The actions of Pope Francis seem to have startled many, from washing the feet of prisoners, women and Muslims to his Homily including the comment that “the Lord has redeemed all of us… even the atheists”. He sent words of wisdom to Italy’s Muslim immigrants before the commencement of Ramadan. Pope Francis said:

I trust (the fast will) bear abundant spiritual fruit. The church is at your side as you seek a more dignified life for yourselves and your families.

The newly elected Pope practices a humble life, and has urged that materialism be quashed, even trading in his Pope-mobile for a Ford Fiesta. But it seems these Christian actions have been met with surprise.

Most recently, Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuality drew sharp criticism from conservative circles. He said:

Who am I to judge? If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has goodwill [don’t judge him].

The shock surrounding Francis’ loving attitude may be a result of his predecessors. Pope Benedict wrote that homosexuality was “ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil”. While Cardinal Timonthy Dolan suggested the idea of same-sex marriages would be similar to incest. Dolan said:

I love my mom, but I don’t have the right to marry her.

According to Ron Baity, a Baptist pastor, homosexuals are “worse than sick”, stating that if the Church were to accept them into its ranks, it would become “more filthy”.

Is it because of these religious leader’s views that the actions of Pope Francis have been classified as “liberal”, and not Christian?

[Source: USA Today]