Pope Francis held an hour-long press conference on the flight from Mongolia to Rome on Sept. 4, answering questions related to his visit in Mongolia, China-Vatican relations and the yet unfulfilled mission of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi to Beijing….
He answered several questions about next October’s synod of bishops and insisted on the need to ensure the privacy of the proceedings to allow participants to speak freely. He announced that a commission of the synod will provide the media with information each day but not with gossip of what clashes took place in the meetings.
Asked how ideological polarization may be dealt with at the synod, given that its proceedings will be secret, Pope Francis replied: “There is no place in the synod for ideologies. It is another dynamic; the synod is dialogue by the baptized, by the members of the church in the dialogue with the world and the problems that humanity faces today.
Pope Francis: “True Catholic doctrine scandalizes, just as the idea that God became man scandalizes, that the Madonna preserved her virginity [scandalizes]. The true Catholic doctrine scandalizes, but the distilled ideology does not scandalize.”
“But when one thinks in an ideological framework the synod ends. There is no place in the synod for ideology,” he said. “There is a place for dialogue and for confrontation between sisters and brothers, and confrontation with each other on priorities….”
Pope Francis confirmed that the synod’s proceedings will not be public. “We must protect the privacy,” he said. “This is not a television program where we speak of everything; it is a religious moment. it is a moment for religious exchange.”
He said the synod members will each speak for three or four minutes and then there will be a period of silence with prayer, a moment of prayer. “Without this sense of prayer there is no synodality,” he said, “It is political, it is parliamentarianism, but the synod is not a parliament.”
Francis said, “There will be a commission, presided over by [Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication] that will issue press releases on how the synod is going, [but in] the synod, we must protect the religiosity and the identity of the person who speaks.”
A journalist told Francis, “This synod is not only arousing much curiosity and much interest, it is also arousing much opposition and criticism.” He mentioned a book that is being circulated in Catholic circles to which U.S. Cardinal Raymond Burke wrote in the introduction that the synod will be “a Pandora’s box” that will bring calamity to the church.
The journalist asked if the pope believed this evident polarization threatened the work of the synod. Pope Francis responded by recalling that some months ago he called a Carmelite prioress who told him: “Holiness, we are afraid of the synod that it will change doctrine.”
The pope told her, “If you continue with these ideas, you will find ideology. Always, when in the church one detaches from the journey of communion then ideology emerges…. But it’s not the true Catholic doctrine, which is in the Creed. The true Catholic doctrine scandalizes, just as the idea that God became man scandalizes, that the Madonna preserved her virginity [scandalizes]. The true Catholic doctrine scandalizes, but the distilled ideology does not scandalize.”
Another journalist asked the pope, “How can we journalists explain the synod to people without having access at least to the plenary sessions to be sure that the information given to us is true. Is there not some possibility of being more open?”
Pope Francis insisted that the synod will be “most open,” adding that Mr. Ruffini’s commission will provide updates each day of the proceedings. “This commission will be very respectful of the interventions of each [participant],” Pope Francis said, “but it will seek to not give room for gossip when it gives information on the proceedings of the synod, which is constitutive for the church. If one wants to get the news that this one clashed with that one, that is gossip.”
He acknowledged that the commission will not have an easy task, “but it will tell that the synod went this way today, it will provide a synodal dimension, not a political one.”
“Remember the protagonist of the synod is the Holy Spirit,” Pope Francis said, “and how does one explain this [except] by transmitting the ecclesial happenings….”
From America magazine
I am afraid in this case, ideology = traditional Roman Catholic values, liturgy, and beliefs.
Traditional Roman Catholic values, liturgy and beliefs must be maintained at all costs or the church will be a shell of its self.
I have to say that most of those who call themselves traditional these days are not.
Calling it an ideology is putting it nicely.
Catholic Tradition itself is holy, and an important part of our Magisteriun. It is over 2,000 years old. It is certainly not an “ideology”– that is so ignorant! Jesuit Fathers James Martin, Antonio Sparano, Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Cardinal Blase Cupich (all papal favorites), and many other clerics, have been criticized for such things as blasphemy, heresy, etc — yet they consider themselves to be good Catholic clerics.
You do not understand. Catholic Tradition is Sacred. Catholic Tradition includes obedience to Peter.
Except when Peter is wrong. Paul told Peter to his face that he was manifestly in the wrong.
There is nothing in the magisterium of Pope Francis that is “wrong.” Nothing. Stop misrepresenting our Pope.
You seem to have a hate list.
Gossiping and listening to gossip are both sins against the 8th Commandment in Catholic Tradition.
Well, aren’t you special? 🤦♂️😒
Just because they have been criticized for blasphemy or heresy does not mean they are guilty of it.
I am sure if they were, it would be mentioned by people other than the usual people who criticize the Pope.
I just submitted a comment in reply to ideology– but I think I misspelled Italian Jesuit Fr. Antonio Spadaro’s name. Spadaro alarmed Catholics worldwide, for his recent blasphemous, heretical, extremely offensive comments about Jesus, in the recent Sunday Gospel (from St. Matthew 15:21-28) in which he characterized Jesus as being rude, insensitive, indifferent to suffering, mocking and disrespectful to the poor Canaanite lady, thoughtless, cruel (etc.). He even characterized Our Lord as “showing a lapse in manner, attitude and humanity,” “blinded by nationalism and theological rigorism,” “rigid, confused and in need of conversion,” and “sick and imprisoned by rigidity and the dominant theological, political and cultural elements of His time,” a “glorifier of the pagan faith”– and much more!! This Jesuit priest is a close adviser to the pope. His commentary on this Gospel passage made me totally sick!
I think you should speak to him directly.
link please!
You are seriously mis-characterizing Fr. Spadaro’s reflection.
Reply to obedience, hate list, blasphemy, directly, Spadari Link Please, and Fr. Spadaro: It is best to keep your eyes open, as there are many “wolves among the sheep”– clerical sex abusers, clerical LGBT-promoters– gay sex and gay “marriage” promoters who bless gay couples in church, clerics who allow Communion for political leaders who are abortion-promoters, or divorced/re-married without annulments, or non-Catholics (etc. etc). Our religion, which is from God, requires both Faith and Reason. Here is a link to an article about the Spadaro incident. You can find many more news stories, everywhere– this incident is very famous. After reading more about this, and being well-informed, and thinking things through– you all may come up with a different perspective. Here is a link:
https://edwardpentin.co.uk/papal-adviser-father-antonio-spadaro-accused-of-heretical-blasphemy/
Jesuit Fr. Spadaro is a close friend of the pope, and has been a ghostwriter for many of Pope Francis’ encyclicals.
We see many wolves among the sheep.
Pope Francis recently acknowledged that his comments about “Great Mother Russia” were faulty, after receiving a verbal rebuke from Ukrainian Catholic bishops. This pope seems to transcend common sense with every obtuse remark he makes about sacred scripture and apostolic tradition.
Wrong. The Pope didn’t say that his comments about Russia are “faulty”. Stop mischaracterizing His Holiness. And the Pope does not transcend common sense. His detractors and critics do. They are revealed to be ideological, biased, and anti-Catholic in their criticisms. They are being manipulated/swayed by forces and people they don’t even know but who have a vested interest in having them be separated from the universal Pastor. Beware, people.
jon. It’s all over the news.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-acknowledges-russian-empire-comments-faulty-rcna103342
And where does the Pope use the word “faulty” to describe his words? No where. For those of us who know to interpret the Pope’s words (or anyone’s for that matter) with the benefit of the doubt and with charity, the Pope did not have to recapitulate. And perhaps the Ukrainians may be forgiven their sensitivity on this issue. But not people like “Axiom” who are called to charity and to revere the Roman Pontiff. God preserve the Pope from his detractors.
In a Vatican statement a spokesman said, that Pope Francis did not praise “imperialistic logic” or Russian rulers but simply to inspire young Russians.
Let us pray and hope that the synod bears good fruit and not be a as Cardinal Burke says, “a Pandora’s Box.”
Even Sarah, who was barren in her old age, brought forth a son. So there is always hope.
Secrecy has often not served the Church or the world well.
Why can’t the synod proceedings be open to observation?
Secrecy will increase rumors and gossip, not lessen such.
“For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” (Jesus in Luke 8:17)
Holy people don’t gossip.
The age of the reality show has made people feel entitled to know things that they do not need to know.
Trust the Holy Spirit, the Infallible Guide of the Holy Catholic Church.
Don’t, “If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7)
Don’t walk in darkness. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” (Ephesians 5)
Why the secrecy? What do they plan on hiding? The proceedings, or at least some of them, will become public, even before the revelation of all things.
Have you read any of the Synod documents?
Do you understand what the quotes you posted mean?
notice how they change the word “private” to ‘secret”
Somebody’s got an agenda.
I think the Synod should be 100% open to all, for all to see. It should be televised, available on all types of media– for all to see, openly– with nothing to hide. Secrecy will not fulfill the pope’s purposes at all, of “dialog” — secrecy will subvert and suppress honest dialog. The Pope should never be afraid of honest discussion, with potential conflicts– conflict is a normal part of authentic, honest dialog. Without that, you only have a hypocrisy– a babyish conformity to whatever the pope wants and demands. You need good rules for discussion, and to insist on respect for each participant– to behave like grownups. I think each session should open with a Mass, and a reaffirmation of Catholic beliefs. The first ecumenical council, the Council of Nicea, was convened in 325 A.D. by the Emperor Constantine, to resolve questions of the Arian heresy, which stated that Christ was only human, and rejected the teaching of the Holy Trinity. There was a great deal of debate, and the Arian issue was settled. Yet even today, there are still non-Trinitarian Christian sects (Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unitarians, etc.) that do not accept the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity, and the Nicene Creed. Discussion, debate and conflict is normal, and mature. It should be conducted in a mature, adult manner. Kids should learn these things in school.
They have never been televised except maybe the opening and closing Masses.
This is not secrecy.
There will be a daily briefing-like they have done in the past.
Well, I think it might be better, for the Synod to be more open, not “protect privacy” for the speakers, just be honest, say what you think, and have good rules for everyone to follow. That way, the whole Church and the whole world, will see for themselves, exactly what is going on, and no one will have false or mistaken assumptions or suspicions. Reporters will have no “spin” on anything.
ummm. this is the Catholic Church
But that is not the way Christ works. Christ was unafraid and always spoke the Truth, plain and simple. No spin. No “privacy” needed. This is His Church– not ours. Papal events, USCCB conclaves, and many other events that are important in our Church, are even televised. If the Pope considers his Synod on Synodality to be even important for historical purposes– it ought to be open, and even televised. No spin. No baloney.
Another Gospel passage that can scandalize like the encounter with the Canaanite woman
Mark 4:10-12
And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables.
He answered them, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables,
so that
‘they may look and see but not perceive,
and hear and listen but not understand,
in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven
You do not want it for any holy purpose.
Does the Synod on Synodality have a holy purpose? Christ has nothing to hide, He is unafraid.
You are beating a dead horse.
Yes, the Synod has a holy purpose. If you are laity or clergy, your participation was in 2021-2022.
I hope you went to a session or filled out a survey.
Isn’t the confessional secret? Does the Seal make it unholy? Didn’t think so.
If the Pope decided to livestream the synod, y’all would be complaining about that. anything this Pope does is condemned by some of you.
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254616/synod-on-synodality-your-questions-answered
YFC– Confession of sin is personal. A Synod is not personal. At a Synod, discussions of important topics take place. It should be a simple thing, very open. Just like when people gathered around big tables, in their parishes, to talk about the Synod on Synodality, after filling out the forms, answering the questions. No big deal.
Dead horse.
Understand this: God is not helping Pope Francis in a positive way. God is preventing Francis from teaching error, which is negative assistance. But God is not guiding the Francis papacy to a holy end except by preventing him from totally screwing things up. That doesn’t mean Francis won’t screw things up a whole lot. Just not totally.
The Pope said, “If one wants to get the news that this one clashed with that one, that is gossip.” A clash between Saint Paul and Saint Peter is recorded in the Scriptures under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Canonized Saints, among themselves, have had public clashes. That’s not gossip. The Pope is not infallible in this press conference and did not solemnly redefine gossip. Gossip (or detraction) is when a person, “without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who did not know them.” (Catechism 2477) That’s not what this synod or knowledge of its contents are about.
People are looking for honesty and transparency, not more unneeded secrecy (or “studied ambiguity,” as Pope Benedict warned us of) in our beloved Church.
I really get tired of people using the Bible to justify sins.
I have even seen abortion justified using the Bible.
There is absolutely no need to you to know who said what at the Synod.
None.
At the end of the Synod, in 2024 there will be a document issued about it.
Pope Francis will write a document concerning it or let its document be issued with his approval.
If there is something you need to know it will be in there.
I hope you are praying the prayer for the Synod, praying the Rosary and other prayers.
Does anybody know where these rumors that the Synod is an attempt to change doctrine began?
This is the age of the internet. There are no secrets!
We can stop talking about this now.
Pray the Adsumus.
From a Commentary on the Prologue of the Rule of St. Benedict by Phillip Lawrence OSB, Abbot
It is high time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11). First we must say that monastic formation is a living of the life of the Monastery that we have joined. So many monks and nuns come to the Monastery and begin to want the life of another Monastery. Too often this is an evasion of accepting life as it is in the Monastery we have joined. Part of the task of formation is simply accepting the life of this community, under whoever is the present superior, with these brothers who are here today.
Can. 220 No one is permitted to harm illegitimately the good reputation which a person possesses nor to injure the right of any person to protect his or her own privacy.
Pope Francis contrasts doctrine with ideology. Because I am uncertain how he defines these terms, I have given thought to the article in America from which this thread has come.
Pope Francis gives us two ways ideology is contrasted with doctrine. Doctrine is never ideological, but it becomes ideology when doctrine is detached from one, reality and two, detached from the people. When Francis speaks of the people, he describes a specific characteristic they possess: a commitment to a dialogical process with each other on matters of importance and with the world and its concerns, all with an understanding that there is “an appropriate evolution of the understanding of matters of faith and morals.” Such dialogue ensures that doctrine will never be detached from reality and will find a place in the hearts of those committed to synodality. Otherwise, doctrine becomes ideology when it is “detached from reality and detached from the people.”
This brings us to the second contrast between ideology and theology: the latter is based on reality while the first is not. By reality I believe the pope means theologizing itself is an expression of, or grows out of, the needs and concerns of people; Francis speaks of this as the “journey of communion,” and any theologizing detached from this journey reduces ipso facto to ideology.
So then what is ideology? There is no clear definition given in the article, but Francis describes it as the thought process of a backward-looking, reactionary people, chained to the past and presumably closed to the future. A cryptic comparison is given: while true doctrine scandalizes, ideology does not. The message of the cross scandalizes; if the cross no longer scandalizes, one must presume the doctrine no longer touches the souls of people, is no longer appropriated in personal application to one’s life. Or perhaps it is a part of a structure of theological belief imposed on people irrespective of their concerns, their reality and so becomes a dead letter. Yet people place security in dead letters by force of habit. They who abandon doctrine in life to replace it with an ideology, the pope contends, “have lost, you have lost as in a war.”
Francis sums it this way: “There is no place in the synod for ideologies. It is another dynamic; the synod is dialogue by the baptized, by the members of the church in the dialogue with the world and the problems that humanity faces today.
So many questions must be asked; 1. Of me, whether or how much I understand Pope Francis, and 2. Of Pope Francis, whether his categories of doctrine vs. ideology meaningfully describe human, and specifically Catholic experience. As an example: Paul VI promulgated Humanae Vitae in 1968 against the advice of a commission set up by John XXIII to investigate artificial birth control and in which the majority called for the ban to be dropped. The encyclical provoked a ferocious reaction among millions of practising Catholics. So intense was the reaction, it led to Pope Paul not publishing another encyclical in the remaining 10 years of his pontificate. Dr Catherine McCann was at the time a Sister of Charity and teaching in the US when it was published. Her take: following the Second Vatican Council and a “climate of freedom in the Catholic Church, there was this crash. It was a terrible dampener. We thought things were opening up. But it was back to the old thing of papal authority…[Humanae Vitae] was a throwback, there was a lot of anger and disappointment. It was a terrible comedown after the council. The church didn’t really ‘get’ the thrust of the council, didn’t ‘get’ where the people were at.” It would seem that Humanae Vitae was using the pope’s analysis ideology, not doctrine. Yet Paul VI issued it to be believed by the faithful.
Also: Francis asserts “true Catholic doctrine … is in the Creed.” Then what causes those who embrace the creed in their lives only to abandon doctrine later in life to replace it with an ideology? Is this not the temptation of every Catholic person and is this not a problem for the whole Church?