VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis has called on Catholics to adopt a “healthy realism” in their approach to their faith, and he decried rigid idealists as heretics.
Speaking during morning Mass on Thursday (June 9), Francis told congregants at the chapel in the Vatican guesthouse to try their best to seek reconciliation with others rather than pushing strict rules and a “take-it-or-leave-it” style of evangelism.
“Many times you can’t reach perfection, but at least do what you can, come to an agreement,” Francis said during his homily, quoted by Vatican Radio. He appealed to the example given by Jesus, whom the pontiff said adopted a “healthy realism.”
- Bastille Day attack reignites terrorism and religion debate - July 15, 2016
- Pope Francis: A ‘my-way-or-the-highway’ faith is heretical - June 9, 2016
- Pope Francis rips ‘bloodsucking’ bosses and prosperity theology - May 19, 2016
- Pope Francis: Let’s study idea of ordaining women as deacons - May 12, 2016
- Pope Francis skullcap fetches $18,000 in online auction - April 27, 2016
- Syrian refugees sheltered by Pope Francis describe ‘miracle’ journey - April 19, 2016
- Sanders delivers his campaign pitch, wrapped in praise for the pope - April 16, 2016
- Pope Francis again blasts moral legalism by religious leaders - April 11, 2016
- Cardinal O’Malley: We have a moral and ethical responsibility to report abuse - February 16, 2016
- Francis may become first pope to visit Rome mosque - January 20, 2016