It’s Appalling to Say Pope Not Worthy

by Letters Editor · Published March 28, 2018 · Updated April 23, 2018

Antonio Tonin, East London – How can one suggest Pope Francis is not worthy to be pope, as Dr Goossens does?

Is he also suggesting Mgr Vincent Hill, to whom he responds, doesn’t know what he is talking about!

I find Dr Goossens’ approach to border on the disgusting, so much so that I wish The Southern Cross would not publish any further letters of his.

I remember very well the reactions of “conservative” clergy and laity when Pope John XXIII announced the establishment of the Second Vatican Council.

When asked why the council was needed, the pope replied that it was time to “throw open the windows of the Church and let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through”.

Successive popes have tried to make Christ’s merciful teaching more and more accessible.

All Pope Francis is doing is furthering the knowledge, understanding and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Dr Goossens talks about Pope Francis preaching about mercy without justice. What in heaven’s name does he mean? If you want to dispense justice, you must be in possession of all the facts, and even then, it requires much prayer and thought before passing judgment.

Remember too that in all Christ’s time on earth, he never passed judgment, as evidenced by the woman caught in adultery.

“Has no one condemned you?” Jesus asked her after there was nobody without sin to do so. “No one, Lord,” she answered. “Then neither do I condemn you, Jesus declared. ‘Now go and sin no more’ ” (John 8:10-11).

I believe Dr Goossens would find much to meditate on regarding mercy and justice in Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’.