The Pope as “Ruler”

I was reading an article by world re-knowned FORTUNE magazine. It mentioned Pope Francis, as leader of 1.2 billion Catholics, giving priority to the poor and underprivileged.

First, upon assuming the papacy.he took on the name after St. Francis of Assissi, the patron saint of the poor.

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VATICAN –”Charity over dogma “ is His Holiness’ core value. He drastically overhauled Vatican City’s finance sector by firing controversial high-living cardinals who were in full control of the church coffers for years. He convened a few of the world’s business wizards from the private sector to help change the rules of the game, saying:” let’s do business and make money for the poor”.

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POPE AS “RULER” — The Pope has this to say: “if laws don’t lead to Jesus, they are obsolete.” Powerful words with deep implications. I can’t forget his famous line: “ who am I to judge” when asked to comment about gays and homosexuals. He is head of state of the smallest country of the world, the Vatican. less than 100 hectares in area in the heart of Rome in Italy. He is a “ruler” of the Roman Catholic Church. Unlike other countries that have legislative branches, the Pope alone issues edicts and church laws and rules, although he consults from time to time with the “curia” or the Holy See.

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NEW RULES — An example is the on-going extraordinary Synod of Bishops now convened in Rome to tackle the issue of family. This early, we are getting initial signals about drastic changes on some church positions being relaxed. For instance, on issues like divorced couples, common-law relations, homosexuality, etc. This shows the Church recognizes realities of life. More humane.And more grounded.Another example of “charity over dogma”.

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FVR IN DAVAO — Former Pres. Ramos will be in town mid-week to preside over the BIMP EAGA event here at SMX at SM Lanang. He was the one who fathered this regional economic cooperation arrangement for the 4 countries together with his counterpart, former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir. Of course, he’ll play a round of golf while here.