Theologian Speaks about Pope Francis

Victoria JuarezTHE SANTA CLARAFebruary 12, 2014 

[dropcap]R[/dropcap]enowned theologian John O’Malley, S.J., spoke to a crowd of 100 people on Thursday evening about how Pope Francis has been emphasizing the Jesuit values of spirituality, humility, inner freedom, boldness and courage as the first Jesuit Pope of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis is a likeable figure for people of different faiths and beliefs, and “has captured the imagination of all kinds of people,” according to O’Malley.

He added that Pope Francis has made an effort to make sure that all local churches were being taught in accordance with the Church in Rome.

O’Malley said that Pope Francis is leading the church to a more tolerant position when discussing controversial issues, such as the treatment of homosexuals in the Catholic Church.

The pope is also sitting down with leaders of other religions in an effort to practice more tolerance and implement this central theme of the council. 

“Dialogue is to get to understand the other person,” said O’Malley.

Pope Francis has been making efforts to reconcile with people of other religions, particularly with Muslims and Jews,  according to O’Malley.

He also mentioned Nostra Aetate, a document written during Pope Francis’ reign that set precedent for reconciliation.

Father O’Malley’s speech was an installment of this year’s Bannan Institute Speaker Series on Ignatian Spirituality.   

Contact Victoria Juarez at vjuarez@scu.edu .