Intro
As a devout and engaged Catholic, what happens when you find yourself disagreeing with the Pope? It can be an unsettling experience, especially when you have prayed for guidance from the Holy Spirit and yet still persist in your disagreement. How do you determine whether your concerns are valid or whether personal biases, pride, or misinformation might be influencing your views? Let’s explore how to approach this situation with humility, wisdom, and faith, using specific examples of disagreements with Pope Francis.
1. Understanding the Pope’s Authority
First, it is crucial to distinguish between different types of papal decisions. The Catholic Church teaches that the Pope is infallible only when speaking ex cathedra—that is, when he defines a doctrine of faith or morals to be held by the whole Church. These rare declarations are protected by the Holy Spirit from error. However, not all of the Pope’s statements or decisions fall under this category. Some teachings, while authoritative, are not infallible and allow for respectful discussion and discernment. Others are disciplinary or pastoral in nature, meaning they involve Church governance and policies, which can be subject to change and debate.
2. The Role of Pride in Disagreement
One of the most significant obstacles to accepting the Pope’s teachings can be pride. It can manifest in subtle ways:
- Believing that One Knows Better – If you assume that your personal judgment is superior to the Pope’s, it’s worth asking: Am I truly more knowledgeable about theology, Church history, and global Catholicism than the leader of the Church?
- Resisting Authority – The Pope has a unique responsibility as the successor of St. Peter to guide the Church. Struggling with this authority can sometimes stem from an aversion to being led rather than a genuine theological disagreement.
- Interpreting Disagreement as Superiority – Just because we struggle with a teaching doesn’t automatically mean we are in the right and the Pope is in the wrong. Saints like St. Catherine of Siena engaged with Church leadership, but they did so with reverence and humility, not superiority.
Example: Pope Francis and the Death Penalty
In 2018, Pope Francis revised the Catechism of the Catholic Church to declare the death penalty “inadmissible” in all cases. Many conservative Catholics resisted this change, citing traditional Church support for capital punishment in certain situations. However, their disagreement often stemmed from a preference for a historical precedent rather than a recognition of the Church’s evolving understanding of human dignity. Some saw the Pope’s decision as politically motivated rather than a development of doctrine, revealing how biases can shape opposition.
3. Personal Biases That May Cloud Judgment
Disagreements with the Pope can sometimes be influenced by personal biases rather than theological truth. Here are some common biases to be aware of:
- Cultural and Political Biases – Our political and cultural backgrounds shape how we perceive issues. If the Pope’s teachings challenge our worldview, we might reject them without fully considering their theological foundation.
- Theological Preferences – If we have a strong preference for traditional Catholic expressions of faith, we may instinctively resist any pastoral changes or reforms, even if they align with Church teachings.
- Emotional Reactions – Strong emotional responses, such as frustration or anger, can cloud our ability to fairly assess what the Pope is saying.
Example: Pope Francis and Climate Change
In his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis called for urgent action on climate change, framing it as a moral issue rather than just a political one. Many conservative Catholics pushed back, seeing his message as aligned with secular environmental movements. Instead of engaging with the theological reasoning behind caring for creation, some dismissed the encyclical outright because it conflicted with their economic or political views.
4. The Influence of Conservative Media Sources
In today’s media landscape, many Catholics primarily consume information from sources that align with their pre-existing views. Conservative Catholic media, like any media, can sometimes present a selective or distorted view of the Pope’s words:
- Selective Reporting – Headlines may emphasize controversy rather than context, leaving out theological nuances.
- Political Framing – If the Pope speaks on economic justice, immigration, or environmental issues, some media may portray it as a political statement rather than part of Catholic social teaching.
- Echo Chambers – If you only engage with sources that critique the Pope, you may be reinforcing your own biases rather than seeking truth.
Example: Pope Francis and LGBTQ+ Outreach
Pope Francis’ calls for pastoral outreach to LGBTQ+ individuals, including his statement “Who am I to judge?” in 2013, sparked backlash from conservative Catholics. Some media framed this as a doctrinal shift rather than a pastoral approach. This misrepresentation led to unnecessary fear and division, demonstrating how media bias can distort papal messages.
Example: Pope Francis and Blessings for Same-Sex Couples
In 2023, Pope Francis approved a document allowing priests to bless same-sex couples in certain circumstances, emphasizing pastoral care rather than doctrinal change. This decision drew criticism from conservative Catholics who viewed it as undermining traditional teachings on marriage. However, the Pope clarified that this was a way of accompanying individuals in faith rather than redefining sacramental marriage. The opposition from some Catholics often stemmed from deeply ingrained theological and cultural beliefs rather than an objective evaluation of the Pope’s intent.
Example: Pope Francis and Restrictions on the Latin Mass
In 2021, Pope Francis issued Traditionis Custodes, restricting the use of the Traditional Latin Mass. He cited concerns about division in the Church, stating that the Latin Mass should not be used to foster opposition to Vatican II. Many conservative Catholics strongly opposed this decision, arguing that it suppressed a cherished form of worship. However, their resistance often ignored the Pope’s rationale of promoting unity and preventing ideological divisions within the Church.
5. Lack of Education and Access to the Pope’s Resources
Another important factor to consider is that the Pope has access to a wealth of theological, historical, and pastoral resources that the average Catholic does not. The Pope consults with scholars, bishops, and theologians before making decisions, considering the broader needs of the global Church, not just one cultural perspective.
As lay Catholics, our understanding of doctrine may be limited to catechism classes, personal study, or secondhand sources. If we find ourselves disagreeing with the Pope, it may be due to an incomplete understanding of Church teaching rather than a legitimate doctrinal issue.
6. Approaching Disagreement with Humility
If, after deep reflection and study, you still find yourself disagreeing with the Pope, here are some steps to ensure that your approach is grounded in faith and humility:
✅ Deepen Your Knowledge – Read Church documents, the Catechism, and papal encyclicals to understand the full context.
✅ Expand Your Sources – Seek balanced perspectives, including Vatican sources and writings from reputable theologians.
✅ Seek Guidance – Speak with a priest or spiritual director to gain insights beyond your personal understanding.
✅ Examine Your Motivations – Ask yourself whether your disagreement is based on faith and reason or personal and political influences.
✅ Remain Humble and Charitable – Disagreeing does not mean rejecting the Pope’s authority. Approach differences with respect and love for the Church.
Final Thoughts: Checking Our Pride
Pride can be a formidable obstacle to true discernment. If we find ourselves convinced that we know better than the Pope, we must take a step back and ask whether our disagreement is rooted in genuine faith or personal resistance. Humility requires us to acknowledge that we may not have all the answers, and that God speaks through the Church in ways we may not yet understand. By surrendering our pride and remaining open to learning, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us toward truth.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post