Name:   MartiniMan - Subject:   The Pope Has Interesting Comments Date:   9/12/2017 12:24:31 PM

Worldwide it isn't declining, it is growing and is projected to be at 1.6B members by 2050.  It and all religions are declining in Europe and the U.S., to a lesser extent.  I just get annoyed at the falsehoods about the Catholic Church that make the rounds.  There is plenty of room for criticism based on reality without all the fake stuff.

My problems with Pope Francis aren't about issues of faith and morals.  He isn't going to change those aspects of the Church.  It's his statements about other issues which as you point out, are out of his lane.  He is a Jesuit and grew up in a socialistic country so it is inevitable that he will lean to the left.  I just ignore him when he spouts off on issues like immigration, climate change, etc.  He has no more authority on these issues than anyone else, and given his statements probably a whole lot less.  

Heard a funny line today from some guy who said when people complain to him that having secure borders is un Christian he reminds them that God is a big fan of walls.  He created heaven and they have to let you in and when you get there its impossible to get out and the same goes for hell.  Made me think about both as an eternal wall between the two and the ultimate in border protection.  Kind of funny but true.