Pope Francis Expresses Disappointment in Politicized US Catholic Church as Reactionary
Pope Francis has expressed his concern over a “reactionary” Catholic Church in the United States, where he believes political ideology has replaced faith in some cases. In a private meeting with members of the Jesuit order, the pope discussed the hostility he has faced from conservative sectors of the US Church who oppose reforms such as giving more roles to women and lay Catholics, as well as making the Church more inclusive and accepting of LGBT individuals. Religious conservatives in the US have aligned with conservative media outlets to criticize the pope on various issues, including climate change, immigration, social justice, and gun control. Francis emphasized the importance of evolving and understanding the changing understanding of faith and morals. However, his critics, such as Cardinal Raymond Burke, argue that the pope’s initiatives may lead to confusion and division in the Church.
