BBC reports that Pope Francis has published a new document that continues to indicate a sharp break in the direction from the top of the RCC.
"In his "apostolic exhortation", Pope Francis said he preferred a Church that was "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". The document suggests major changes are on the way, with Francis noting that the Church has to get over an attitude that says: "We have always done it this way," the BBC's David Willey reports from Rome."
"The document does restate the Church's opposition to abortion but concedes that "it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations,... especially when the life developing within them is the result of rape or a situation of extreme poverty".
"Who can remain unmoved before such painful situations?" he asks.
Pope Francis also expands on his concerns about economic inequality.
"Today we also have to say "thou shalt not" to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills," he says, going on to castigate the "new idolatry of money".
"I beg the Lord to grant us more politicians who are genuinely disturbed by the state of society, the people, the lives of the poor!" he goes on." (Emphasis mine)
Will it help? At the very least, it should start to make the practice of GOP politicians using their Catholic faith to justify the war on the poor a bit more cringe worthy. Here's looking at you Paul Ryan and John Boehner.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/...