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Pope Francis: reforming, pragmatic, popular – but doctrinally conservative Pope Francis: reforming, pragmatic, popular – but doctrinally conservative
(about 3 hours later)
The trinket-sellers of St Peter's Square are big fans of Pope Francis – and not because of his theology. After two years in which business was killed off by a dysfunctional pontificate and an economic crisis, the man from Argentina has brought the crowds back again.The trinket-sellers of St Peter's Square are big fans of Pope Francis – and not because of his theology. After two years in which business was killed off by a dysfunctional pontificate and an economic crisis, the man from Argentina has brought the crowds back again.
"Francesco has shown himself to be a very good person, who says things which not only are right but he says them in a language people understand," said Manuel, a stallholder who does a brisk trade in Francis fridge magnets. "When the pope comes out, the people stop, they listen to what he says, and then they want to buy something because they love him." Manuel, a Jew whose grandfather set up the stall after the second world war, likes to listen himself sometimes, in case he hears a snatch of the Old Testament. He likes Francis, he says, "because he has shown an openness to other faiths"."Francesco has shown himself to be a very good person, who says things which not only are right but he says them in a language people understand," said Manuel, a stallholder who does a brisk trade in Francis fridge magnets. "When the pope comes out, the people stop, they listen to what he says, and then they want to buy something because they love him." Manuel, a Jew whose grandfather set up the stall after the second world war, likes to listen himself sometimes, in case he hears a snatch of the Old Testament. He likes Francis, he says, "because he has shown an openness to other faiths".
Ever since he first appeared on the Loggia of the Blessings balcony in mid-March, the former cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has introduced himself loud and clear to the world in a series of eye-catching moves that have made a break with the past and endeared him to many in the faithful and secular worlds alike. He has drastically downsized the papal living arrangements; ditched the finery in which his predecessors bedecked themselves; and sent Vatican officials into regular spins with impromptu jokes and ad-libbed speeches.Ever since he first appeared on the Loggia of the Blessings balcony in mid-March, the former cardinal Jorge Bergoglio has introduced himself loud and clear to the world in a series of eye-catching moves that have made a break with the past and endeared him to many in the faithful and secular worlds alike. He has drastically downsized the papal living arrangements; ditched the finery in which his predecessors bedecked themselves; and sent Vatican officials into regular spins with impromptu jokes and ad-libbed speeches.
The Catholic world has revelled in the sight of a pope picking up his own luggage and touring in a 20-year-old Fiat Campagnola. Pilgrims cheer in delight when he ends his Sunday blessings with the prosaic exhortation: "Have a good lunch."The Catholic world has revelled in the sight of a pope picking up his own luggage and touring in a 20-year-old Fiat Campagnola. Pilgrims cheer in delight when he ends his Sunday blessings with the prosaic exhortation: "Have a good lunch."
On Monday, the Catholic church's first non-European leader will fly to his native Latin America for his inaugural papal trip overseas, and instead of touring Brazil's volatile second city in a standard bullet-proof "pope-mobile", he has chosen an open-top 4x4, which he can easily get out of to meet people. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in the World Youth Day festival in Rio de Janeiro.On Monday, the Catholic church's first non-European leader will fly to his native Latin America for his inaugural papal trip overseas, and instead of touring Brazil's volatile second city in a standard bullet-proof "pope-mobile", he has chosen an open-top 4x4, which he can easily get out of to meet people. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in the World Youth Day festival in Rio de Janeiro.
Lest they feel left out, "penitent and contrite" Catholics who follow his tweets will be offered indulgences from afar, the Vatican announced this week.With all this focus on image, it might be tempting to dismiss much of the so-called "Francis effect" as all style and no substance.Lest they feel left out, "penitent and contrite" Catholics who follow his tweets will be offered indulgences from afar, the Vatican announced this week.With all this focus on image, it might be tempting to dismiss much of the so-called "Francis effect" as all style and no substance.
Such is the wide-ranging impact of his image that, far from the Vatican, the fashion writer Suzy Menkes pondered in the International Herald Tribune this week whether his "humility and abstention" had influenced the newly ascetic "fashion message coming out of Italy". The idea earned the pope a reference in Vogue, complete with a photo in which his plain white cassock and iron cross stood out starkly beside a gaudy Swiss guard.Such is the wide-ranging impact of his image that, far from the Vatican, the fashion writer Suzy Menkes pondered in the International Herald Tribune this week whether his "humility and abstention" had influenced the newly ascetic "fashion message coming out of Italy". The idea earned the pope a reference in Vogue, complete with a photo in which his plain white cassock and iron cross stood out starkly beside a gaudy Swiss guard.
Medium is the messageMedium is the message
Many observers say a new style is no bad thing. Moreover, with Francis, the medium is the message. "He is someone of gesture rather than eloquent speeches," said Tina Beattie, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Roehampton and a prominent liberal theologian. "The papacy is very much about style. It is the public face that the Catholic church presents to the world, and so I think a fundamental change in style means something very deep."Many observers say a new style is no bad thing. Moreover, with Francis, the medium is the message. "He is someone of gesture rather than eloquent speeches," said Tina Beattie, professor of Catholic studies at the University of Roehampton and a prominent liberal theologian. "The papacy is very much about style. It is the public face that the Catholic church presents to the world, and so I think a fundamental change in style means something very deep."
So far, the most arresting features of Francis's papacy – from the abandonment of Benedict XVI's ermine stoles and red shoes to his decision to live in a guesthouse rather than the apostolic palace – have seen him embodying a commitment to the poor.So far, the most arresting features of Francis's papacy – from the abandonment of Benedict XVI's ermine stoles and red shoes to his decision to live in a guesthouse rather than the apostolic palace – have seen him embodying a commitment to the poor.
As a man who has seen poverty up close since his childhood, the Argentinian, now 76, has very clearly placed those at the bottom of the social hierarchy at the top of his agenda. It was not by chance that he made his first trip outside Rome last week to Lampedusa, the Italian island where thousands of African migrants arrive after a perilous sea crossing each year. On another occasion, in one of his strongest speeches he railed against the "cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal".As a man who has seen poverty up close since his childhood, the Argentinian, now 76, has very clearly placed those at the bottom of the social hierarchy at the top of his agenda. It was not by chance that he made his first trip outside Rome last week to Lampedusa, the Italian island where thousands of African migrants arrive after a perilous sea crossing each year. On another occasion, in one of his strongest speeches he railed against the "cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal".
The new pontiff's sense of solidarity with the poor, and powerful championing of ethical financial reform, have been enough to make many people who would not necessarily warm to an otherwise conservative pope warm to Francis. Where Benedict, a lofty intellectual, often alienated people, his successor – a shrewd communicator – seems to have charmed many people who had despaired at a church they see as hopelessly out of touch.The new pontiff's sense of solidarity with the poor, and powerful championing of ethical financial reform, have been enough to make many people who would not necessarily warm to an otherwise conservative pope warm to Francis. Where Benedict, a lofty intellectual, often alienated people, his successor – a shrewd communicator – seems to have charmed many people who had despaired at a church they see as hopelessly out of touch.
And yet, on doctrinal issues, the 265th successor to St Peter is no liberal. He is staunchly anti-abortion, anti-women's ordination, pro-priestly celibacy and anti-gay marriage. In April, he reaffirmed Vatican criticism of the largest organisation representing nuns in the United States, which it said had been harmed by a "radical" feminist approach and a soft line on issues such as birth control and homosexuality.And yet, on doctrinal issues, the 265th successor to St Peter is no liberal. He is staunchly anti-abortion, anti-women's ordination, pro-priestly celibacy and anti-gay marriage. In April, he reaffirmed Vatican criticism of the largest organisation representing nuns in the United States, which it said had been harmed by a "radical" feminist approach and a soft line on issues such as birth control and homosexuality.
Despite this, however, what gives some liberals hope is that, in contrast to Benedict's unrelenting devotion to doctrinal purity, Francis has in the past shown himself to be open to dialogue; a conservative, but a pragmatic one. During the gay marriage showdown between church and state in his native country he shocked bishops in 2010 by suggesting they gave their support to civil unions as a means of trying to bargain with the government.Despite this, however, what gives some liberals hope is that, in contrast to Benedict's unrelenting devotion to doctrinal purity, Francis has in the past shown himself to be open to dialogue; a conservative, but a pragmatic one. During the gay marriage showdown between church and state in his native country he shocked bishops in 2010 by suggesting they gave their support to civil unions as a means of trying to bargain with the government.
"I think there does seem to be hope that, whether or not he himself is conservative doctrinally, he's (a): not as interested in academic theology as pope Benedict was, and (b): he does seem willing to allow for greater dialogue in the church around some of the more difficult doctrinal issues," said Beattie."I think there does seem to be hope that, whether or not he himself is conservative doctrinally, he's (a): not as interested in academic theology as pope Benedict was, and (b): he does seem willing to allow for greater dialogue in the church around some of the more difficult doctrinal issues," said Beattie.
"I'm hoping that he'll be more open to dialogue with women on issues of sexuality and maybe not think that he really does have all the answers, which sometimes it felt as if Benedict did … Because he is willing to really listen to what poverty means for people, I wouldn't be surprised if he's more willing to reflect on what the lack of contraception does for women.""I'm hoping that he'll be more open to dialogue with women on issues of sexuality and maybe not think that he really does have all the answers, which sometimes it felt as if Benedict did … Because he is willing to really listen to what poverty means for people, I wouldn't be surprised if he's more willing to reflect on what the lack of contraception does for women."
All of this, of course, is the external part of Francis's job description. And, as tricky as it will no doubt be, it may have nothing on the internal element: reform of the Roman curia, the Vatican's disorganised and, lately, scandal-beset bureaucracy. In the aftermath of the deeply damaging "Vatileaks" affair, problems within the curia were a hot topic at the meetings before the conclave that elected Francis. Cardinals who had flown in from all corners of the world wanted to know how the scandal had happened.All of this, of course, is the external part of Francis's job description. And, as tricky as it will no doubt be, it may have nothing on the internal element: reform of the Roman curia, the Vatican's disorganised and, lately, scandal-beset bureaucracy. In the aftermath of the deeply damaging "Vatileaks" affair, problems within the curia were a hot topic at the meetings before the conclave that elected Francis. Cardinals who had flown in from all corners of the world wanted to know how the scandal had happened.
A month after he became pope, Francis announced a revolution in church governance, appointing eight cardinals from across the world to an advisory panel on Vatican reform. It was a bold step, and one that made it clear – if anyone had been in any doubt – that change was afoot.A month after he became pope, Francis announced a revolution in church governance, appointing eight cardinals from across the world to an advisory panel on Vatican reform. It was a bold step, and one that made it clear – if anyone had been in any doubt – that change was afoot.
Francis had already made clear his intention to distance himself from the curia by refusing to move into the apostolic palace, said John Thavis, a long-time papal observer and author of The Vatican Diaries, a recent bestseller.Francis had already made clear his intention to distance himself from the curia by refusing to move into the apostolic palace, said John Thavis, a long-time papal observer and author of The Vatican Diaries, a recent bestseller.
Strongest signalStrongest signal
"The day he announced he was staying in the Domus Sanctae Marthae … sent the strongest signal at a very early point that this was going to be a very different papacy. I'm sure the Roman curia officials immediately understood: 'This pope is going to be much less controlled by us.'" he said."The day he announced he was staying in the Domus Sanctae Marthae … sent the strongest signal at a very early point that this was going to be a very different papacy. I'm sure the Roman curia officials immediately understood: 'This pope is going to be much less controlled by us.'" he said.
Can this pope possibly succeed where others have failed? The key will be to appoint the right people to help him "navigate the waters", Thavis said. Francis has yet to make the most important appointment – that of his secretary of state – but he is understood to be moving, gradually, forward. On Friday he announced the establishment of a commission of seven laypeople and one cleric to reform the Holy See's economic and administrative departments. The new body will look at ways of avoiding "the misuse of economic resources" and improve transparency, a statement said.Can this pope possibly succeed where others have failed? The key will be to appoint the right people to help him "navigate the waters", Thavis said. Francis has yet to make the most important appointment – that of his secretary of state – but he is understood to be moving, gradually, forward. On Friday he announced the establishment of a commission of seven laypeople and one cleric to reform the Holy See's economic and administrative departments. The new body will look at ways of avoiding "the misuse of economic resources" and improve transparency, a statement said.
"We've seen a whole string of popes who have wanted to change things at the Vatican but either didn't have the patience or didn't have the energy," said Thavis. "Now here you have a pope who not only feels he has a mandate to change because that's what the cardinals wanted, but who seems to realise that he is, after all, pope and can make those changes.""We've seen a whole string of popes who have wanted to change things at the Vatican but either didn't have the patience or didn't have the energy," said Thavis. "Now here you have a pope who not only feels he has a mandate to change because that's what the cardinals wanted, but who seems to realise that he is, after all, pope and can make those changes."
Back on Via della Conciliazione, the broad avenue that leads from St Peter's Square to the banks of the Tiber, the stalls selling Francis rosaries, Francis badges and Francis postcards attract people keen for a keepsake.Back on Via della Conciliazione, the broad avenue that leads from St Peter's Square to the banks of the Tiber, the stalls selling Francis rosaries, Francis badges and Francis postcards attract people keen for a keepsake.
Antonio Cardone, who has had his stall for 30 years and over three pontificates, admits that not all pilgrims buy, but doesn't seem unduly upset. "There's not much work but there's a lot of enthusiasm," he said. "Francis is of the people. He's likeable. I don't know why, but Benedict was not well-liked. With this one, it's different."Antonio Cardone, who has had his stall for 30 years and over three pontificates, admits that not all pilgrims buy, but doesn't seem unduly upset. "There's not much work but there's a lot of enthusiasm," he said. "Francis is of the people. He's likeable. I don't know why, but Benedict was not well-liked. With this one, it's different."
Security concerns
Security concerns are mounting in Rio de Janeiro as the city prepares for the pope's visit, after a night of rioting in the upmarket beachside districts of Ipanema and Leblon that continued into the early hours of Thursday morning.
Despite pressure from the Brazilian authorities, Pope Francis will not use his armoured pope-mobile during his week-long visit. Instead, he will greet crowds along Copacabana beach and at Guaratiba, outside Rio, from one of two open-topped 4x4s.
Wednesday night's riot began as the latest in a series of demonstrations outside the house of the Rio state governor, Sérgio Cabral. About 2,000 people were involved. Fighting broke out just before midnight and went on for two hours. Bank foyers, news-stands and public telephones were smashed, a shop looted and fires lit on residential streets.
Police initially stood by because of an agreement with the Brazilian Lawyers' Association (OAB), whose members accompany protests, and Amnesty International, not to use non-lethal weapons. "But what was agreed did not work out," Erir da Costa Filho, commander of Rio's military police, told a press conference on Thursday.
Police then used water cannon, teargas and rubber bullets to disperse protestorsprotesters, some of whom wore anarchist insignia. The level of violence in the riot and the fact it took place in such renowned tourist areas shocked the city.
At least six protests are planned during the papal visit – including one on Monday July 22, when Pope Francis is due to meet President Dilma Rousseff, Governor Cabral and Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, at the state government seat, the Guanabara Palace.
General José Abreu, who is in charge of 14,300 army, air force and navy personnel drafted in to boost security for the visit, said on Thursday that demonstrators wearing masks would not be allowed into open-air events likesuch as the Field of Faith – a two-day outdoor vigil and mass at Guaratiba – and may be expelled if they produce placards. Armed soldiers will be stationed nearby. He would not say if the military would be used to quell protests if they got out of hand. "We have an effective contingency that will remain quartered," he said. "We hope they will not be needed to do their job."
"There are protests arranged, but it's difficult because they are going to use the army," said Vinicius Rodrigues, a physics student at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro who has been involved with the protests since the beginning.
Students are even planning to camp out by the military base at the Ilha de Governador where the pope's plane is due to land, he said. A mass gay kiss is also planned for Monday.
The Guanabara Palace has already seen confrontations between police and protesters, who have increasingly focused their anger on Cabral.
Protestors want him impeached because of what they say are his links to big business and the heavy-handed police tactics used at previous demonstrations. An effigy of the governor was burnt at the Leblon protest.
Rio de Janeiro's security secretary, José Beltrame, whose house was also targetedin Wednesday's riot, as was a TV Globo building, said the police were still learning how to handle demonstrations.
"We are learning in this process with things we don't know: molotov cocktails, people in masks," Beltrame said at a press conference on Thursday.
Da Costa Filho said nobody knew who was behind the protests, in comments reported by the Folha de S.Paulo news site. He also said that riot control had not been part of police training for the last five years because Brazil did not have a recent history of violent disturbances.
Dom Phillips, Rio de Janeiro
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