In an address the day before he was elevated to the College of Cardinals, Pierre says it is difficult for Catholics to claim allegiance to the pope while openly criticising the incumbent.

Pierre's reminder always to listen to the Pope comes against the background of the Church in the US, which is said to be divided, and some of the country's bishops are openly criticising Pope Francis.

While Pierre did not mention names, it is said his comments alluded to the controversial case of Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, who has accused Pope Francis of undermining the Deposit of Faith.

"The pope is not an idea.

"Some people say, 'I am with the pope, but not with this one.' And they are mistaken. The pope is a real person" declared Cardinal Pierre, Pope Francis' ambassador to the United States.

He emphasised that when the Lord chose Peter, He chose an individual, not an abstract concept, to build His church upon.

Pope understands the US church "very well"

Pierre, originally from France, has been a seasoned Vatican diplomat and was appointed as the apostolic nuncio to the United States by Pope Francis in 2016. His mission has largely focused on encouraging the US hierarchy to embrace Pope Francis' reforms and revitalise the Synod of Bishops.

Critics have claimed Pope Francis doesn't fully understand the Catholic Church in the United States due to his Latin American background. However, Pierre countered, stating "My experience is that Pope Francis understands very well the US church.

"It's good that we have a pope that makes provocations, because this is a real pope," he added.

Despite occasional tensions between Pope Francis and the US episcopacy, Cardinal Pierre urged a spirit of dialogue and unity, emphasising that "the pope is the pope, and bishops should always listen to the pope."

Pierre advised those who struggle to embrace the pope's priorities, saying "If the pope says something, don't criticise him. Make an examination of conscience."

21 new Cardinals

On Saturday, Francis elevated 21 new prelates from 15 countries.

In adding them to the College of Cardinals Francis said they should resemble a symphony orchestra: diverse and with a wide range of contributions, but always working toward harmony.

"A symphony thrives on the skilful composition of the timbres of different instruments: each one makes its contribution, sometimes alone, sometimes united with someone else, sometimes with the whole ensemble," said Francis at the ceremony.

"Diversity is necessary; it is indispensable. However, each sound must contribute to the common design."

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

National Catholic Reporter

CathNews New Zealand

Gregory (pictured), the archbishop of Washington DC, spoke at an event hosted by Georgetown University's Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life.

He noted that the pope's emphasis on caring for those on the peripheries and the environment had challenged American political ideologies.

Cardinal Gregory stated, "Francis makes it possible for us to say, if you really want to be adaptable, you've got to embrace the whole church's social teaching".

"So, you can't be comfortable with just the pro-life banner; you can't be comfortable with just the progressive social (issues) — you've got to have them all."

Gregory also acknowledged the heightened political polarisation in the United States, saying that the country must urgently address its associated challenges.

However, he stressed the importance of speaking to each other with civility, honesty and charity, and approaching complex issues with reverential deference to the truth.

Sister Norma Pimentel, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Brownsville, Texas, praised Pope Francis for "breaking down barriers" and encouraging the church to get out of its "bubble" to meet "those who are at the margins".

Pimentel emphasised the importance of seeing the faces and hearing the stories of marginalised people to understand the pope's message.

EJ Dionne, a columnist at The Washington Post and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, praised Pope Francis for challenging both progressive and conservative Catholics on issues related to social justice and abortion.

He said that the pope forces Catholics to think hard about their beliefs regarding church teaching and Catholic social thought.

Despite the discomfort that Pope Francis' teachings may cause, Cardinal Gregory praised the pontiff for his accessible papacy and his ability to connect with people.

"It's hard to dislike a person who likes you," he said.

As Pope Francis prepares to mark the 10th anniversary of his pontificate, his message of caring for the marginalised and the environment continues to challenge American political ideologies and inspire Catholics worldwide.

Sources

UCA News

National Catholic Reporter