Pope: Critics help us grow, but I want them to say it to my face

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The Associated Press interviews Pope Francis: the conversation covered topics ranging from the death of Benedict XVI to the dignified treatment of homosexuals; from dialogue with China, to the German synodal journey, to the case of Father Rupnik.

By Salvatore Cernuzio

Pope Francis has addressed a wide variety of topics since the death of Benedict XVI, criticism of the Fracncis papacy, homosexuality, relations with China, the case of Father Rupnik, and even his good health despite his age in an interview published today by the Associated Press, an American news agency. This is the pontiff’s first interview since the death on Dec. 31, 2022, of his predecessor Joseph Ratzinger, whose character Pope Francis describes in his interview with correspondent Nicole Winfield, which took place Tuesday at Casa Santa Martha.

Faced with doubt, I would go to Benedict XVI

The Pope described Benedict XVI as a gentleman and said that with his death I lost a father: For me he was a security. When in doubt, I called the car, went to the monastery and asked [him about it]. Asked again about the possibility of a resignation, the Pope said that if he ever renounced the Petrine ministry, he would use the title of Bishop Emeritus of Rome and live at Casa del Clero (a residence for the clergy). in Rome. Benedict’s experience, he added, already gives future popes greater freedom to choose to step down.

Pope Francis explained that his predecessor was still tied to a certain conception of the papacy: In this he was not completely free, as he might have wanted to return to his own country of Germany and continue to study the theology from there. But he did everything to be as close as possible. And it was a good compromise, a good solution.

Criticism helps to grow

Pope Francis also reflected on his own pontificate, which will reach the ten-year milestone on March 13. At first, he recalled, the news of a South American pope was greeted with surprise by many inside and outside the Church; later, he says, they started to see my flaws and they didn’t like them.

Regarding the criticism he has received recently, through books or documents circulated among cardinals under pseudonyms, Pope Francis said that for him, as for everyone, it is better not to be criticized, for his peace of mind. But although criticisms are like a rash, they are a bit boring, the pope said, I prefer them because it means there is freedom of expression. What is important, he said, is that the criticism should be directed at us face to face, because that is how we all grow. Critics are worse, the pope said, when they are underhanded.

The pope noted that he had spoken with some of his critics. Some of them came here and yes, I discussed things normally, as one speaks between mature people. I didn’t argue with anyone, but I voiced my opinion and they voiced theirs. Otherwise, you create a remote dictatorship, as I call it, where the emperor is there and nobody can tell him anything. No, that they say it because companionship, criticism, helps us to grow and to ensure that things go well.

Distinction between sin and crime

In the interview, Pope Francis was then asked about the issue of homosexuality. Being gay, he says, is not a crime but part of the human condition. Regarding the rights of people who identify as LGBT, the Pope said: We are all children of God, and God wants us as we are and with the strength that each of us fights for our dignity.

Then, as he often does in his sermons or interviews, the pope imagined a dialogue between two people. Someone might say that homosexuality is a sin. In response, the Pope clarified: We first distinguish sin from crime, adding: It is also a sin to lack charity towards one another.

It was an opportunity for the pope to criticize the laws that criminalize homosexuality, which he describes as unjust. I think there are over 50 countries that have a legal sentence and of those I think around 10, slightly more or less, have the death penalty [for homosexuality]. They don’t mention it directly, but they say those who have unnatural attitudes.

He also called on bishops who discriminate against people with same-sex attractions and LGBT communities to take a different approach. In this area, the Sovereign Pontiff recalls the Catechism of the Catholic Church which affirms that people with homosexual tendencies must be welcomed, not marginalized…”

No one should be discriminated against, the pope insisted, adding that it was not only a question of homosexuality. Even the worst murderer, the worst sinner should not be discriminated against. Every man and woman should have a window in their life to which they can turn their hopes and where they can see the dignity of God.

Surprised and hurt by the case of Father Rupnik

At one point, the interview turned to the issue of sexual abuse by members of the clergy and others associated with the Church. Pope Francis was asked about the case of Jesuit Father Marko Rupnik, a famous artist who has been accused of sexual and psychological abuse and abuse of conscience by a number of nuns. The abuse allegedly took place some 30 years ago.

For me it was a surprise, really, said Pope Francis. This, a person, an artist of this level, for me it was a big surprise and a wound. The pope insisted he played no part in handling the case but only intervened procedurally in a petty lawsuit that had reached the Congregation of the Faith in the past . Specifically, he explained that he gave directions for a second set of charges to be dealt with by the same court that considered the first. Pope Francis then gave an outline of his reasoning: Let it continue with the normal court… Otherwise the procedural paths split and everything merges.

When asked why he did not waive the statute of limitations in the Rupniks case, Pope Francis asserted that it is always right to waive the statute of limitations “forever” in cases involving minors and vulnerable adults, but that it is important to maintain traditional legal safeguards with cases involving other adults, as was the case with Fr. Rupnik.

Continued dialogue with China is essential

The pope then addressed several other issues, including the diplomatic work being done by the Holy See. In this regard, he spoke directly on the issue of relations with China, saying once again: We must walk patiently. Regarding possible openings, Pope Francis said: We are taking action, while noting that the Chinese authorities are sometimes a little closed, sometimes not. He repeated once again: The main thing is that the dialogue should not be interrupted.

Regarding the German synodal path, which has formulated demands such as opening up the priesthood to women and abolishing priestly celibacy, Pope Francis warned against the risk of the process becoming ideologically damaging. The dialogue itself is good, he said, while saying the German experience does not help. The pope noted that, so far, the process in Germany has been elite-driven without involving all of God’s people. He said: The danger is that something very, very ideological comes into play. When ideology interferes in church processes, the Holy Spirit comes home, because ideology wins out. on the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis also commented on Chinese Cardinal Joseph Zen, whom he called fascinating. The Holy Father received Cardinal Zen recently, on January 6, at the Vatican. Cardinal Zen, the pope noted, is now doing pastoral work in prison and he is in prison all day. He is friends with the communist guards and the prisoners. Everyone welcomes him. He is a man of great sympathy. Cardinal Zen is courageous, but also a tender soul, the Pope said, recalling that the Cardinal cried like a child in front of the statue of Our Lady of Sheshan which he saw in the papal apartments of Casa Santa Marta.

The health of popes and “the grace of humor”

The interview also touched on the pope’s health, which the Holy Father described as good, given his age (he turned 86 in December). At the same time, the pope spoke about some health issues. Although the diverticulitis for which he underwent colon surgery last July has recurred, the Pope said, it is under control.”

The pontiff also revealed that a small knee fracture, caused by a fall, healed without surgery. I’m already walking, I help myself with the wheelchair, but I’m walking.

For his age, he repeated, everything is normal. He joked, I could die, even tomorrow, but come on, everything is under control. My health is good. And I always ask for the grace, may the Lord give me a sense of humor.

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