It seems that Pope Leo XIV, like his predecessor Pope Francis, has embraced the progressivism that has infiltrated the Roman Catholic Church. Examples include blaming the violence in Nigeria on its state of the economy (when in fact the violence is the work of jihadists) to mentioning the Muslim migrants who are “fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere” including “migrants who cross the Mediterranean” (when in fact such Muslim migrants are actually carrying out an invasion of Europe via immigration).
But before anyone condemns the Catholic Church due to the liberal views of various church leaders (or whatever their reasons for criticizing the Catholic Church might be), there is a book that was published ten years ago that should address such concerns- the Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism by John
Zmirak. In his book, Zmirak points out the following:
- No pope can solemnly contradict the solemn teaching of a previous pope. The closest a pope can do (e.g. Pope Leo XIV, Pope Francis) is appoint officials who share his views, encourage liberals who might want to change church teaching (but can’t), and make statements that confuse and worry the public. Thus, the teachings of the Church are what they always have been.
- Pius XII, who has been referred to as “Hitler’s pope”, had actually been involved in an assassination plot against Hitler.
- In the aftermath of Vatican II, the Roman Catholic Mass had not changed significantly in fifteen hundred years. In fact, Paul VI wept when he saw the changes of his liturgical reform. In addition, such changes resulted in a decrease in Mass attendance.
- The first major papal statement on economics defended private property.
- One cannot be a faithful Catholic and be a socialist. Nor can one be a Catholic and a pacifist.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts conditions when it comes to accepting immigrants. It also teaches that one has the right to defend himself or herself.
- The Vatican has no more authority on global warming/climate change than does tomorrow’s weather forecast.
It should be noted that papal statements regarding migrants, economics, climate change, etc. are just that- statements. They are not teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and thus not binding on Catholics (i.e. they don’t have to agree or even obey).
So, if you get a chance, check out this book. It will clear up any misconceptions you might have about Catholicism.
