Asia Times, the Pontiff said the world need not fear China's growing power.

Francis said China had always been, for him, a "reference point of greatness" and "a great culture, with an inexhaustible wisdom".

The Pope made only the lightest of allusions to China's troubled recent history.

He said a people sometimes "makes a mistake and goes backwards a little, or takes the wrong path and has to retrace its steps to follow the right way".

The Pope's comments were widely seen as part of the Vatican's moves to improve relations with Beijing.

Pope under fire for praising China in interview