Pope Francis has issued his first Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (“Joy of the Gospel”) and it seems to summarize the themes that he has publicly promoted since he took the Chair of Peter.
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” EG 49
7 themes (EG 17)
- the reform of the Church in her missionary outreach;
- the temptations faced by pastoral workers;
- the Church, understood as the entire People of God which evangelizes;
- the homily and its preparation;
- the inclusion of the poor in society;
- peace and dialogue within society;
- the spiritual motivations for mission.
Commentary to follow.
“I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security.” EG 49
I would say that we certainly could apply this to our local situation. More generally, I can hardly think of a pope in the modern era who clung to security. The Pope Pius’s of the late 19th and early 20th century were men who rarely left the Vatican and still wore the triple crown, but they were warriors beyond compare.
I agree with you, Tim, about the late Pius’s, but I don’t think that the triple crowns are going to do any good anymore. Also, if it is true that our local church is “bruised, hurting, and dirty” it certainly is not because it’s been out on the streets. But I know you agree.