What Do I Think of Pope Francis Now

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As a Catholic with an opinion, my first instinct with regards to the Pope has always been to defend him and his teachings and governance. I’ve always seen him as intrinsic to my creed and my tribe and so what could be more obvious.
And so, early on in Francis’ pontificate, that was the attitude and the instinct that I followed. And I have some older videos that reflect that approach.
But, as time progressed, that default gave way to some head-scratching bemusement, but still a lot of benefit of the doubt, to now, in which I mostly just keep quite about him.
But because I have published things about his pontificate in the past, I do feel the need to update those statements as those earlier commentaries no longer reflect my current interpretation of this era of history we’re living through in the Church.
And what this pontificate has taught me, if nothing else, is that Catholic ecclesiology isn’t as simple as I once thought it was. It’s easy to endorse crude articulations about infallibility and obedience when you have bishops and pontiffs who are easy to admire.
But if and when you have bad or confusing leadership, our understanding of those concepts requires greater nuance and achieving and practicing that nuance can be perilous and divisive.
And that’s key for me, because the strongest evidence of bad leadership is division and conflict among the faithful. And sadly, I would say that the Church, especially among those who play supporting roles, like apologists for example, is much more divided than it was a decade ago.
Music written and generously provided by Paul Jernberg. Find out more about his work as a composer here: pauljernberg.com
Podcast Version: brianholdsworth.libsyn.com/

[@tonyfoglio6745]

As an old Evangelical, I pray fervently for the Catholic Church, for so goes the Church, so goes the world. May all of Christendom pray for the Holy Catholic Church.

[@doloresparsons1552]

Thank you. 🕊️

[@TheKevin9000]

You need to become Catholic.

[@mattduin7144]

This is consistent what noted exorcist Fr Chad Ripperger has said. The Catholic church is the means of grace for the world. When the catholic church is in trouble, so is the world. Sometimes this effect can take decades to flow onto the world, but its impact is nevertheless felt

[@jessewilliams15]

Amen. 🙏

[@Grandlett]

Cool so become Catholic

[@dontsurroundurselfwithurself]

I'm a protestant but I fervently believe that we need a strong Catholic Church. Look around. The people at war with us dont care about our differences; they want all of us GONE. They hate God, they especially hate Christ, and they extend that hatred to those who believe i, and worship Him. We must make a stand - united - against these forces. This goes for our Eastern Orthodox friemds as well.If we dont, we're one generation away, maybe two, from a world religion, which will be anti-christian, secular, and evil.

[@Vincenzo-wn1or]

Amen!

[@DanaClarkDana]

Stronger with you

[@EasternOrthodox101]

Repent and convert, brother, you would not regret it, I promise. You are a member of a cult who worships an antisemitic antichrist called Martin Lucifer and calls him Jesus. As an Orthodox, the Catholic church tradition, despite the innocent errors, which we believe should change, is a holy Church of Christ, which only waits a revival and unification with us, the other half, the Orthodox brothers. Catholics should not panic too much about Vatican II, and as a result, leave their Catholic church, since deviation inside the holy structure appointed by God is nothing new, only a necessary evil, which is merely a product of our human falibility. It goes back to the days of Solomon’s temple even, when his descendants war sinners, who deviated from the Holy tradition, and were condemned. But the Holy structure itself was never condemned, and the Israelites, in those cases, prayed to God, to remove the evil authority and to give them a new holy restoration, and in the end, it always came eventually, and that's what Catholics should do - pray for the arrival of a Pope, who will restore the old order, and bring back the Orthodox holiness to the Church again 🙏☦❤💙🤍

[@darcyyoung1462]

Dear friend, in spite of bad popes - remember Peter denied Christ not once but 3 times - but good ones come back. In Peter the denial and return was in the same man's lifetime. In other popes it takes another good pope, sometimes much later. The Holy Spirit does stir souls to action. Meanwhile - and in spite of all our problems - the Catholic Church is still the original and true church. In particular, research John 6 and 1 Cor 10 and 11. The Eucharist, the Bread from Heaven, is literal and real, not metaphorical. That is missing in Protestantism, because you need a validly ordained priest - that means unbroken line of Apostolic succession. There are 152 Eucharistic Miracles, and more under investigation. The very 1st, Lanciano in the 8th century, is still there on display. It has been DNA tested. The latest approved is Legnica in Poland, again, can be visited. We are the lucky generation, because we have DNA / genetics labs. It is very well documented. A couple of cardiologists have spoken out and written books & articles (remember that any talk of miracle is a career-ending move). Google Dr Serfina (spelling?) - podcasts - he speaks English and Italian. Dr Ricardo Castanon was an atheist who converted - his many presentations are in Spanish and though he speaks English too, but he has been evangelising in South America. Some people I know tried to get him to present in Asia but he said his health was declining over the decades. But look all these up. Me, I'm gonna download whatever I find, because - as you said - the world and Big Tech may soon censor everything Christian. Good luck, and hope we all persevere and make it to heaven.

[@EasternOrthodox101]

@@darcyyoung1462 Yes, our Orthodox and Catholic churches are eternally encompassed by the Holy Spirit, and disasters or bad Popes are a necessary evil, and the inevitable reality of the falible nature of man, which even the dynasties of the Jews, in the time of the temples, were at times, inflicted with corruption and sin, but eventually God sent a messenger to restore the order and the law of God. You Catholics need to pray and uphold the laws, but also take to the streets

[@admg1340]

Thank you. I am same-sex attracted, and a convert (1982). All my life, I have accepted the church's teaching as set forth in the catechism. In fact, one of the reasons I converted was because the church had remained consistent in its teaching throughout the centuries while other churches around them changed their teachings to conform to the world. To me, that seemed like evidence that the church was who she said she was. From that time until recently, I've never had any real doubts at the church was who she said she was. That is no longer true. In the past two years I have been assailed with major crises of faith, including after reading the Pope's responses to both sets of dubia. In your charity, Pray that I will not yield to temptations against faith and against purity, which arise out of my fear, anger, resentment when reading the confusing and ambiguous responses of the Pope to the dubia. May the evil one not succeed in causing anyone with SSA fall into sin based on the Pope's and other Bishops and priests' ambiguous statements, teaching and actions or inactions (like the Pope's continued failure to address the blessing of same sex couples in Germany and elsewhere.)

[@chezjowy8596]

Look to the theology not to the men that can't keep it themselves

[@pavelcrestin1]

​@@chezjowy8596The only true Church is the Orthodox Church The Catholic Church changed dogmas on several times

[@sadie4538]

I'll pray for you. Maybe seek out a TLM in your area? Personally speaking, I have found the TLM has helped me grow closer to Christ and his Church and has also blessed me with a great peace amid this chaos. Focus on the image of the Infant of Prague. He is literally holding the world in his hands. God bless you! Pray the rosary, too!

[@bonniekron1761]

If you look at history, we have had bad popes, they being immoral in their own lives. The Holy Spirit has allowed this so that no one can take a stance that is middle of the road. Good and evil are making themselves known. We must choose. The Holy Roman Church, itself, is being purified. Remember that the Catechism states that the Church will go through an apostasy before the man of sin appears. Make sure you do not abandon the Church at the most important time in history. Stick with the teachings of the Church, not with false teachers or Judases, which exist in every age, from high up in the hierarchy all the way to the bottom. Trust in Jesus. If you spend time with him in silent prayer, He will give you the peace and assurance that you need. Without that intimacy with the Lord, we cannot survive this purification of the Church. Jesus’ bride MUST be purified before she can be worthy of Him. CCC 675 Before Christ's second coming the Church must pass through a final trial that will shake the faith of many believers. The persecution that accompanies her pilgrimage on earth will unveil the "mystery of iniquity" in the form of a religious deception offering men an apparent solution to their problems at the price of apostasy from the truth. The supreme religious deception is that of the Antichrist, a pseudo-messianism by which man glorifies himself in place of God and of his Messiah come in the flesh.

[@melk6720]

Pray the Rosary of Our Lady of sorrows, she will help you stay strong. Don't worry, all of us faithful to the authentic teachings are suffering. Offer your sufferings to Jesus, no one is suffering more than Him. God bless 🙏

[@phillyfitter4079]

As a Latin Catholic I pray for the Church. Having said that I have faith in the Holy Spirit and know that the Church's Dogma will not change regardless of whoever disagrees with the it. We have endured many heresies and schisms. We are still the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church and as Jesus said, "The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it".

[@chezjowy8596]

Jesus ain't no liar

[@TrixRN]

Amen!

[@JWForce1059]

Straight up. This is about the most that is possible to say conclusively about the topic at hand. Hope in Christ the Bridegroom, and give your weakness to Him in faith

[@johne.8939]

The “gates of hell” refrain is misunderstood constantly….. it doesn’t say anything about the protection or survivability of the Church. It’s referring to the survivability of evil when the Church is doing its job.

[@bradwhelan4466]

@@chezjowy8596 Really? Jesus said, " Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come to power." Ergo, Jesus is by his own words, most definitely a liar.

[@guyfromnj]

I grew up catholic. I was baptized and confirmed but that’s all. I’ve just recently gotten back in after a revelation I had. It’s upsetting to know there are so many problems going on right now. This is such a important time. We need unity and a strong unchanging message. As things get worse and worse more and more people are going to turn to the church and we need to be there ready and able to help these lost souls. This is not the time for waffling and division. This is not the time to go against our ideals and what we know is right. Evil is at work. I believe that with all my heart. We all see it. This world is changing in ways that will hurt life for years to come. These poor children being mutilated for a political agenda says it all. We have to call wrong out and take a hard stance. We need to be a rock for the weak of heart and faith. Unchanging in our beliefs because we know them to be true. There can be no question.

[@faithkwiecinski84]

I'm glad you came back. We need you. My story is basically yours, raised Catholic, fell away, had a strong spiritual experience, came back. That was 30 years ago. I KNOW Jesus is God, He is present (Body, Blood, Soul,Divinity) in the Eucharist at Mass. The Catholic Church is His Bride. We are called to holiness by imitating Him. So, although people here on earth make a real mess of things, I KNOW the Gates of Hell shall not prevail. Jesus has already won❤ I thank God for your return. I consider you my sibling, and am including you in my prayers. ❤

[@RealBobEvans]

CATHOLICS COME HOME…. to biblical Christianity! …Where salvation is by God’s grace through our faith in him alone! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16 KJV …Where Jesus Christ himself is our sole mediator, not priests or dead saints! “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” - 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV …Where all believers are already sanctified and fit for Heaven through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary! “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” - Hebrews 10:10-12 KJV …Where water baptism is not salvific, but rather is a public identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - an outward showing of an inward change that has already taken place! “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” - Acts 8:36-38 KJV …Where faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, not man-made ‘sacraments’ of the church, washes away all sin! “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” - Revelation 1:5 KJV “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” - Romans 3:24-25 KJV READ THE HOLY BIBLE FOR YOURSELVES! Don’t take my word for it. Start in the gospel of John, then go to the book of Romans. See if the church of Rome has been telling you the truth, or if you’ve been sold a bag of lies. May God bless you!

[@gnomeresearch1666]

Times like these are a gift. We can't take anything for granted. Kind of like being complacent being on the bench of a varsity team when all of a sudden the coach puts you in. Exciting. Nerve-racking. Thank you Lord.

[@vdoggydogg3922]

You don't need organized religion to praise your God.

[@tolkienlewis6887]

I live in Germany where I can neither defend PF nor the majority of our bishops.

[@racheljames7]

I don't blame you, brother. Love from England. 🇩🇪 🇬🇧

[@tolkienlewis6887]

@@racheljames7 I'm from England 🇬🇧 thanks 😊

[@RealBobEvans]

CATHOLICS COME HOME…. to biblical Christianity! …Where salvation is by God’s grace through our faith in him alone! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” - Galatians 2:16 KJV …Where Jesus Christ himself is our sole mediator, not priests or dead saints! “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” - 1 Timothy 2:5 KJV …Where all believers are already sanctified and fit for Heaven through the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary! “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” - Hebrews 10:10-12 KJV …Where water baptism is not salvific, but rather is a public identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ - an outward showing of an inward change that has already taken place! “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” - Acts 8:36-38 KJV …Where faith in the blood of Jesus Christ, not man-made ‘sacraments’ of the church, washes away all sin! “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” - Revelation 1:5 KJV “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” - Romans 3:24-25 KJV READ THE HOLY BIBLE FOR YOURSELVES! Don’t take my word for it. Start in the gospel of John, then go to the book of Romans. See if the church of Rome has been telling you the truth, or if you’ve been sold a bag of lies. May God bless you!

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

Pope Francis condemned their actions though.

[@paulocordeiro6873]

Here in Brazil, largest catholic country, the mess is big. This is one of the worst pope ever.

[@heroicacts5218]

I do as Dr. Bergsma and Peter Kreeft mentioned in some of their statements: I don’t pay too much attention to Church politics, as they are temporal and finite. God’s game is a long one. Keep praying, attending the mass and focusing on the Sacraments, brothers and sisters! That is what is required from us!

[@damianwhite504]

that is very good advice

[@RickW-HGWT]

Ignorance is not bliss , do you contribute to the various collections like peters pence ? what if they take or bastardized the mass or eliminate it like they are trying to do to the TLM. How about when they go against church teachings in who they support i.e. the excreta jimmy martin and his ilk ? ignoring evil does not make it go away.

[@aci.]

Bergsma and Kreeft, awesome theologians. Thank you for this reminder.

[@christusvictor1431]

What happens when the heresy from the conclave somewhere comes to your parish and doesn’t go away? I respect that advice, but it still seems a little naive.

[@heroicacts5218]

@@christusvictor1431, you can separate, which would be akin to being a protestant. The best we have is always to remember that the gates of hell will never prevail over the Church (Mt 16:18)

[@SailorSabol]

That message at the end about the church being the body of Christ but His physical body having been through much worse slaps so hard that’s SUCH a good one omg

[@delgande]

Speak normally do not use "slaps", sincerely....

[@davidrojas6457]

​@@user-ey6jk8fo5jMost of us say "oh my gosh", calm down

[@davidrojas6457]

Word, I was thinking the same thing. Gotta write that one down.

[@Bdfhvj]

I always pray for him, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’ve cried over things he’s said and done. It breaks my heart. I’ve been ridiculed and, in my own folly, allowed it to keep me from confirmation. I hope and pray I get to confirmation this Easter. Please pray for everyone- please pray for me and my family. My husband and children do not believe in God. Lord Jesus Christ please have mercy on us.

[@racheljames7]

You clearly love Our Lord so much and you have a big heart. Don't let that man stop you from getting confirmed. You're doing it for Jesus. Popes come and go and one day, hopefully soon, we'll be rid of this one.

[@nancykilbourn836]

I was an Episcopalian and could no longer stand the far left woke secularization of my beautiful church. I became Catholic, in spite of Pope Francis. I see him much as the leaders of the Episcopal and Anglican churches. I am happier now as a Catholic, where I fit in best. Please take you confirmation, and take it seriously. You do not have to agree with the current pope on everything, and he has not yet spoken Ex Cathedra. God gave us intelligence, use it to study and expand your faith.

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

What things has he said that made you cry?

[@crestfallenwolf4190]

Have Faith, my sister in Christ. When I came back home to God I was alone going back to Mass, but through prayer my mother and nephew finally came with me to Mass, Praise be to God. Now I pray for my father and sister to join us. I shall pray for the conversation of your family as well. "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry." - Padre Pio

[@ingolfringolfrson1577]

@@idankpoaugustine1983Yeah this seems extreme. I’ll admit I’m a new Catholic, I was baptized last Easter, but I’ve not heard a single thing that he’s said that seems to fly in the face of what I was taught in RCIA

[@MaureenTeresa1]

It's really devastating actually. As an old lady ( haha ) I've seen the Church Spiral out of control in regard to Faith and Morals. I've come to the conclusion that it's best for me to pray as much as I can and as often as I can. One of my family members actually thinks that same-sex marriage is now permitted because "Pope Francis said so according to this person." It's really heartbreaking watching your children and grandchildren being told untruths.

[@mrbaker7443]

Sorting the wheat from the chaff

[@vaderkurt7848]

Tell the same person according to the 2021 document that francis approved that the church cannot and is unable to bless same sex relations while also anyone who tries to ordain women are automatically excommunicated. No what I find to be more shocking is how people refuse to give the pope the benefit of the doubt and would rather slander him and accuse him of believing in games in which he clearly shows disapproval of.

[@rubemartur8239]

If people reais the Full Interview of Pope Francis, in which He stated "who AM i to jugde?" They would be surprised... Pope Francis stated that many countries maginalizes homossexuals, even consider them as criminals, which He doesnt aprove. By His words, being gay isnt crime, but still a SIN... also He disaproved the gay lobby at vatican... why do people think they can be friend of the SIN without regrets?

[@marshallcampbell125]

Evil within the Church that has been lurking will be exposed by Francis. This has to happen

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

​@@boom-botz444he has never approved of same sex unions, that's malicious calumny.

[@msheaver]

As bad as it looks right now, and it is really bad, I am not the least bit fearful for my beloved Church. Why not? Because I trust that our Lord and our Blessed Mother have complete control and know what they are doing. A few weeks, when the Gospel included the parable of the weeds among the wheat, I was struck by the realization that Jesus was referencing the Church itself (Kingdom of God) when He stated that the weeds are to be allowed to grow alongside the wheat until the time when He comes to harvest it. The Lord and my Mother have used these crazy times to draw me ever more deeply into intimacy and devotion to them, and make me into the spiritual warrior He calls me to be. Viva Cristo Rey and Ave Maria!

[@JacksonD0716]

Facts

[@kristin1659]

Bishop Strickland of Tyler, TX, has been moderately critical of Francis and he is being treated as schismatic (for lack of a better word) by Francis. True schismatics are welcomed with open arms. Only those who profess the traditional Catholic faith are ostracized.

[@noelnana2059]

thank you brian for articulating with genuine love what many Christians and Catholics do feel right now… Godbless…

[@simonslater9024]

Please read my comment. God bless.

[@chrissylovesmc6732]

I got baptized this passed Easter and became Catholic. Since then, Pope Francis has been a major source of stress and confusion where his views appear to rather align with woke agenda, which erodes humanity and is against God’s will. In the beginning I talked to people about it and then found myself feeling angry. I realized it would get in my way to become more faithful and holy. Now I refrain myself from talking about the Pope and trust God will take care of him.

[@racheljames7]

Same here. The man has never spoke ex cathedra so we are free to ignore everything he says.

[@rayvanee277]

I am in RCIA right now, we have had bad popes before...really bad the church still stands, but we are heading toward a schism if the leadership doesn't go back to the Bible and the Catechism

[@tolkienlewis6887]

A good attitude. We should not lose our peace.

[@irishandscottish1829]

@@donnalacourse7861 what exactly is your issue with what Pope Francis said? What makes you think the orthodox don’t also hold those orthodox views?

[@hunk0075]

Let us accept the fact that the church has been infiltrated by evil, they deliberately try to destroy the church from the inside.

[@uaenami]

Always pray for the Church and especially for the Pope

[@ephesians6172]

Pray for the conversion of the communist Jorge Mario Bergoglio to the Catholic faith.

[@djo-dji6018]

​@@ephesians6172 Such language in not Catholic.

[@wolfthequarrelsome504]

​@@djo-dji6018agreed

[@ephesians6172]

@@djo-dji6018 explain yourself

[@TheAmosTree]

@@djo-dji6018are you claiming that speaking the truth is not Catholic? Jesus called people hypocrites, snakes and vipers. It’s truly Catholic to speak hard truths

[@compelledcatholic6341]

A common saying from my military days was, "Stay in your lane." That's what I try to do. Am I where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing? I pray for our shepherds. May they be obedient and faithful and not wolves. Like you said, God has a way of making what appears to be the darkest hour the most victorious. I came into the Church in 2020, and, in fact, the craziness of witnessing shepherds saying false or purposefully confusing things was a catalyst for my own growth and faith and understanding of the Church. I had to wrestle with it and talk about it and pray about it. Those are good things.

[@richardyates7280]

Social media has not helped. When every word of the Pope, even the least insignificant, is instantly beamed around the world, we get to hear about it when he makes some off the cuff remark (instantly interpreted as a statement about dogma) or expresses some impatience (reflecting his humanity). In the past, we would probably not have heard about it.

[@covonedigrano7491]

This 100% when I had instagram all the "news" about the Pope I got from there were short 2-3 seconds videos of him saying stuff out of context which generated an avalanche of criticism in the comments. Same thing on YT shorts. People should take a step back from internet 10 seconds trials and actually appreciate that real life is much more complicated. When I heard Brian talk about Twitter and how he models his opinion also off of what he hears there I can't help but think he should disconnect a bit. Online discussion is more often than not incredibly hyperbolic and detached from reality. Instead of forming an opinion based on what the Pope says you end up forming it based on what people think he says which more often than not isn't an accurate depiction.

[@racheljames7]

Don't kid yourself that he doesn't do it on purpose. He's a monster who defends chold molesters. He does it on purpose because he enjoys the confusion he creates.

[@TrixRN]

@@racheljames7 Wow! You really need to go to confession after that statement!😳

[@logosao88]

@@TrixRN No, they don't need to go to confession. The Pope KNOWS that his statements (especially theological ones) will be on social media. There are no "off the cuff remarks" when you make statements about policies AND you are the Pope. He (and the most of the leadership) have allowed the Church to fall into the state it is in...and let's be frank...unless you have your head deep into the sand it's in big trouble. Far from bringing people back into the fold, he has accelerated the falling away of many Catholics who long for the orthodoxy that has characterized the Church for almost 2000 years.

[@tomlabooks3263]

@@racheljames7 This is such a rotten and sinful comment.

[@Belisarius80]

Our ancestors had it easier to an extent…..many of them didn’t even know how the Pope looked like let alone knew his politics.

[@calebalton2084]

They did know. Past Popes from the time the Catholic Church was the dominant player in the public sphere, not only knew the Pope's political stance, their lives were directly affected by it in the social public sphere, whether they were Catholic or not.

[@Belisarius80]

I respectfully disagree. There was no mass media as we had in the 1500’s etc

[@johnpglackin345]

Perhaps they should have known. And the corruption would have ended sooner.

[@guesswho22peekaboo]

Never seen your channel before. This was a beautiful video. I greatly appreciated the good-natured honesty about your former and current positions, especially what you felt your role best was going forward. I just came back to the Church about 7 weeks ago and I had no idea how divided the Church had become since I was last attenfing Mass. Who is the prince of division? Bad things are afoot. All I can do is pray.

[@cynthiahall9297]

I have faith that God will take care of his church. He permits Satan only so much leeway , but he will rein it back in. Our job is to remain faithful and pray. We MUST let him know that we love his church!

[@piousnorsepillager]

Your final words, i think, are more true than many think. Our Lady has forewarned us that God is watching and will very soon act. His Dominion over creation itself cannot be overcome by anything that man has made, and God will have His Say on current events. We must stay vigilant!

[@RobertFalconerChannel]

This is very helpful Brian, thank you. I've been struggling through the same issues as an Anglican. Looks like many of these concerns are felt accross the board in Christianity.

[@marilynmelzian7370]

As a fellow Anglican, I absolutely agree.

[@TitusCastiglione1503]

@@marilynmelzian7370Anglican convert here. I must concur.

[@esthert9146]

The end of your thoughts was uplifting for me. Thank you.

[@FranciscoGarcia-mc8gj]

Brian, I agree with what you said in this video as I have also found myself less and less able to "defend" our current Pope and the Church's leadership. I've commented to family and friends that the laity needs to take more responsibility in knowing our faith so that we can better discern what to do when our leadership is not doing a good job. Keep up the good work, Brian.

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

Less and less able? Due to what brother? I'm genuinely curious.

[@rhk3482]

@@idankpoaugustine1983 Really? Have you read anything from the original Church Fathers? Did Romans 1 completely fly over your head?

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

@@rhk3482 I have read quite a lot from them, what does that have to do with anything?

[@tknows470]

I appreciate your view. I was very distressed for many reasons, and I’ve essentially started praying for humility and for God to lead me. I believe we need to speak the truth in love, and I believe you are doing this. ❤

[@killianmiller6107]

Friendly reminder that the “synod of bishops” is merely an advisory council, the magisterium can take it or leave it, whatever they propose.

[@sliglusamelius8578]

And who or what is this body that comprises the magisterium? It seems to be a mystery. Is there a magisterial council? Who is on it?

[@TrixRN]

@@sliglusamelius8578 It’s no mystery. The Magisterium is what it’s always been, the Pope & all the Bishops in communion with him.

[@sliglusamelius8578]

@@TrixRN Well then you are overly sanguine about the synod, because the bishops could certainly vote with the pope to enact whatever the synod recommends.

[@TrixRN]

@@sliglusamelius8578 Not gonna happen if it includes blessing sin or ordaining women. Pope has already said so. He doesn’t need to keep saying it.

[@sliglusamelius8578]

@@TrixRN You’re probably mistaken. The German bishops and Cardinals have already demanded female priests. And since Bergoglio himself made sure that Cardinal Marx would be around for the synod by declining his resignation when Marx was but a lowly bishop, and since Bergoglio made Marx a Cardinal, I’d say that your beloved pontiff is playing us for fools. But I could be wrong.

[@marcelw6045]

Pope Francis asked the laity to “make a mess” in the Church; now we have that in spades.

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

Jesus told his disciples that he had come to breed enmity between father and son. If you pretend that the words don't have more than face value, you do the speaker and yourself a disservice.

[@winall9]

​@@idankpoaugustine1983did other saintly popes do what francis is doing? He should study the teachings of Pope Leo the 13th, Pope Pius the 5th, 9th, 10th....these men were true shepherd's and did not cause confusion

[@nabiguzoje]

I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Read the Gospel. God loves us all.

[@mrbaker7443]

Even St Peter denied Jesus 3 times before the dawn…. Keep your lamps lit for the master returns soon…

[@johnpglackin345]

And after Our Lord forgave St Peter he was a holy man afterwards.

[@ventusborealis2414]

Thank you Brian, I feel that same spiritual pain with you like every faithful catholics and many other faithful Bible-centered christians too when following that what is happening in the catholic church and all that in the postchristian western world. I am a messianic believer from evangelical pentecostal background, but couple of years Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ has given me so much love, compassion and understanding about christian history, churches and traditions etc. I do have found roots of our faith in judaism too and understand now more the red line through the hole Bible, but now I see also all christian practices and traditions valuable. Traditions and customs (including old church traditions and those younger customs) reflects historical layers of understanding and good willing, actions of faith when people have tryied to serve God and to separate holy from secular etc. Many times different ways of worship also reflects misunderstanding of the others etc and perhaps some fear of wrongdoing when praying and serving God. What I have learned is that our Lord Jesus is above our incompleteness and His love covers our imperfection and sins. Even if we celebrate shabbat and jewish/biblical Holydays in our home, I love the way how traditional latin mass highlight and express our Lord's royalty - He truly is the Melech Malchei HaMelachim, the King of Kings of Kings. I pray that we all followers of Jesus Christ (Yeshua haMashiach) as our Lord and Saviour would love and respect each others and keep the Biblical teachings and defend the faith in these hard days when we are opressed by the faithless people and those who want to live like they desire and not to obey God's will. We started to celebrate Succot (feast of tabernacles) last night and one of it's message for us in Christ is that He will "dwell among us" soon and marry His bride. Jesus is coming back soon, let's rejoice. P.s. Shema Israel Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad.

[@EspressoMonkey16]

Hugely appeciate your calm and collected take Brian!

[@NothosXXI]

Bergoglio has gone over the deep end: The five new questions presented by the Faithful Catholic Cardinals in the new _Dubia_ 1. Dubium about the claim that we should reinterpret Divine Revelation according to the cultural and anthropological changes in vogue. 2. Dubium about the claim that the widespread practice of the blessing of same-sex unions would be in accord with Revelation and the Magisterium (CCC 2357). 3. Dubium about the assertion that synodality is a "constitutive element of the Church" (Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis Communio 6), so that the Church would, by its very nature, be synodal. 4. Dubium about pastors' and theologians' support for the theory that "the theology of the Church has changed" and, therefore, that priestly ordination can be conferred on women. 5. Dubium about the statement "forgiveness is a human right" and the Holy Father's insistence on the duty to absolve everyone and always so that repentance would not be a necessary condition for sacramental absolution. On top of that, Bergoglio says that the clergy now can decide for themselves whether to "bless" homosexual unions - see: www.lifesitenews.com/news/pope-francis-to-clergy-decide-for-yourself-whether-to-bless-homosexual-unions/

[@NothosXXI]

Bergoglio goes against the Catholic Faith - he is an antipope.

[@peaceandjoy2568]

Let us be virtuous Catholics willing to root out sin in ourselves even at great cost and let us clearly speak to the next generation and to all people about the perennial teachings of the Church. This is our way of fighting the heretical messages from Church leaders. Lord Jesus Christ, give us victory in the battle for Holy Mother Church.

[@AJMacDonaldJr]

It's God's judgement upon us. Let him do what he thinks is right.

[@jamesmartello1]

Thank you so much thoughtful, reasoned, well though out video. Your call for moderation, virtue, compassion, and true Catholicity is a true comfort. Thank you.

[@RichardSmith-cl8qh]

Bishop Strickland has been my Bishop from 2012 and has not done anything but support the church. This whole issue on him is unjust . Mr. Holdsworth, you comment was well said.

[@jessewilliams15]

Read the Saints like St Catherine of Siena or St Joan, or St Peter Damien and it will all feel like this division isn’t new to the Church and our job as laity is to pray and become holy. God bless brothers and sisters. ❣️

[@shanahendricks9831]

❤

[@declanfinan8842]

Is not division not inevitable as the process separating the wheat from the chaff unfolds? Perhaps the current crisis is the sifting of the faithful from the gross apostate elements within our broader church today? In many respects, I believe we are privileged to be experiencing the unfolding of the true people of God - the true Church. Many are called, but few are chosen. I came to bring fire to the world, not peace. This current process will bring clarity to our Catholic faith. The false religion hiding within it will be exposed, even though it may flourish for a time, people of true faith, irrespective of intellectual prowess, will see Divine light, in fact, this is likely to shine more brightly for the lowly and the humble. The ‘remnant’ will find their true brothers and sisters under the guidance of the remaining few good shepherd’s and Heaven on earth will be their lot despite all of the persecution they will undoubtedly be put to. All is the hands of Our Lord and Saviour. All manner of things will be well! God bless to all

[@RickW-HGWT]

Good post, what do you think of Fr. Altman's recent millstone post ?.

[@ozymandias5257]

Thank you for your sensitivity on this crucial matter. 🙏🏻

[@josephfox9221]

I'm not Catholic but Orthodox. I do pray that you have good leadership and while I dont agree with you I don't want to see you guys have splits and large heresies spring up. May God bless yall

[@djo-dji6018]

The Orthodox Churches also have big problems, after all. They are just less advertised.

[@erikriza7165]

i hope that the West and the East, Catholic and Orthodox will reunite. There is really no reason why it cannot happen, except for egos and petty issues, and theological non-issues.

[@erikriza7165]

The Patriarchs and the Pope should think about the fact that any divisions in the Church are not willed by God, the Divine Head of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. The Catholic Church is Real. The Orothodox Churches are Real.

[@IN-pr3lw]

​@@djo-dji6018nobody said they don't. Everything has scandals in this world

[@daviddabrowski01]

Father Gregory Pine for pope… just sayin haha

[@rebeccasmith2813]

Thank you for your message about of Hope!!

[@irenecastelino8827]

May Lord have Mercy on us. Praying for the Restoration of Traditional Catholic Faith

[@paulquist2475]

Thanks, Brian for your thoughtful commentary. We can always count on you to express your mind without histrionics, ad hominem attack or muckraking. Hold on to your Rosary! I suspect things will get worse before they get better. In my estimation (albeit I'm just peering at Church history through a tiny knothole), we are enduring an unprecedented crisis. Yes, the Church has weathered storms before, but this is new. We're very likely approaching the end of an era and I hope to live through the transition to the Era of Peace/the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart as prophesied by Our Lady of Fatima. If that denouement doesn't arrive in my lifetime, I at least hope to remain faithful. For that, I'll need the aid of Grace, our Lady and the saints. Thank you again for your reasonable commentary! Christus Vincit! Paul

[@crterwil]

very well stated Kennedy .. thank you!

[@darcyyoung1462]

In other denominations, the "I'm right / you're wrong" stems from personal conviction and a refusal to admit own mistakes. The reason we Catholics usually start off defending the Papacy (I did) is because we believe in Apostolic Succession and Matthew 16:18-19 - "the Rock". **HOWEVER** not only have there been bad (horrible) popes in history, but also Peter himself denied Christ. And this was AFTER Jesus "you are the rock". Imagine meeting Peter on Maundy Thursday night, and hearing "the rock" loudly declare "I swear I do not know the man". That is what Bergoglio is doing right now - "I swear all the doctrines handn't down have to be abolished". Peter, however, had time to repent, repair all the damage, and die a martyr. Bergoglio at 80+, instead of repenting and repairing the damage, is now accelerating and doubling down on the Synod, the suppression of the TLM, the sackiing of good bishops. He knows he has little time left, but instead of repenting, is keen to finish his business. Therefore, as with the historical bad popes, we do have to know who to listen to, who to NOT listen to, but also that the Papacy will remain, as and when the next good pope (might be a few bad ones in a row given the stacking of the cardinals with liberals), but like Peter, somewhere down the line, someone will repent and undo the damage. Maybe not in our lifetime.

[@johnschuh8616]

Bad popes bring disaster to the Church. One so craved power that he forced the reigning pope to resign so he could ascend. to the throne. He then so provoked the French that they virtually deposed him and carried the papacy off to France for seventy years. The papacy never received its secular reputation, and was reduced to a player in Italian politics, so engrossed with such matters that Rome failed to react to the Lutheran heresy whose spread in various versions tore Christendom asunder and embroiled Christians in terrible wars that led to the rise of the Enlightenment as a a kind of counter to the Christian faith. This ls led to the humiliation of the popes, who profited by recovering their spiritual prestige with a succession of good and even great men. Then came Vatican II, a kind of Lutheran revival. but less Catholic in its spirit than Luther himself.

[@tonydivito3489]

One must understand where the Pope comes from. He comes from Argentina, a nation and society that has undergone political, social and economic upheaval. Where the church had to encounter real world challenges of its followers. He represents the majority of Catholics in the “Global South” where poverty, inequality and injustices are of higher concern over dogma and orthodoxy.

[@lhurrleherrick]

Thank you 🙏🏻 Quite simply…… you left it all said and finished with HOPE 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@3ggshe11s]

You're more optimistic than I am about the state of things, Brian. While I've struggled with religious belief all my life, at heart I still find myself in accord with the majority of Catholic teaching and philosophy -- but when I go to a Latin Mass to remind myself of its orientation toward the Good, True, and Beautiful, it only serves for me to illustrate the stark contrast between the culture outside the church doors and the one inside. The woke religion -- and it is very much a religion -- has infiltrated every major institution of power, and, alas, I don't think the RCC is exempt. I actually appreciated Francis' pastoral approach to the papacy at first, but as time has gone on, I've come to see him as weak and ineffective, at best a sower of confusion and at worst an outright heretic. I know the church has gone through difficult times before, but the church was more or less aligned with the culture during those past trials. Now it's not. It's on the outside looking in, and if that's true of the church, it's also true of Western civilization as a whole. The two are so closely intertwined that it's impossible to separate them. If one fails, I'm afraid the other will as well. Maybe there's hope. I don't know. Benedict predicted that the church would grow small and lose its position of privilege, and I think we're seeing that happen. Benedict was also confident that the church would survive the storm. I don't know that I share his optimism, but I hope he's right, since as the church goes, so goes our civilization.

[@janetplonka8110]

Well Said!

[@warriorgoat5939]

You are on the money bro. I did my best in the beginning of his pontificate to give him the benefit of the doubt about some of his shenanigans. There were just to many for too long. I can’t defend him anymore.

[@Amari9613]

Neither can I. Look at the new event happening right now at the Vatican. Not a single reference about Jesus just climate change garbage. Oh, and the guests attending!!!! Lord have mercy.😢

[@bobibethkallenbach6300]

Another great video! Thank you, Brian!

[@angrypixelhunter]

Your final words there have been my hope as well.

[@MikePasqqsaPekiM]

Amen. We can generally see where things are going, and what is happening. Time for each of us to do our part within the families and ministries that we have been specifically called, and to leave the big picture to the Lord.

[@nyantakyibannor9328]

fellow people of God, let's fast and pray for the preservation of the doctrines and teachings of the Church!!!

[@seeker2219]

"14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." - Matthew 15:14 Division is best dealt with unity among the rightous ones who are as bold as lions and call out the wicked with truth. While letting wickedness see to it´s own demise. Ofc, there should be attempts to reason with the wicked but it is said that: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14 This ofc is my opinion, but i firmly believe that there is never a time to not speak the harsh truth wich people sorely needs to hear these days. Edit; it should be added here that i am brand new to being a christian so i know not how the church "act" during trying seasons, but if there is any kind of "stepping away" from the actual written word then i can not trust it. I do however know that the church needs to get itself in order fast because it was supose to be there for people like me, luckely i had the Lord stepping in when the church did not make itself trustworthy.

[@seeker2219]

@@donnalacourse7861 From what i´v experienced and read on my journey, i´v come to the conclusion that i think i would call myself a "catholic" by todays "branches". If i understand things right then i´m first and formost a "born again christian" saved by the Lord, i believe in jesus and i believe in the trinity. In my opinion baptism is needed regardless of what branch one chooses to lash onto. I actualy baptized my kids yesterday so i feel very happy about that. Follow the written word rather then a humans take on what they want it to mean, if a humans take on something contradicts the bible then his/her take is false. The word is the word and never what we humans wants it to be, some parts are up for discussion but others are set in stone. The reason is that we as humans never want to admit that we need restrictions in order to function properly. We have flaws that we cannot see until we cause harm, and we most certainly do not want to look for flaws in ourselfs. What i´v come to realize is that when i walk with god, i choose who to follow on earth rather then being forced to follow someone who enslaves me. "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." - Matthew 6:24 I choose to serve god, so i have no masters on earth ever. i do support some people thou, but that is diffrent. And as long as i am honest with myself and follow whats written while also understanding WHY it says what it says, i will be ok. And so: I look at christianity as a religion being corrupted from within by a few at this moment in time while also being attacked from the outside. But the FAITH is stronger then ever by its true followers. My choice is to walk alone with jesus while also supporting the truthful and righteous within the church. I´ll look for fellowship within the church but only with them who i discern to live up to the word. The rest i´ll talk truthful to and it will fall on them to find the narrow path again. If you are not baptized but want to walk with jesus, then in my opinion get baptized and walk with jesus, it is a glourious journey and i am thankful for his help every day. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." - John 3:5 Now seems to be a season of troubles where we build and strengthen ourselfs, so a season of cleansing will come in time. Have faith. God bless

[@jparry4677]

Many are concerned about his teachings,we need to pray for him

[@karenbliss5075]

I pray for our Holy Mother Church. I hang on to the fact the Jesus is ALWAYS in charge and he states do not be afraid in the Bible 365 times.

[@FlatEarthMath]

Thank you so much for your heartfelt message! I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and I pray that congregations worldwide can resist the spread of wokeness which flies in the face of Christ's teachings.

[@JtWYeah]

Same! Member here as well, and I hope that every Christian can stand up to the cultural pressures of today.

[@redcenturion88]

The irony here is overwhelming

[@nonfecittaliter4361]

Thanks, Brian! It isn't easy to act in a patient, wise and mature way when confusion comes from our higher authorities in the Church. But if we study the Holy Bible and the history of the Church this becomes unsurprising because in the past there have been high priests and clerics in judaism and popes and bishops who acted unworthily. The miracle is how the Lord in due time heals the wounds of His Church. It is enough to remember the multiple disobediences of the Old Testament, such as that of the High Priest Aaron who allowed the people of Israel to make and worship the golden calf is an example worthy of mention, the condescension of Saint Peter with the Judaizers and the fraternal correction of Saint Paul also illustrates this. Promises from Christ are crucial in moments like this to remain faithful in times of persecution: "But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come". Saint Matthew 24:13-14.

[@judgmentaltoast]

Excellent commentary. Thank you!

[@gerddonni2017]

Dear Brian, you have the sternness of the gentle St Francis De Sales, the saint who influenced my spiritual life most (but of course not enough yet, still lots to learn...). St Francis is also a role model for us and the generations to come as a representative of the era of counter-reformation, a really glorious revival of the church. The church got almost destoyed by weak, selfish and sinful popes, bishops and priests, buuuuut God called also the saints to fight the apostasy. We have to brace ourselves, as rebuilding takes much longer than destruction, but in the end, no doubt, we'll have a stronger and holier church, sorry, we will be a holier church, as we can't rely on the others to start, we have to take the first step ourselves, as you so rightly put it, dear Brian! Brian, the latter-day Saint Francis De Sales😊.

[@johnschuh8616]

Well, Francis was very much a realist and one of the greatest of the Counter-reformation saints.

[@tknows470]

I’m trying to foster a Salesian spirituality in my faith journey. God bless you.

[@moledaddy]

"Extremism" is a 20th century myth. Being zealous for the Faith is a good thing.

[@killianmiller6107]

Careful. A lot of heretics were incredibly zealous for the “faith.” Cathars for instance had appeal because they lived a genuinely more ascetic lifestyle than the lax Catholicism at the time, even though they did it because they though the body was evil (which is false), and when a crusade couldn’t get rid of the heresy, it took holy Catholic saints like Dominic to live by example. Zeal is great when founded on the truth, just make sure it’s not a zeal that leads you away from the Church into heresy or schism.

[@moledaddy]

@@killianmiller6107 the answer isn't to be less zealous. The Saints answer the heretics by being more zealous. Remember, St. Nicolas punched Arias in the face. The Luke warm Church put him in the dungeon. The Angels released him.

[@killianmiller6107]

St Nicolas slapping Arius is most likely legendary fiction, though he probably did effectively give Arius an argumentative “beat down.” The point still stands, often in history the heterodox are incredibly zealous, and perhaps as you say the saints ought to be ever more zealous. But it has to be a zeal for the true faith, which is known through obedience to the Church which preserves the deposit of faith.

[@kithsirinonis7900]

Your thought appreciated

[@thereasonableman2424]

What I'm curious about is. If you're willing to accept some more nuance to infallibility and how to act towards a some hirarchy, has your opinion on the SSPX position changed in any way since you interviewed Kennedy Hall?

[@redginge4840]

The hierarchy is not there for us to look to. It's there to give us the confidence to look out,. The first role of the pontiff is to defend the deposit of faith and confirm the brethren so they can do just that. If a member of the hierarchy was to proclaim something contrary to the deposit of faith we do not run, we simply ignore him and carry on in the truth, confident in the Lord's providential care for us..

[@dylankulbok8891]

It is not our authority to declare what is contrary to the faith - that role belongs to the magisterium

[@carakerr4081]

Amen 🙏

[@lesparks126]

Fantastic Video. This is not only a Catholic Problem, but a world problem. You see it strongly in politics. That you must stridently adhere to your tribe and tribe's policy even if you may not agree en toto. "you are either with us or against us!" Even the term moderate has taken on a weak connotation and those folks are discredited and discarded. Yet moderate could also mean, I agree with this tribe on that point and with my tribe on this point. But stridency and ego has consumed the agenda setters on each side. Disagreement is not dissent! But we treat it like it is. And we treat dissent as disagreement as well (The Germans)

[@lesparks126]

Thanks for the tip, I will give him a listen. Just to be clear, he is the one from Wisconsin, correct? @@wambaofivanhoe9307

[@johnpglackin345]

The moderates have caused the problems of the world by compromising with the progressives.

[@lt5231]

Awesome points!

[@anderson49100]

Thank you Brian, I get it but it’s hard to ignore the confusion.

[@crowlikemadness]

Increased conflict came from the top, lets get that straight.

[@marilynmelzian7370]

Thank you for this commentary. Especially the reminder at the end that Christ can revive his church.

[@kristin1659]

What's there to revive when we've had nothing but saints and blessed as popes since 1958? Everything should be great!

[@vincentowoc6796]

Many of us are in a state of grief and the first stage of grief is denial. This where most of us are right now to some degree or another, whether we realize it or not. Things are much worse than we think. Ponder... When is the last time there was a pope who covertly sanctioned the blessing of same sex unions? Never. When is the last time a pope elevated a sexual predator to the highest vatical position and especially when that predator had sex with a woman and then tried to absolve her sin in confession? Never. When is the last time a pope elevated a cardinal that said he believed the Church's teaching on homosexuality was wrong? Never. Lets get real and admit this is the worst pope in the history of the Church. We cannot move forward unless we are honest about this. Once we realize how bad the situation is, then our virtue is indeed tested and we realize how much we have to pray and how badly we need to organize and boldly protest in huge numbers. Such a corrupt pope should not be permitted to operate without loud dissent.

[@BronxCat]

I'm very happy you see the light!!!!🎉❤

[@charlesmhorn]

I became a Catholic 12 years ago. Wow!

[@tensorfeld295]

Holy Spirit and Discernment of Spirits. In my opinion this is the key to understand Pope Francis.

[@shanahendricks9831]

Underrated comment

[@AndrzejSzpor]

Thank you for your wise comment!

[@katiehav1209]

You're very articulate, and I've appreciated your perspective on many things. My question is one for clarity on this. You mentioned Pope-splainers that can offer no criticism or hear any criticism of the Pope, and take a blanket infallibility. I've not seen anyone like this on any platform. My question is, where is this? Or is it specific to just certain things in contention that you don't share their perspective explanation on? I just haven't seen any platform at all that fits this description. And if you are stretching that to no criticism at all and infallibility in all over some things, or stretching those views over diverse opinions of criticisms, then that obviously is an inaccurate representation of people who defend the current Pope, and the deep reasons we have in Catholicism for giving a charitable pause in motives. And for any other ideas we may have for our own evaluation of the state of the Church, including the natural tendencies of flesh for our own judgments and our own ideas of the directions and methods God should take with His Church.

[@Augnatius]

“As a Catholic with an opinion” Sorry Brian I’m gunna have to stop you right there, this is the internet, you’re only allowed one of those things on here. I don’t make the rules

[@eabm1984]

So, you're a protestant?

[@jamesms4]

Some critics of the Pope are over the top and some have lost the faith. They are the opposite side of the coin to the so called "Pope-plainers". I've been called a "Pope-spainer" for defending the Pope when I thought is was appropriate. I have been called a "schismatic" for criticizing the Pope when I thought he merited it. It is all tiresome at this point.

[@davidmascarenas9830]

Jesus praised Peter when Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God in Faith. Likewise we must open our eyes in Faith and proclaim bergoglio as antichrist, man of sin.

[@brendamyc3173]

When they don’t want people to know the truth, the indoctrinated will sexualize the interpretation of the words being used to destroy the actual meaning of the sentences being said. Or they will say the concept as a whole falls into the realm of opinion so they can spread doubt about what is being said. Both of these methods let them lie to themselves and ignore the Truth.

[@etienne_laforet]

@@davidmascarenas9830 »Likewise« ??? I don't see much resemblance to Christ in your statement.

[@davidmascarenas9830]

@@etienne_laforet "get behind me satan" -Jesus

[@racheljames7]

This particular Pope ignored the please of deaf orphans who were sexually abused. He released McCarrick the monster back into the wild and protected him. He called the victims of a convicted abuser "fantasists" and blamed them. No criticism is too over the top for such a creature. He's a monster.

[@watermain48]

You seem wise beyond your years my young friend. I respect you and your take on the current state of affairs in the Church. While I do think we are in for rough times in the coming years, the Church will survive, as she always does, and she will be stronger for the battles.Thank you and keep doing what you do.

[@EasternOrthodox101]

🤺☦🇷🇺No, that is not what he said. He made excuses for this Pope, instead of encouraging you or giving you hope by making the important and crucial analogy to the Judeans 🤷

[@SevereFamine]

The solution? Pray fervently for Unity in the Body of Christ and become great saints!

[@thedon978]

The chaotic state of the Church today directly reflects the chaos of her present “make a mess!” pope.

[@michaelspeyrer1264]

and as usual rad trads intentionally, and unjustly mischaraterize that statements completely without context of meaning that the Holy Father spoke it in, because the truth isn't what they are really after.

[@O_Rei]

@@michaelspeyrer1264I know, right? That poor victim, he’s always so mischaracterised! I don’t know how those evil “rad-trads” manage to do that since he always speaks objectively and with clarity, and obviously his choice for continuing to give interviews to the same atheist journalist who we are told continuously “misrepresents” him (such as when he said the Pope told him Hell isn’t real) is a move of 4-D Chess, just like the name-calling he engages in (for example, by calling Cdl.Müller, a man of universally-recognised orthodoxy and integrity a “child”)! And, of course, he proves those critics wrong by being always eager to answer concerns about his statements when they arise, such as when he promptly responded to the dubia submitted by four Cardinals regarding his position on divor - no, wait…

[@sliglusamelius8578]

Right, who would say that anyway? You’d have to be a rebel and a destroyer to say that. Bergoglio is execrable.

[@msudoc]

@@michaelspeyrer1264Name-calling = You lose.

[@eabm1984]

The chaos has been fabricated by anti-Catholics, primarily outside the church but also Catholics who have fallen for the propaganda. This is nothing new. It's just been ramped up, recently.

[@marjohannele2027]

Your balanced non-reactionary opinions really help bring me some peace in all that is happening in our beloved Church. Please keep addressing these issues too from time to time!

[@kynesilagan2676]

Brian is going as the same path Matt Fradd did[like 5 years ago], thank you Brother for being critical, objective and obedient.

[@TheWavelengthStudios]

It's important to note that there are no actual divisions in Christ's body. Just as the romans were not allowed to break one of his bones, or tear his tunic, the church is guaranteed unity by Christ's prayer to the father for his church, and by the establishment of the papacy, which has historically, infallibly maintained the unity of the faith and governance. Heretics (people who intentionally doubt or deny truths of the apostolic faith) are simply not a part of that unified body. "URGED BY FAITH, we are obliged to believe and to maintain that the Church is one, holy, catholic, and also apostolic. We believe in her firmly and we confess with simplicity that outside of her there is neither salvation nor the remission of sins, as the Spouse in the Canticles [Sgs 6:8] proclaims: "One is my dove, my perfect one. She is the only one, the chosen of her who bore her," and she represents one sole mystical body whose Head is Christ and the head of Christ is God [1 Cor 11:3]. In her then is one Lord, one faith, one baptism [Eph 4:5]. There had been at the time of the deluge only one ark of Noah, prefiguring the one Church, which ark, having been finished to a single cubit, had only one pilot and guide, i.e., Noah, and we read that, outside of this ark, all that subsisted on the earth was destroyed." - dogmatic bull unam sanctam Boniface vIII

[@SarmadLach]

I think I only met 1 catholic who thinks francis is doing a good job.

[@RickW-HGWT]

There are sadly more that don't realize the scope and depth of damage he and his crew have done. The popesplainers insult faith and reason trying to explain and justify his outrages, they will quote dead saints, and use other deceptive justification that you would never use for a politician or any leader.

[@scipioafricanus2]

what do you think of his decision to shield his buddy, rupnik, from prosecution for his many sexual misdeeds and to nullify his excommunication.

[@eabm1984]

The Pope has not defended anyone who has been investigated and found cause for misconduct. Nice lie, though. Typical.

[@cristianpopescu78]

As an orthodox I love Catholic Church, may God bless my christian catholic brothers and sisters !

[@marymonroe7042]

Very good, very helpful!

[@stevensonrf]

Thank you Brian for standing up and speaking the truth! God bless you.

[@dougmoore5252]

No I don’t trust him. I defended him, but no more.

[@RickW-HGWT]

Was there a particular point that changed your mind ?, mine was gradual, the betrayal of our Chinese brethren and the paceamama profonation did it for me . The rationalizations and poor explanations regarding those two incidents among his many outrages always insult faith and reason.

[@MrFrancochelsea]

Thanks for this video!

[@keithparr8483]

I do pray for the church of Rome and her members. Please keep helping your fellow church members. The peace of Christ be with you. - from your Lutheran brother.

[@garyworth6046]

Brian, thank you for the video. I'd like to point out 2 things: 1. When Russia attacked Ukraine, Pope Francis was doing air diplomacy even prior to the attack, citing the unjust war and countering EO Kirill; and note that the Eastern Orthodox churches, representing the majority or Russians and Ukrainians, said absolutely nothing. Crickets. This was one aspect of papal moral leadership on display. Most recently, just a few days ago in fact, a Vatican official in Germany publicly refuted the left wing German bishops and the fact that this is just in advance of the synod is no coincidence. The pope is sending a clear message. Francis remains firm in the face of other leftist secularism intents also. While Francis might not make a great corporate CEO, and could probably say more in support of Church doctrine and dogma, we must give him credit when it is deserved. Believe me, the church in its history has had greater low points that we might perceive today. The neocons fulminating against the pope are, well, inane, or worse.

[@OpusDogi]

Yeah... thanks for pointing that out. I agree. My main dispute with Pope Happy Clappy is his reversal of Benedict's liturgical corrections. The current Mass/music/vestments is a disaster. In the U.S., at best, it's a bad version of an Episcopal service. I love Anglican ritual... but in an Anglican church. But, I doubt Pope Francis will come out in favour of women priests. On Faith and Morals, Pope Francis is hardly a rebel. He quite disappointed the left when he refused to change teaching on abortion or homosexuality. He has said homosexuality should not be criminalized. Well that's hardly an earthquake. He still thinks it's a sin. He's come out against the whole trans- agenda and has rightly (IMO) placed it within the phenomenon of man-generated commodification which is literally destroying the natural order (i.e. the environment) of the planet. He places emphasis on "social doctrine" -- ie. economics, which I think is entirely appropriate given the grotesque disparities of wealth even in the rich countries. We are making Rome look like an egalitarian society. His condemnation of neocon wars was also correct. If anything it was not strong enough. IMO neocons were conceived in the bowels of hell. They are human in form only. Their various position papers and manifestos advocate perpetual full spectrum war. Period. That's what they're about. All the rest is noise and confusion. Neocons and Neoliberals are two sides of one coin, and they hate Pope Francis for a reason. They are malicious and ruthless enough to use conservative liturgical voices in the Church as a foil to go against Pope Francis on account of his opposition to neoliberal economics and neocon wars. They don't really care about faith, morals or liturgy. They just want a free hand for plunder and carnage.

[@Eichro]

Also remember the Pope all but obliterated the Amazon Synod.

[@Electric_]

Ukraine attacked first by killing ethnic Russians

[@johncollins8304]

It's great the way he IGNORES the church's teaching on communism -- that it is "intrinsically evil" -- and enters into a secret pact with communist China. Great the way turns his back on Christian heroes like Cardinal Zen, while he welcomes with open arms notorious abortionists. Or the way he takes money from Peter's Pence and gives it to millionaire Elton John to make a homopromo film. Great the way he encourages the worship of pagan idols, dancing over the bones of St Peter. He's just sacked a rare good cleric Bishop Tyler while supporting a bishop who promoted.... oh. Wake up.

[@palmitaboi1322]

I wish you touched on the opposite side of the “pope-splainers” as well as an example. On the other side we have people such as Taylor Marshall who flirt with sedevacantism and cause scandal, and Fr Altman who is literally an outward heretic denying Pope Francis is the pope. These people have large followings and cause so much division, just as the liberals like James Martin or the German bishops. We don’t talk about this enough.

[@Patrick_Bard]

I agree with most of what you said, I just wouldn't frame "Where Peter Is" as you did at 4:39

[@billyg898]

Brian, regarding the sensus fidei, what you quoted is from 2014. It's from the document "SENSUS FIDEI IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH". I tried linking it, but I think KZbin deleted the post. If you read just a few sentences below what you quoted, in the same paragraph, it says, "In such a case, the believer does not treat himself or herself as the ultimate criterion of the truth of faith, but rather, faced with materially ‘authorised’ preaching which he or she finds troubling, without being able to explain exactly why, defers assent and appeals interiorly to the superior authority of the universal Church."

[@KingdomOfSound-zk1ns]

As a catholic all my life, i am seriously considering changing to the orthodox christian. The orthodox dates back to the apostles and they split from rome when rome designated the pope as the head of the church, whereas the orthodox considers jesus the head of the church and no single person is the head of any group.

[@tamara13753]

The Catholic church is the only one during recent times who said we could have conscious choice. The other you speak of said they would not write to people's certain freedoms. I hope you understand what I am saying without me saying it. The idea you are thinking of may not be a safe space/place.

[@ognqski]

Every crazy thing going on in the world (including pope Francis nonsensical repertoire) used to bum me out to no end, but then I figured that it has been allowed for my/our conversion. The craziness had scared me straight in a lot of ways. I now pray a lot more and have also began attending TLM exclusively. Bergoglio in a “backwards” way has been an instrument of conversion and the biggest promoter of the TLM. Crazy stuff happening has also separated the wheat from the weeds in a lot of ways since evil has shown itself very evidently, very hard to be indifferent, one must take sides, follow God or the evil.

[@mylesthomas4168]

Excellently Spoken Brian. - St. Joseph's Basilica +

[@elijahmary1515]

Brian, I feel you do a great disservice to the Church. As you see in so many of the comments here, such fear, confusion, cynicism, anger, bitterness, and more. People seem so lost! In regards to Faith and Morals, the Pope cannot err, the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the Church. (Mt. 16:18) This must be our focus and our peace. Yes, Pope Francis is a sinner, he says so himself, goes to Confession every two weeks but we must not add to the work of the Evil One by sowing division! We pray for the Holy Father and find great consolation in knowing that Jesus is leading His Church to a fullness of life. This is our consolation! The fact there is so much anger against the HF suggests he has touched the Pharisee in us all. We must not fall into our own "dictatorship of Relativism."