They say the pews are filling again. There is no doubt that the dynamic Bergoglio, true to his Jesuit tradition, has upended the usual order of things, and that he has reawakened many faithful to the hope of a better church.
The latest target of the Pontiff's anger is corruption. In a statement given during inflight interviews, the lively pope has expressed his opinion that all corrupt people should be weighed down with the proverbial rock and thrown to the sea. The biblical tone of course, does not take into account how difficult it might be legally to dispose of that corrupt someone in such a drastic manner, but it does prompt a few questions: does the pontiff actually mean that he wants his faithful to rise against corruption and the ills of capitalism? Could this be true? And if it, does this telegraph an agenda that is as almost as revolutionary as Martin Luther's?
Well, let's for one believe that the Pontiff does wish that, especially in Italy, but also worldwide, corruption and the greed it engenders is stemmed out by some popular action. Does that mean that the same will occur withing the Vatican walls?
Because, truth be told, some of the alliances, economic and not, that the Vatican has entertained for decades are decidedly unholy.
In particular, the Pontiff was referring to those who are willing donors and supporters of the church, but who do so in order to forge alliances and to be allowed materially if not spiritually to then go on with their corrupt dealings. I.e., the pontiff is reminding that coming to church is not enough to gain access to the pearly gates. That kind of reward comes to those who are congruent in and out of church.
But his tone is decidedly gothic. He even asserted that corrupt people are serving their children "unclean bread", pointing out that such foul behavior has the uncanny ability of tainting all and everything it is surrounded by.
As the Pontiff points out, just because everyone 'does it' does not excuse those who succumb to the bribes, just as it does not for those who do the bribing.
It seems however, that most of the sermon was directed squarely at the Vatican itself. In no uncertain terms, Pope Bergoglio has signified his intention of cleaning house, by any means possible, and to have all its ministers, no matter how high ranking, take a vow of poverty. If the recent ouster and demotion of an Austrian cardinal who lived a life of luxury is any indication, he might be on to something.
But the dark forces that swirl around the Vatican, including alleged money lauderers, who use the shadowy Vatican banking organization to launder money worldwide, might not be so amiable at the Pontiff's intention of shutting down their channels. One can only hope that the Pontiff is left be to do what he has set out to do, if nothing else so that for once, the church can have its grace restored.
Op-Ed
Partial Source : Independent UK/ 11.12.13
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