Catholics cheer pope's remarks on gays, abortion

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

NEW YORK (AP) — Catholics attending Sunday services around the globe said they were heartened by Pope Francis' recent remarks that the church has become too focused on "small-minded rules" on hot-button issues like homosexuality, abortion and contraceptives.

Worshippers applauded what they heard as a message of inclusion from the man who assumed the papacy just six months ago.

"I think he's spot on," said Shirley Holzknecht, 77, a retired school principal attending services in Little Rock, Ark. "As Catholic Christians, we do need to be more welcoming."

In Havana, Cuba, Irene Delgado said the church needs to adapt to modern times.

"The world evolves, and I believe that the Catholic Church is seeing that it is being left behind, and that is not good," said Delgado, 57. "So I think that they chose this Pope Francis because he is progressive, has to change things."

Francis, in an interview published Thursday in 16 Jesuit journals worldwide, called the church's focus on abortion, marriage and contraception narrow and said it was driving people away.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the head of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the pope's words were welcome.

http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/news-national/20130922/US-Pope-Sunday-Services/

[RGinWA 816]

It's about time they evolved. They were losing market share hand over fist. (no pun intended)

Now that I'm getting married to a devout Catholic I won't feel so hypocritical going back to mass. (I'm going for her...not the church per se. ) Having been raised a Catholic it's nice to see their change in attitude. I guess being welcoming is back in style.

Now if the pope would annul my first marriage that would be awesome!

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

It's about time they evolved. They were losing market share hand over fist. (no pun intended)

Now that I'm getting married to a devout Catholic I won't feel so hypocritical going back to mass. (I'm going for her...not the church per se. ) Having been raised a Catholic it's nice to see their change in attitude. I guess being welcoming is back in style.

Now if the pope would annul my first marriage that would be awesome!

I am an ordained minister..I pronounce it annuled

[spookyturtle 9,466]

It's about time they evolved. They were losing market share hand over fist. (no pun intended)

Now that I'm getting married to a devout Catholic I won't feel so hypocritical going back to mass. (I'm going for her...not the church per se. ) Having been raised a Catholic it's nice to see their change in attitude. I guess being welcoming is back in style.

Now if the pope would annul my first marriage that would be awesome!

You should go for yourself and God, not the church.

[RGinWA 816]

You should go for yourself and God, not the church.

I know, but I'm agnostic at this juncture in my life; so going for someone else is as close as its gonna get.

I am an ordained minister..I pronounce it annuled

I am too...Universal Life Church! Class of 1998! How about you?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I know, but I'm agnostic at this juncture in my life; so going for someone else is as close as its gonna get.

I am too...Universal Life Church! Class of 1998! How about you?

A minister, an attorney, a teacher, a bear hunter (with a concealed .32 auto) and a gun manufacturer (of at least 6 guns). All rolled in one. Lord have mercy!

Too bad the Pope does not allow married heterosexual males to be priests or women (either Lesbian or straight) to be priests. THAT would be weird!

Edited September 23, 2013 by Gary and Alla

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

Too bad the Pope does not allow married heterosexual males to be priests

Try to get out of your comfort zone & read a little more = It's in the works.

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

"The world evolves, and I believe that the Catholic Church is seeing that it is being left behind, and that is not good," said Delgado, 57. "So I think that they chose this Pope Francis because he is progressive, has to change things."

But wait...some of the Islamists are "evolving" too = Saudi is now allowing girls to participate in school sports.

All they have to do is stop hunting sorcerers and witches & they will be all modernish.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Crashed~N2~Me

[Ban Hammer 13,346]

I am too...Universal Life Church! Class of 1998! How about you?

you too? i'm around the same time frame.

[Teddy B 17,252]

A minister, an attorney, a teacher, a bear hunter (with a concealed .32 auto) and a gun manufacturer (of at least 6 guns). All rolled in one. Lord have mercy!

Whatsamatter Gary, someone else stealing your spotlight?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I know, but I'm agnostic at this juncture in my life; so going for someone else is as close as its gonna get.

I am too...Universal Life Church! Class of 1998! How about you?

American Society of wedding ministers or something like that

[Penny Lane 8,159]

I approve of this new Pope so far. Because obviously my approval is important.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Try to get out of your comfort zone & read a little more = It's in the works.

No, not really. It's all talk, it'll probably never happen. The church can't afford to pay for the priests families, housing, health insurance, or their divorce settlements. It's all about the dineros with the Catholic church.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Teddy B

[RGinWA 816]

A minister, an attorney, a teacher, a bear hunter (with a concealed .32 auto) and a gun manufacturer (of at least 6 guns). All rolled in one. Lord have mercy!

Too bad the Pope does not allow married heterosexual males to be priests or women (either Lesbian or straight) to be priests. THAT would be weird!

What can I say, I'm a renaissance man.

[Danno 1,228]

I approve of this new Pope so far. Because obviously my approval is important.

You read a few chosen headlines and your support is won, why am I not surprised?

Nothing has changed.