Blog Post #12: Church in the Present

What were some of the main points in Thomas Groome’s book, “What Makes Us Catholic?” Do you agree/disagree and why? What were some new things that you learned about Pope Francis from the video clips? What are different changes that Pope Francis is making to the way popes usually do things? What hopes do you have for the present day Catholic Church?

Some of the main points in Groome's book that we discussed were on the Catholic Church and the struggles it has faced and still face today. Groome does not state a clear opinion but he does state how the Church has discriminated in the past against other Christians, religions, or races. I agree with this because there was a lot of discrimination in the past in general and there still is today. However, I think we, as in the human race, are improving and doing better. Everyone, not just the Church, should always be thinking about what we can improve in, especially in ourselves. There is always room for improvement and the Church has come a long way so it should continue to improve.

 I do not really watch the news when it comes to the Catholic Church so many of the things in the documentary about Pope Francis were new to me. I did not know that he was from specifically Buenos Aires or any information about his childhood. For example, he liked tango and he loved to watch the Argentinian soccer team. However, I did know that Pope Francis was from Latin America and spoke Spanish. I also did not know why everyone loved him so much because I did not know why he was different than all the other popes. Eventually, I learned that he is very humble, he cares about the Earth, the elderly, children, and everyone which is only a few reasons why so many people love him.

Popes are usually strict on traditional Catholic ways but Pope Francis is a little different than them. He is open to change, not just in the Catholic Church. He really cares about the Earth and everyone in it, including the poor and those less fortunate. One thing that surprised many about the pope is how humble he is. Pope Francis prefers to take public transportation instead of a taxi or limo just so he can communicate and get to know other people. Although some people may disagree with his views on certain topics, he is a pope that everyone can love since he loves everyone. This image is of Pope Francis riding the subway which shows how humble he is.

I am not involved in the Catholic Church because I am not religious. However, I do hope that Catholic Church keeps improving because the Church still affects everyone in the same way that all religions affect not just those who worship it. Personally, I hope the Church and other religions continue to become more modernized and accepting of others. For example, I hope everyone in the Church, other religions, and in the world can welcome those in the LGBTQ+ community or those of other races or ethnicities. I think the Church is really making progress but there is still more to be done. Times have changed so that does not mean that the Church cannot change with it. This image is of a church and although we do not have to change how it looks, we should improve it's beliefs.

Works Cited

“My Friend, Pope FrancisBy PASTOR ANDRS ALBERTSEN.” Church and Life, www.churchandlife.org/Pope.htm.

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