THE Church is about to enter a very interesting period. Between September and December we have the first Papal visit to Cuba; then the USA; the second meeting of the Bishop’s Synod on the Family and a pastoral visit to Africa by Pope Francis.
In addition, December 8, marks exactly 50 years since the end of Vatican II (1962-65) and the beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy.
The key to understanding Pope Francis is to appreciate that he is the first post-Vatican II Pope.
(He was not a priest till after the Council.) He has embraced the documents of the Council that
encourage encounter and engagement and has expressed this direction.
“Theology and reflection should not be at odds with pastoral ministry and the lives of real people.” And, “…theologians should take both the tradition and current reality very seriously, placing them in dialogue with one another.”
One of the Vatican’s main aims, under Pope Francis, is to overcome the divorce between theology and pastoral ministry, between faith and life. (From my talk to the Men’s Night)