I have said repeatedly here, I am someone who grew up Catholic but as time went on, I have become an atheist. That, however, doesn't mean I can't respect someone taking a big, giant stick of change to the Catholic Church. Pope Francis continues his Shock & Awe campaign today, laying low a German Bishop for his behavior.
http://www.nytimes.com/...
BERLIN — Pope Francis, who has made humility and modesty his hallmarks, sent a swift and clear message to Roman Catholics around the world on Wednesday, suspending a German bishop accused of spending millions on lavish renovations to his residence and forcing the chief administrator of the bishop’s diocese into early retirement.
The bishop, Franz-Peter Tebartz-van Elst, 53, of Limburg, was said to have let the cost of renovating his residence and other church buildings balloon to more than $41 million. The projects drew ridicule in the German news media for luxuries like a $20,000 bathtub, a $1.1 million landscaped garden and plans for an 800-square-foot fitness room — as well as a cross to be suspended from the ceiling of a personal chapel, which necessitated the reopening of a renovated roof.
The pope acted just two days after receiving Bishop Tebartz-van Elst in Rome, where he was summoned to explain himself. The Vatican issued a statement saying that Francis had been “comprehensively and objectively” informed about the events in the diocese and that Bishop Tebartz-van Elst “currently cannot exercise his office.”
The statement said the Holy See thought it “advisable” for the bishop to spend an unspecified time away from Limburg. His duties will be assumed by a deacon, Wolfgang Rösch, who was scheduled to become the diocese’s chief administrator at the end of the year. The current chief, Franz Kaspar, 75, a confidant of the bishop, will retire immediately, two and a half months early.
The Pope's attitude toward church held wealth, and the need to share with the poor is beginning to resonate.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...
Vatican City, Oct 16, 2013 / 02:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has donated his Harley Davidson motorcycle to be sold to raise money for a hostel and soup kitchen that serves Rome’s homeless.
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Pope Francis has encouraged clergy and religious to show humility in their choice of transportation.
In July, he told a group of seminarians and religious novices that he felt hurt when he sees a priest or a sister with a brand new car.
“And, if you like that beautiful car, think about how many children are dying of hunger,” he said, urging them to choose simpler transportation options.
In September, the Pope accepted an Italian priest’s gift of a used Renault 4 with 186,000 miles on its odometer.
Even though I am not religious, there is real power in leading by example. If this is the tone that Pope Francis wishes to set, which seems to be a week-by-week indictment of the old standards of the Church as well as a call for greater charity and away from the heavily stylized efforts of the past, then kudos to him.
That longterm message can resonate through many churches globally as a way to s how those who do follow the faith that the first rules are really to care for and love each other, not to condemn and damn those around us.
Just my 'good news' moment of the day.