Thanks for writing this. I had been mostly disappointed by the lack of genuine change. But your compassion is very powerful and articulate. I really appreciate your giving me a better perspective.
Like you, " I’m far more grateful for Pope Francis than I am disappointed in him. I thank my lucky stars that the infamously socially-conservative Vatican was, for a time, led by a man who wasn’t content with the bare minimum or settling for what he could see but, instead, always seemed to be considering what might be possible."
He was clearly a man of his times (born in 1936), but had the vision and compassion to speak forcefully on behalf of many excluded and oppressed people, including members of the LGBTQIA community. I hope that the next Pope represents the same "traditional values" of peace, justice, compassion, acceptance, and equality towards which Francis pointed us all.
This is so on the mark! Recently, in a discussion with some friends, one noted that the biggest sin is to judge someone. When doing so, you’re acting as if you are God. That comment really moved me. Now, you have eloquently paid tribute to a man that also made this statement! Thank you for a wonderful read!
Oh Charlotte - I just read this out loud to my husband, it resonated so much with me I wanted to share it with him and it did the same. I’m not Catholic but am Christian and your takes are so good. Reflecting on the Pope’s curiosity, willingness to grow and evolve and to examine “what is possible”, so moving, I hope the next Pope will continue the legacy of progress, as slow as it may be. We became facebook friends a few years ago and your writing is so worth subscribing to today especially, so I did! Thank you. 🩷✨
Your article reminds me of Fredrick Douglas' funeral tribute for Lincoln: "Viewed from the genuine abolition ground, Mr. Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull, and indifferent; but measuring him by the sentiment of his country, a sentiment he was bound as a statesman to consult, he was swift, zealous, radical, and determined."
Thank you Charlotte. You've beautifully expressed the dichotomy of being a progressive Catholic!
I had a wonderful Catholic education from a convent of exceptionally progressive (especially for the times) nuns. They were quick to throw off their habits after Vatican II, and be among the people, rather than cloistered in convents. From them, I learned of the power of the love of Jesus.
As an adult, I never found a Catholic parish that embraced that same radical love of Jesus, and later in my life, became disillusioned by parish Catholicism due to its homophobia, anti-abortion zealousness and seeming lack of concern for the actual teachings of Jesus.
My hopes for the Catholic Church were reignited when Francis became Pope. A Jesuit, who chose the name Francis! What promise! I attended his Mass in Philadelphia in 2015 and was filled with hope.
I am praying that his successor will share his desire to spread the love of God, and to call us to care for each other and our planet.
Charlotte, thank you for the lovely tribute. Like many I had hoped for more change in many areas. But 2000 years of Church doctrine and attitude cannot be changed in 12 years. While I appreciate the progress that has been made what I value the most was His emphasis on the pastoral rather than the doctrine. He was there for the people. Requiescat in pace.
Charlotte I am neither Catholic, gay or trans but in wanting to understand those who are different from me, I started subscribing to your "Thoughts" awhile ago when I read an incredible essay you did online, maybe Twitter, which I was still on in those pre Musk days. This is one of your best. Thank you for expressing your point of view so beautifully. Those of us born so long ago that neither gay nor trans were in the lexicon, appreciate you bringing us along.
Oooooh, darlin'... I'm an almost 60-yr-old recovering Catholic. You are far more intelligent than I, and I always appreciate your words, but Francis' "actions" (perhaps Catholicism generally) don't deserve praise. I thought he'd be "great," but he was more disappointment than any positive change. "I pretend I get XXX people (but I don't cuz I'm Pope); those XXXXX people are just so, I dunno what; and everyone should be born (no matter how many times the mama was raped)... And fuck that.
He had the equivalent of three US Presidential terms to affect change. but he essentially used that antiquated man-in-power written book (y'all can't believe God/Jesus wrote that) to perpetuate a cis man world.
He had so much time - decades, in multiple countries! - to SEE and HELP! Before the first Trump nightmare, but what did he say/ do? Nothing? The next Pope will probably drag us back to the...God knows when...The 60s? The 30s? Catholicism is in the Top 3 abusers and disappointments of my life. It's not gonna improve.
Charlotte - I found you and your writings a few years ago - and very grateful for that.
Thank you for your articulate and compassionate reviews of so many topics.
This was lovely - and included some of my own responses that I did not have the words to express as you've done here.
Thanks for writing this. I had been mostly disappointed by the lack of genuine change. But your compassion is very powerful and articulate. I really appreciate your giving me a better perspective.
A beautiful and moving tribute. Thank you for honoring him so thoughtfully.
Beautifully written, thank you.
Charlotte -
May Francis rest in peace and rise in glory.
Like you, " I’m far more grateful for Pope Francis than I am disappointed in him. I thank my lucky stars that the infamously socially-conservative Vatican was, for a time, led by a man who wasn’t content with the bare minimum or settling for what he could see but, instead, always seemed to be considering what might be possible."
He was clearly a man of his times (born in 1936), but had the vision and compassion to speak forcefully on behalf of many excluded and oppressed people, including members of the LGBTQIA community. I hope that the next Pope represents the same "traditional values" of peace, justice, compassion, acceptance, and equality towards which Francis pointed us all.
May the light shine in the darkness...
This is so on the mark! Recently, in a discussion with some friends, one noted that the biggest sin is to judge someone. When doing so, you’re acting as if you are God. That comment really moved me. Now, you have eloquently paid tribute to a man that also made this statement! Thank you for a wonderful read!
Oh Charlotte - I just read this out loud to my husband, it resonated so much with me I wanted to share it with him and it did the same. I’m not Catholic but am Christian and your takes are so good. Reflecting on the Pope’s curiosity, willingness to grow and evolve and to examine “what is possible”, so moving, I hope the next Pope will continue the legacy of progress, as slow as it may be. We became facebook friends a few years ago and your writing is so worth subscribing to today especially, so I did! Thank you. 🩷✨
Your compassionate words shines a light on a legacy worth celebrating (flaws and all).
Your article reminds me of Fredrick Douglas' funeral tribute for Lincoln: "Viewed from the genuine abolition ground, Mr. Lincoln seemed tardy, cold, dull, and indifferent; but measuring him by the sentiment of his country, a sentiment he was bound as a statesman to consult, he was swift, zealous, radical, and determined."
Thank you Charlotte. You've beautifully expressed the dichotomy of being a progressive Catholic!
I had a wonderful Catholic education from a convent of exceptionally progressive (especially for the times) nuns. They were quick to throw off their habits after Vatican II, and be among the people, rather than cloistered in convents. From them, I learned of the power of the love of Jesus.
As an adult, I never found a Catholic parish that embraced that same radical love of Jesus, and later in my life, became disillusioned by parish Catholicism due to its homophobia, anti-abortion zealousness and seeming lack of concern for the actual teachings of Jesus.
My hopes for the Catholic Church were reignited when Francis became Pope. A Jesuit, who chose the name Francis! What promise! I attended his Mass in Philadelphia in 2015 and was filled with hope.
I am praying that his successor will share his desire to spread the love of God, and to call us to care for each other and our planet.
Charlotte, thank you for the lovely tribute. Like many I had hoped for more change in many areas. But 2000 years of Church doctrine and attitude cannot be changed in 12 years. While I appreciate the progress that has been made what I value the most was His emphasis on the pastoral rather than the doctrine. He was there for the people. Requiescat in pace.
Charlotte I am neither Catholic, gay or trans but in wanting to understand those who are different from me, I started subscribing to your "Thoughts" awhile ago when I read an incredible essay you did online, maybe Twitter, which I was still on in those pre Musk days. This is one of your best. Thank you for expressing your point of view so beautifully. Those of us born so long ago that neither gay nor trans were in the lexicon, appreciate you bringing us along.
Oooooh, darlin'... I'm an almost 60-yr-old recovering Catholic. You are far more intelligent than I, and I always appreciate your words, but Francis' "actions" (perhaps Catholicism generally) don't deserve praise. I thought he'd be "great," but he was more disappointment than any positive change. "I pretend I get XXX people (but I don't cuz I'm Pope); those XXXXX people are just so, I dunno what; and everyone should be born (no matter how many times the mama was raped)... And fuck that.
He had the equivalent of three US Presidential terms to affect change. but he essentially used that antiquated man-in-power written book (y'all can't believe God/Jesus wrote that) to perpetuate a cis man world.
He had so much time - decades, in multiple countries! - to SEE and HELP! Before the first Trump nightmare, but what did he say/ do? Nothing? The next Pope will probably drag us back to the...God knows when...The 60s? The 30s? Catholicism is in the Top 3 abusers and disappointments of my life. It's not gonna improve.
Charlotte - you are a stunning woman. You are a gift to us all.
This is about Palentir. I don't know how else to send it. You must know something about these issues. These people are dedicated to inequality.
https://youtu.be/DZ95Gmvg_D4?feature=shared