Is Pope Francis Really a Progressive Example?

[Tom Rinaldo]

53. We are discussing him as pope

He said those things before as a Cardinal in Argentina, and yes statements like those are used by the sort of people who advance homicidal laws of the sort in Uganda that you refer to, in order to justify their position. Most likely nothing has changed in his personal belief system since he made those statements. I completely agree with you that he should speak out as pope against the Uganda laws - I do not think such an action would go against his professed belief in the current teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

In regards to his short reign as pope there clearly are some differing view points within the GLBT community regarding him, as evidenced by the decision of The Guardian, but I do not dispute the facts you present or the potential adverse impact of them.

For those who are believers in the Catholic faith, and I have to assume that Francis is one of them, there is a spiritual transformation of sorts that takes place when one becomes Pope. That is recognized by the taking on of a new name. Either through divine intervention (for those who believe in such) or through deep spiritual reflection brought on by the awesome new responsibilities of being the pope, one can either hope or pray that Francis moves ever closer to the light.

All that being said I agreed above that Francis is not a progressive leader and that he has not been progressive on GLBT issues among others.