The following comes from a Nov. 16 article by John L. Allen, Jr. on Crux.
Cardinal Francis George of Chicago will turn over the reins to his successor, Archbishop Blase Cupich, on Tuesday. George has long been seen as a leading intellectual light among America’s Catholic bishops, and even now, as he fights for his life, his mind remains remarkably nimble.
As it turns out, one thing occupying his mind these days is Pope Francis.
Now 77, George is currently undergoing experimental treatment intended to stimulate his immune system to fight off the cancer spreading from his bladder, liver, and kidneys through the rest of his body. If it fails, he’ll likely be looking at palliative care ahead of the inevitable.
I’ve described George before as the “American Ratzinger” for his blend of intellectual chops and tenacious commitment to Catholic tradition, in the spirit of the former Joseph Ratzinger, the man who became Pope Benedict XVI. (For the record, George shuns the label, insisting he’s not of Benedict’s intellectual caliber. He is, in any event, the closest thing to it on these shores.)
George sat down for an exclusive interview on Friday. A fuller account will appear Monday on Crux, but for now, one fascinating element is this: If time and health allow, George would really, really like to have a heart-to-heart with Francis.
Aside from the sheer fun of knowing what one of America’s best Catholic minds wants to ask the pope, George’s dream Q&A has political relevance because he remains a point of reference to the Church’s conservative wing. These aren’t just his questions, in other words, but what a large and influential Catholic constituency would like to know.
So, what’s on his mind?
To begin, George said he’d like to ask Francis if he fully grasps that in some quarters, he’s created the impression Catholic doctrine is up for grabs.
Does Francis realize, for example, “what has happened just by that phrase, ‘Who am I to judge?’ ”
Francis’ signature sound-bite, George said, “has been very misused … because he was talking about someone who has already asked for mercy and been given absolution, whom he knows well,” George said.
(Francis uttered the line in 2013, in response to a question about a Vatican cleric accused of gay relationships earlier in his career.)
“That’s entirely different than talking to somebody who demands acceptance rather than asking for forgiveness,” George said.
“Does he not realize the repercussions? Perhaps he doesn’t,” George said. “I don’t know whether he’s conscious of all the consequences of some of the things he’s said and done that raise doubts in people’s minds.”
“The question is why he doesn’t he clarify” these ambiguous statements, George said. “Why is it necessary that apologists have to bear the burden of trying to put the best possible face on it?”
He said he also wonders if Francis realizes how his rhetoric has created expectations “he can’t possibly meet.”
I don’t know whether he’s conscious of all the consequences of some of the things he’s said and done that raise doubts in people’s minds.”
“That’s what worries me,” George said. “At a certain moment, people who have painted him as a player in their own scenarios about changes in the Church will discover that’s not who he is.”
At that stage, George warned, “He’ll get not only disillusionment, but opposition, which could be harmful to his effectiveness.”
Second, George said he’d like to ask Francis who is providing him advice — which, he said, has become the “big question” about this pope.
“Obviously he’s getting input from somewhere,” George said. “Much of it he collects himself, but I’d love to know who’s truly shaping his thinking.”
Third, George noted that Francis often makes references to the Devil and the biblical notion of the end-times, but said it’s not clear how that shapes his vision and agenda.
Among other things, George recalled that one of Francis’ favorite books is The Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson, a converted Catholic priest and son of a former Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury. It’s an apocalyptic fantasy, written in 1907, culminating in a showdown between the Church and a charismatic anti-Christ figure.
George said he’d like to ask Francis a simple question: “Do you really believe that?”
“I hope before I die I’ll have the chance to ask him how you want us to understand what you’re doing, when you put [the end-times] before us as a key to it all,” he said.
Perhaps, George said, the sense that the end is near explains why Francis “seems to be in a hurry….”
To read the original story, click here.
The Cardinal is correct, he is not Benedict’s intellectual equal. However, he is an intelligent, and caring man, and a good shepherd to his Chicago flock. And, Cardinal George is correct in raising questions that need answers from the Pope (if indeed he even knows the answers).
You will soon see the great difference — the chasm — between Cardinal George and Abp. Cupich. Now “all will be welcomed” although very few will likely be saved, given the Archbishop’s hesitancy to do anything outside of exercising the sort of “Oprah Catholicism” that he (and, apparently, the Pope) seem to believe will keep “the young” going to Church. Of course, such focus is wrong on many grounds, and is impractical too. Pagans and non-believers will praise “opening” the Church, but will soon find other flaws and reasons not to attend. Even so, what difference would it make if they all attended: the Catholic Church would no longer stand for much anymore, so they will not get anything out of the Mass (except for a social event).
Put another way, a homosexual, or a fornicating co-habiting, or an adulterous, “couple” will not be given the graces offered by Christ if they attend Mass, wrongly receive communion, and then go about their daily lives, feeling good about themselves. They need to first go to confession, agree to abstain from their sins, amend their lives, and then live within the teachings of the Church.
I agree with St. Christopher’s post! And yes, people who “live in sin,” will not receive Christ’s sanctifying grace, until they properly repent, go to Confession, and change their lives! You cannot fool God! Tragically– an ignorant, frightened priest, prelate, or Pope, who lies and misleads people, in the name of “doing good”— does tremendous harm, with misleading deceptions! But I don’t think the Pope is intending to lie, or mislead people– he may just want to help people, yet he is doing so, in the wrong way! And yes– the consequences will be harmful, to everyone– and will ultimately backfire, to make the Pope look like a fool, or a deceiver! How sad!! It takes a very unusually gifted, great, courageous, experienced, and saintly Church prelate, to be a true Pope!
I really appreciate Cardinal George’s approach here. Unlike his brother Cardinal, he is willing to ask questions rather than make dogmatic statements. He, of course, is right that Francis “Who am I to judge” comment was taken badly out of context by media and by those who want to use it for their advantage, and it is likely that a figure unused to constant western media doesn’t always think through how comments are taken. But rather than making inflammatory and divisive comments, Cardinal George is giving the Pope the benefit of the doubt. And I pray for him as he enters the last days of his life.
When has Pope Francis said that homosexual acts are sinful?
Homosexual acts are sinful. You know this.
It is not necessary for the Pope to read the Catechism to you.
When Pope Francis says, “Who am I to judge?” it is necessary to state that homosexual acts are sinful,
Anonymous, people throughout the world through the media hear the words of the Pope.
It is the Pope’s job to be clear to all, not confusing.
Many Catholics even in the USA have never been encouraged by Bishops and Priests to read the CCC, and because of this some have never even heard of it.
Pope Francis did say at one time that marriage was between one man and one woman. It is best to go to websites such as Zenit to see what he says just about every day because I think he has said at times that sodomy is sinful. I cannot give a specific though since I did not write anything down that would support that. I will when I find it.
I agree with most of what you said, YFC, except I do not fault Cardinal Burke or Cardinal Chaput or some of the others for what they said either as they were in a different place, different time and with different questions. I do think, though, too much has been made of the change in cardinal Burke’s position as his time was up for his serving in that position from what I have read. Also, Pope Francis in a sense has given him the freedom to write more books, give more sermons and so forth and have more influence, so it what the pope did can be a good thing. The Church has always had many different kinds of saints and people; some often at odds with each other, though not heretical, and its needs all kinds of people — the more introverted along with the more extroverted.
Sometimes clarifications after the fact are too late. There is not much interest in the media to print corrections in prominent places, and not much interest in many readers for corrections either.
I know it is not Pope Francis’s style, but he needs to look back at other recent Popes who always gave prepared speeches, and had them available in writing for all interested reporters and others.
This helps avoid accidental or purposeful errors by all.
Everything the Pope says and does has repercussions. Just as his words might bring people to the Faith, his words can also drive them away.
The devil loves confusion.
It would seem he doesn’t like listening to his ‘elders’, Allen. They’re ‘old hat’ and too out-dated, it would seem. I ‘ve yet to see any of the vaunted humility that I keep hearing so much about, but who am I to judge? All the insiders, like Cd. Wuerl, are like the Cheshire Cat…one big toothy grin. No sour pusses, puhleeze…just pussies. Meeeooow. (I know I’m being cattish) Sometimes I just want to say “enough, already!” Silence is golden! It’s like a house with no windows or doors, music with solid notes and no rests or pauses…my ears are starting to tune out all the noise.
Allen, I would agree as someone said on another blog, there needs to be charity with clarity. You did bring up some good points. Pope Francis does often clarify after the fact.
I would like Cardinal George to ask Pope Francis the following questions: Do you believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman? Do you believe that homosexual acts are sinful? When you talk about these issues, will you state that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and that homosexual acts are sinful?
I would like to hear the Pope’s answers to the questions posed by Cardinal George as well.
Mr. Allen,
The American Cardinal with the intellectual firepower closest but not equal to Joseph Ratzinger imho is Cdl. Edmund Burke.
I read just recently a couple of articles which clarified where Francis stands regarding family and marriage. The secular media was cautious because they are having to spin these statements now due to their previous job on the others. Francis stated that marriage only exists between a man and a woman, and that children deserve to be raised knowing their mother and father. I’m pretty sure that’s Catholic teaching. The one great lesson my grandfather taught me was to observe and watch what people do when they are upset. He counseled to remain calm, that true intentions will reveal themselves in the end and that then I would be able to see the intention of those causing the uproar. It’s likely (from where I’m sitting) that the secular media is no friend of the Church, and take a lot of pleasure in issuing grand and confusing scenarios to confuse everyone. How about we all sit back, quietly observe, pray for Francis, and reserve any judgement? The One Who IS is afterall, in charge. It ought to be quite a spectacle when He finally reveals how all the secular media’s “confusion” all shakes out.
“Pray for Francis,” is excellent advice, Life Lady.
When and where did Pope Francis state that marriage ONLY exists between a man and a woman?
To many to mention:
https://www.marriageuniqueforareason.org/tag/pope-francis/
Pope Francis did not say ONLY between a man and a woman.
That is implied when he said they need a mother and a father. How else can one have both a mother and a father?
Life Lady,
If Pope Francis really believes as you say he does, why is he appointing persons who don’t so believe and demoting (that is the most polite way I can put it) those who do believe as he “says” he does!
Pray for him, yes!
May God have mercy on an amoral Amerika and His Church!
Viva Cristo Rey!
Yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Cardinal Burke did fulfill his term.
An appointment to Malta is a demotion. Pope Francis does not want to listen to this strong conservative voice who speaks the whole truth.
Pope Francis should be judged on the people he appoints and demotes. Also, on what he does not say: homosexual acts are sinful, and marriage is ONLY between a man and a woman.
Pope Francis has said that marriage is between one man and one woman. I read it on Zenit some time ago. People need to stop reading what the media says he says and go to good Catholic websites and actually read or even hear on videos what he actually says. In a sense the pope has give Cardinal Burke more time to write books and give sermons, and who would not want to go to Malta? The poor Maltese must feel horrible for how other Christians are looking down on service to them. They have been some of the most faithful Catholic Christians of all time and have a beautiful country.
God bless you Anne T. I agree
ANNE T., Cardinal Burke is a comparatively young man – in his mid-60’s.
We have more that one open Diocese in the USA that really needs accurate Catholic teaching – including San Diego, (and until recently Chicago).
It is evil to shuffle him off to a ceremonial position where he has no authority of any significance.
Anne T., Pope Francis’s problem is that he says one thing to one group and something else to another, or is silent when he needs to speak.
Pope Francis personally invited Cardinals Kasper (who supports Sacrilege – giving Communion to those who choose to live in mortal sin), and Cardinal Godfreid Danneels who supports same sex marriage to the Synod as HONORED GUEST SPEAKERS at the 2014 Synod.
The Pope creates much of the confusion that surrounds him, all by himself.
If it were not for the media (secular and Catholic), then the Synod could have turned out horribly – in violation of Christ’s teachings.
Let us not forget that as painful as it was, the media helped to expose the sexual abuse of children by Priests.
Without this exposure, these sins might still continue.
I’ve said this all along, I think the HF is being ambiguous on purpose. By making the statements he’s made (especially the “who am I to judge”) he’s created expectations in those that want our Faith to change or to water down doctrine about gays and so-called “gay marriage”, contraception, and abortion. You don’t have to look far to see the fruits of his ambiguity. All over the internet I see examples of people that say change is coming. Just the fact that people are saying that has already hurt the church. A lot of people actually think change is going to happen.
It’s not. The same thing was done to Pope Paul Vi. Can’t you see this? In the end the Holy Spirit is in charge.
One wonders if Cardinal George is conscious of the consequences and repercussions of his own timidity towards the Marxist communitty organizer Fr. Pfleger in his very diocese, or his subsequent bestowing of a lifetime achievement award upon that race-baiting heretic.
American Ratzinger. You don’t say!
Bless his heart! Cd. George looks so ill and yet he continues to grant interviews, write and be the good shepherd he’s been in Chicago. I hope Chicagoans remember his ‘legacy’ that he was referring to when his successor takes the helm.
Chicago is a reeeeally tough town and it’s not been easy for Cd.George to keep an even keel…it takes a strong, principled man to meet the challenge. If Pope Francis’ choice is any indication, I’d say Chicago is definitely primed to fall into Bernardin’s Sixth Circle of Hell.
Gloria TV –
https://www.gloria.tv/media/V6gE6em6oSq
Lets pray for Cardinal George’s health. He needs our prayers for a miracle healing. We need more faithful Cardinals.
Precious Lord we place Cardinal George’s health in your hands. Amen!
Cardinal George has already retired and a new Bishop has been appointed for the Diocese of Chicago in his place.
Bishop Blasé Cupich, at the recommendation of Cardinal Donald Wuerl, is now head of that large Diocese.
As does Cardinal Wuerl, Cupich supports giving Holy Communion to those who purposely decide to live obstinately and publically in Mortal Sin.
Cupich also refuses to let his Priests say the Rosary outside of abortion clinics to save lives.
Pope Francis has chosen his own advisors to make these decisions.
Both Cardinal George, and Cardinal Burke are correctly asking the questions that need to be publically addressed at a significant televised forum by the Pope, and put in writing on the Vatican web site.
Please re-read this article.
The silence coming from the Vatican is deafening.
The work being done by apologists is much more difficult when accurate quotes from the Pope seem to defy Church teaching.
The Pope needs our prayers. He needs the wisdom from the Holy Spirit, which will allow him to discard many of today’s Pharisees that he has recently chosen to surround him.
btw, Donald Wuerl has been appointed by the Pope not only to make recommendations for new Diocese Bishops, but also to explain to US Bishops the 2014 Synod for 2015.
(Wuerl was also invited to attend the Synod at the invitation of the Pope.)
– – – – – – – –
That being said – I hope individual attending US Bishops do NOT take Wuerl’s word for anything but investigate on their own because – deceitfulness is still going on at the Vatican press office and here is the proof.
Here is the Vatican link to the Relatio Synodi in English.
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/18/0770/03044.html
Note that paragraph 4 clearly ends with: “… and facing the situation, with an eye on the Lord Jesus, to discern how the Church and society can renew their commitment to the family “
Here is the Vatican link to the OFFICIAL Relatio in Italian.
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/18/0770/03044.html
Note that paragraph 4 clearly ends with: “….il confronto alla luce del Signore Gesù per discernere le vie con cui rinnovare la Chiesa e la società nel loro impegno per la famiglia fondata sul matrimonio tra uomo e donna.”
This is the ACCURATE TRANSLATION from Italian to English using google translation is:
“….the comparison in the light of the Lord Jesus to discern the ways in which to renew the Church and society in their commitment to the family based on marriage between a man and woman.”
Taken from the CCC:
I. THE ANGELS
The existence of angels – a truth of faith
328 The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith. The witness of Scripture is as clear as the unanimity of Tradition.
Who are they?
329 St. Augustine says: “‘Angel’ is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is ‘spirit’; if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel’: from what they are, ‘spirit’, from what they do, ‘angel.'”188 With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they “always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” they are the “mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word”.189
330 As purely spiritual creatures angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness.190
Christ “with all his angels”
with that I pray: We pray for the angelic beauties and all the saints to pray for all sinners here on earth. For healing for this Cardinal and healing for our beautiful Catholic church and all its members. For the sick, for the proud, for the lost and lonely, for all sinners,….we pray for their conversion especially our own. God’s holy will be done. AMEN!
Pope Francis has appointed Robert Cardinal Sarah, a strong pro traditional family advocate, African cardinal to Cardinal Burke’s open position. He has also appointed Wilfred Cardinal Napier of Durban, S. Africa to the organizing committee for the synod, another strong advocate of marriage between one man and one woman from what I have read.
I made a mistake. Cardinal Sarah has been made head of the Vatican Congregation for the Liturgy, and not Cardinal Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Sorry for the error.