Pope Francis Says Certain US Catholics Are Going “Backwards”

Pope Francis recently shared his observations on the changing dynamics within the U.S. Catholic Church, emphasizing that some segments seem to have shifted their focus from faith to political ideology.

In his conversation with Jesuits in Lisbon, he voiced concerns about how politics, particularly among certain conservative U.S. Catholic groups, might be overshadowing genuine faith.

Highlighting this shift, the Pope pointedly remarked that there’s a “backward” attitude prevalent among certain American Catholic conservatives. He said that “in some situations … ideology replaces faith.”

Pope Francis emphasized the need for evolution and adaptability within the Church’s doctrines.

“The vision of the Doctrine of the Church as a monolith is wrong,” he said.

Drawing attention to the Church’s capacity to change, he cited past instances, like earlier pontiffs’ views on slavery, to underline that “Doctrine evolves,” quoting the fifth-century theologian, Saint Vincent of Lérins.

He encourages a forward-thinking approach, cautioning against getting entrenched in “backward” ideologies.

While the debate continues, Pope Francis’s core message remains: the essence of the Church should center on faith, and it should not be overshadowed or dictated by political leanings.