VATICAN CITY. Pope Francis issued a warning on Saturday, urging the faithful to avoid dividing into factions based on personal ideologies within the Catholic Church. Speaking during the Epiphany Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope cautioned against the dangers of “ecclesiastical ideologies” and stressed the need for unity.
Amidst resistance from more conservative factions within the Church, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of focusing on shared faith rather than allowing differences to create rifts. The Pope’s call for unity comes as the Church grapples with internal debates, including recent controversy over his decision to permit priests to bless couples outside of marriage, including same-sex relationships.
During the homily, Pope Francis warned against becoming engrossed in “elegant religious theories” and instead encouraged believers to discover God through encounters with the marginalized, particularly in the faces of the poor. The Pope’s remarks sought to underscore the essence of faith as a lived experience rather than a theoretical construct.
Last month’s permission for blessings on same-sex relationships resulted in pushback from some bishops who considered it a departure from traditional teachings. The Vatican responded this week, emphasizing that the blessings do not violate doctrine.
Although Pope Francis did not explicitly mention the recent disagreements in his Epiphany homily, he deviated from the prepared text to stress the urgency of abandoning ecclesiastical ideologies. He emphasized that faith should not be reduced to mere devotions or outward appearances but should involve a genuine journey of seeking God’s presence in everyday life.
At 87 years old, Pope Francis, who battled health issues last year, maintained his commitment to the Church’s message during the Epiphany ceremony. The Pope, known for his dedication to marginalized communities, highlighted the importance of compassion and inclusivity, especially for LGBTQ+ Catholics, while acknowledging the Church’s teachings on homosexuality.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
