Pope Francis continues to promote interfaith dialogue with the Muslim world, as well as continuing to advocate for migrants. He has also frequently talked about economic and scientific topics (e.g. bashing capitalism and promoting environmentalism).
However, according to John Zmirak’s book The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism, Pope Francis is less informed on such topics than the average American who watches Fox News. Zmirak also mentions that statements Pope Francis makes on these topics are not binding on Catholics. Why? Because the Pope is talking about science and economics, and such topics are not spiritual matters (which are binding on Catholics). In addition, Pope Francis’s views on these topics (as well as migration, self-defense, etc.) are contrary to The Catechism of the Catholic Church. Hence, he is disregarding church teaching just like the Obama Administration disregarded the Constitution.
In fact, Zmirak points out the following in his book:
No pope can solemnly contradict the solemn teaching of a previous pope (or council). If he did, then he would be discrediting his office, as well as the Roman Catholic Church. Thus, Pope Francis cannot use his authority to teach the opposite of what his predecessors have taught.
The first major papal statement on economics defended the concept of private property.
One cannot be a faithful Catholic and also be a socialist.
As Pope St. John Paul II pointed out, the doctrine of the Catholic Church is not a third way between liberal capitalism and Marxist collectivism, nor even a possible alternative to other solutions. In addition, it is not a Catholic ideology.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church sets conditions on nation’s obligations on accepting immigrants (hence no open borders).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that one has the right to self- defense, as well as defending one’s community and nation (hence the number of Catholics that are in law enforcement and the military).
One cannot be a Catholic and also be a pacifist.
Church doctrine does allow for the death penalty.
The Pope is no more an expert on climate change than tomorrow’s weather forecast.
The Catholic Church is not anti-science.
Catholic “social justice” is a conservative concept (contrary to popular belief), and its purpose is to limit the power of state (something that the Catholic Church has done throughout history).
So any Catholic is free to debate and disagree with Pope Francis on the topics I have just mentioned without fear of punishment or reprisal.
