So as to clarify what I mean, let's take as an example the hot topic worldwide: the last pope's selection.
Positive and negative points for their choice:
- Jorge Mario Bergoglio is a Jesuit. That is to say we expect from him social justice promotion and ecumenical dialogue;
- He chose the papal name 'Francis' in honor to St. Francis of Assisi, who preached detachment of the material goods;
- As an Argentine, he is the first Pope from Americas. I would say "finally". After all, most part of Catholic people is from there - to be precise: South Americans.
On the other hand...
- When Cardinal in Buenos Aires, he had ties to the country's oppressive military dictatorship in the 1970s;
- He is severely opposed to same-sex unions (mentioning it as a 'devil' thing), while Argentine president Cristina Kirchner approved it. They were the first country in the region to decriminalise gay marriage;
- Both abortion and euthanasia, he calls those pro-choice movements as a "culture of death". He is also against contraceptive use (birth control methods).
All these (heavy - in my opinion) objections were presented and, even so, he was elected.
Well, let's see what is coming on. Actually, I haven't believed that Church still have such power as in the past, that it can change lots of things (for better)... but, we never know. At least, if doesn't mess and worsen it, it's already worthy.
