The Moral Vision Of Pope Francis

Why is it that Pope Francis is admired by so many? What gives him the uncanny ability to speak with young people in language familiar to them? In this book, John Raymaker and Gerry Gruzden explore the life and writings of Pope Francis which have a prophetic, visionary ability to speak to important issues of the day. The authors evaluate how Pope Francis’ encounters with religious leaders of other faiths have broken new ground to help unite mankind. They reach back into Christian history to explore the teachings of such Catholic mystics as Thomas Merton while also delving into the beliefs of Islamic and Buddhist mystics to demonstrate how well the pope is in touch with a spirituality that can speak to those seeking the truth. In its final chapters, the book examines how the pope endorses the work of Christians who live their faith in small Christian communities and reveals how such communities can strengthen parish life in various parts of the world. Like St. Francis, his namesake, and like Teilhard de Chardin before him, the pope has an appropriate vision to rebuild God’s Church in a transitional age. His writings have focused on caring for the earth and preaching the good news of the gospels in a way that and allows him to reach young people in need of joy as they face an uncertain future. He is the Conscience of the World.

This book offers a new way of understanding Catholic social ethics. The narrative expands its context backward into the pre-biblical past and outward into the social teachings of other religions and civilizations. It also tells a story that shows the continuity between the different eras of Catholic tradition, and it brings in the witness of heroic men and women to the possibility of living by our beliefs. It portrays our social ethics as a work in progress. Our beliefs have been put forward clearly by official teachers; they have been integrated, to some extent into our institutions; they need to be better explained to the world. This work is intended to give students a deeper understanding of Catholic social ethics, so that they may more effectively communicate the powerfully attractive Catholic vision of life. It may even give some of those well-versed in Catholic ethics some new insights. The author draws on his experience as a theologian, a teacher, and a pastor to present information in a readable form. Having wished such a resource were available to him as a teacher, he has taken it upon himself to write it for others.

In the last half century, contemporary Catholic moral theology has developed at a rapid pace. Franciscan scholars have played a major part in this renewal of contemporary moral theology. Yet, these moral insights from the Franciscan tradition have, to a great extent, been overlooked by the English speaking world since many of the works have not been available in English. The authors of this volume of essays hope that this contribution on the Franciscan moral vision will help to broaden the conversation regarding moral theology and continue the work already accomplished by the many authors working in non-English languages. Scholar contributors to this volume of essays include Joseph Chinnici, Kenan Osborne, Thomas Shannon, Thomas Nairn and Mary Beth Ingham.

During his historic visit to the United States in October 2015, Pope Francis encouraged the nation’s bishops to avoid harsh and divisive language, reminding instead that “only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.” These words provide as fine a summary of the Holy Father’s visit (and of Jorge Bergoglio’s papal ministry) as will be found anywhere. In Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis touched the hearts and consciences of Catholics, as well as people of all faiths or no faith, by the power of his gentle witness. The many addresses and homilies offered by the Pope were more than anyone could digest in a few short days. This handy volume gathers all of these texts in a single, inexpensive resource, making them accessible for reflection, study, or prayer by individuals or groups. Included here are his • homily for canonization of St. Junípero Serra • address to the Joint Session of Congress • greeting to a group of homeless people in New York City • address to the United Nations General Assembly • prayer at Ground Zero • extemporaneous address at the Festival of Families • words to victims of sexual abuse • address to inmates at a Philadelphia prison • and much more. This book will serve as a powerful reminder to any reader of “the allure of goodness and love” that America experienced through the presence of Pope Francis.

1. Francis, the Ethicist—This chapter provides an overview of the moral theology positions and commitments of Pope Francis. In non-technical language, it explains the methods by which Pope Francis moves from premises to conclusions as he appeals to ethical values and proposes teachings and practices embodying mercy and justice for the church and world. 2. Francis, the Discerner—On display in all his moral teachings and ethical leadership is the rootedness of Francis in the Ignatian practice of discernment. This chapter explains several key dimensions of discernment as practiced in the Jesuit tradition of the Spiritual Exercises and through the motifs of dialogue and synodality. Case studies include the teachings of Francis on the themes of healthy family life and the environment, where the actions he took and the documents he produced (Amoris Laetitia and Laudato Si’) display his Ignatian heritage in profound and illuminating ways. 3. Francis, the Communicator—This chapter documents several public relations strategies by which Francis connects with his global audience to communicate the urgency of enhanced social concern for the marginalized and the moral duties we owe to others in need. Francis displays remarkable communicative skill in conveying his core messages though such techniques as well-chosen papal visits and convening themed gatherings (such as the novel World Meetings of Popular Movements). Examining his choice of symbolic gestures and rhetorical flourishes sheds much light upon the social priorities of Francis. 4. Francis, the Advocate for Social Justice—While the previous chapters address the style and methodology by which Francis proceeds, this final chapter focuses on the substance of his ethical commitments to justice. These include an insistence on workers’ rights, championing the well being of refugees and trafficked persons, promoting peace building and challenging escalating economic inequality.