Miserere

Papal Arms by Xavier d’Andeville, H/T to http://orbiscatholicussecundus.blogspot.co.uk

John Allen tells us that the key word for Pope Francis is “mercy”.

This has been a constant of Catholic teaching: we all sin, we all fail, we all need God’s forgiveness, but he is there and ready to grant us mercy if we will but ask.

The Church does not and, Deo Volente, will not compromise it’s moral teachings, but must, should and does treat repentant sinners with kindness and mercy.

Secular society frequently proclaims tolerance, but acts mercilessly to crush dissent against the mores of the moment (beat one’s breast over Baby P, but don’t dare question the fact that his mother was living with men who were not his father).

Better, in my view, to proclaim the truth, but always to forgive those who cannot live up to that truth, than to pretend that any human wickedness is a “lifestyle choice” , as valid as any other.

In short, I am glad that Pope Francis has chosen to reiterate the historic teaching of the Church and to actually get secular society to listen for once.