# Freaking awesome: Even Pope Francis says "Enough with the gays and abortions already!" **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 19, 2013, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235 "2013-09-19T15:41:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/101 "2013-09-22T02:22:43Z")
It’s amazing how many people misunderstand comments when they aren’t absolutist support or condemnation of something. Abortion and homosexuality will always be sins, all the Pope was trying to do was get people to think about this sins in proper context, rather than blowing them up into crisis proportions. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/102 "2013-09-22T02:33:53Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > It is a change in policy, sort of. Right now, Christians are all up in arms about fornication between two men, while seeing fornication between a man and a woman as a relatively minor offense. I think his point is that they are exactly the same sin, and that Christians should stop being selectively outraged about sin. Especially other peoples’ sin rather than their own. Normally, I’d let this slide, but, for you, adher: I"m guessing you are using “Christian” is this context to mean specifically Roman Catholics? Are Protestants still Heretics? (this was the official doctrine of the RCC until the Second Vatican Council, 1962 - 1965) ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/103 "2013-09-22T02:38:07Z")
I’m not going to get into inter-Christian disputes about who has the “true” faith or not. I used the term “christians” because Francis’ message would apply to all Christians. And Jews and Muslims too. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/104 "2013-09-22T02:51:07Z")
[Quote= Originally Posted by DigitalC ] I just don’t see this as a step towards making the church more accepting of gays, i see it as a step towards making the public more accepting of the church by not talking about their unpopular views. [/quote] > [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Bingo. I’ll Bingo that Bingo. ---
**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/105 "2013-09-22T02:59:17Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > I’m not going to get into inter-Christian disputes about who has the “true” faith or not. I used the term “christians” because Francis’ message would apply to all Christians. And Jews and Muslims too. Too late, you already used the capitalized “Christian” where most would have used “Catholic”. Wrong again, \*\*adaher[/bold] This is 5 Popes out of date (although that last one probably would agree with you). ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/106 "2013-09-22T13:11:13Z")
> [@Shakes](#): > > This guy just keeps get’n cooler every day. He almost makes me wish I weren’t an Atheist. > > You tell’em Pope! [Link](http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/world/europe/pope-bluntly-faults-churchs-focus-on-gays-and-abortion.html?_r=1&) It seems that the Pope has watered down his first pronouncement. But I think he was trying to get Catholics to do more living their faith than being like the Pharisees, acting religious, and not living the letter of the law. also that RC’s should start caring for the already born and better to be an example than a critic of other’s sins. ---
**Author:** ![monavis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e0b2c6/32.png) [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2013, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/107 "2013-09-22T13:15:54Z")
> [@lavenderviolet](#): > > It does seem like his approach is based on love and acceptance. As a pro-lifer, I was very impressed with the story of how he [personally called an unwed mother who had resisted pressure to abort with an offer to baptize the baby if she could not find anyone else who would do it](http://www.catholicvirtue.org/2013/09/07/pope-pledges-to-baptize-mothers-illigitimate-child-after-she-rejects-abortion/). That kind of thing is a very pro-life statement. I think he is doing wonderful things. To be truly Pro-life must also be pro-the already born. If one is pro-life then they can also be pro-choice. They value an already born person as much or a least as much as a fertile egg. ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/108 "2013-09-24T15:44:44Z")
> [@Maeglin](#): > > Does Francis _want_ to relax misplaced ecclesiastical discipline or just change the church’s messaging and PR? [If I had to guess, it’s the latter.](http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/508066/20130923/greg-reynolds-pope-francis-vatican-excommunication-laicise.htm#.UkGx44akpSA) ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/109 "2013-09-24T16:37:52Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > [If I had to guess, it’s the latter.](http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/508066/20130923/greg-reynolds-pope-francis-vatican-excommunication-laicise.htm#.UkGx44akpSA) Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/110 "2013-09-24T17:30:30Z")
I, for one, am absolutely _shocked._ ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/111 "2013-09-24T20:42:53Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > [If I had to guess, it’s the latter.](http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/508066/20130923/greg-reynolds-pope-francis-vatican-excommunication-laicise.htm#.UkGx44akpSA) The priest in question resigned his commission in 2011. What was the RCC supposed to do? Keep him on anyway? [Inclusive Catholics](http://www.inclusive-catholics.com/Default.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/112 "2013-09-24T20:54:55Z")
The RCC can do whatever it wants. If they think what he preaches is so vile it deserves the strongest possible response, aka, excommunication, then they should excommunicate him. ---
**Author:** ![want2befree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3e96dc/32.png) [@want2befree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2befree)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/113 "2013-09-24T20:57:45Z")
Being homosexual is a sin? Talk about being born a sinner… ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/114 "2013-09-24T21:21:56Z")
That’s kinda the point. We’re all sinners. Born that way. Heck, science proves it. Do you have to teach your kids how to lie or be selfish? No, they are born knowing how to do that. It’s honesty and altruism that they have to be taught. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/115 "2013-09-24T21:26:52Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > The RCC can do whatever it wants. If they think what he preaches is so vile it deserves the strongest possible response, aka, excommunication, then they should excommunicate him. Yep, and then we should judge the hell out of them. And I just did! ---
**Author:** ![Inner\_Stickler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inner_stickler/32/318_2.png) [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/116 "2013-09-24T21:30:01Z")
Sometimes I think I should change my username to Judgey J. Judgerson. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/117 "2013-09-24T21:42:16Z")
> [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > Sometimes I think I should change my username to Judgey J. Judgerson. If it helps, I think of you as Chief Justice Judgerpants. ---
**Author:** ![want2befree](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3e96dc/32.png) [@want2befree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/want2befree)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/118 "2013-09-24T22:06:01Z")
> [@adaher](#): > > That’s kinda the point. We’re all sinners. Born that way. Heck, science proves it. Do you have to teach your kids how to lie or be selfish? No, they are born knowing how to do that. It’s honesty and altruism that they have to be taught. I don’t know if I agree with all that. I would have to say all those attributes are learned. If a kid lies, he probably picked it up from watching someone else. Same with prejudice, stealing, etc. ---
**Author:** ![adaher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Post date:** [September 24, 2013, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/119 "2013-09-24T22:52:25Z")
But even if true, learned readily and easily, whereas a good upbringing takes work. I think the whole man in the sky thing is a bunch of hokum, but I also think Christians have human nature pegged better than any other religious philosophy. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235/120 "2013-11-13T20:26:43Z")
Update: Pope Francis apparently [bewilders Sarah Palin](http://thelead.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/12/sarah-palin-taken-aback-by-pope-franciss-liberal-statements/) – no big deal there . . . But, [this Pope is also making the Mob nervous.](http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/11/13/anti-mob-prosecutor-pope-francis-making-the-mafia-nervous-and-agitated/) > [@](#): > > Pope Francis’s crusade against corruption has made him a target for Italy’s all-powerful mafia clans, a leading anti-mob prosecutor has warned. > > Nicola Gratteri, who has battled Calabria’s shadowy ‘Ndrangheta mafia, said on Wednesday that Francis’s attempt to bring transparency to the Vatican was making the white collar mobsters who do business with corrupt prelates “nervous and agitated”. > > He told the Italian daily Il Fatto Quotidiano: “Pope Francis is dismantling centres of economic power in the Vatican. > > Francis, who has called for “a poor church”, has backed reform at the Vatican’s bank, which has been suspected for years of being a channel for the laundering of mob profits. This week police impounded a luxury hotel on Rome’s Janiculum hill – formerly a monastery – which the ‘Ndrangheta allegedly purchased from a religious order. > > In a fiery sermon on Monday, Francis railed against corruption and quoted the bible’s advice that practitioners be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck. [roll _The Godfather Part III]_ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freaking-awesome-even-pope-francis-says-enough-with-the-gays-and-abortions-already/669235.md?page=7)