General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is Pope Francis Really a Progressive Example? [View all]Tom Rinaldo
(23,197 posts)I didn't call the papacy a seat of spiritual power, I just safely deduced that you did not view it that way - not much risk in that assumption I admit. Nor do I, so you are wrong there. I do however note that there are hundreds of millions who do believe that, which is one reason why it is of political interest to note the various ways, good and bad, that pronouncements from this pope effect social change.
And in regards to the political dimension of the papacy and the risks involved in moving too fast with a contrary agenda within the church against powerful entrenched forces, there is no need to flash back multi centuries to contemplate all of those potential risks John-Paul the First dies within my lifetime, and there are many who say he was murdered. Personally I'm an agnostic on the question of who dunnit.