Some of Pope Francis’ policies are too liberal for one Polish priest, who issued some harsh words toward the Catholic leader during a homily last month, according to Polonia Christiana. The priest went so far as to wish that the pope would die more quickly if he chooses not to change his stances.
The priest, Edward Staniek, criticized the pope’s views on multiple issues, including Islam and on divorced and remarried people taking part in Holy Communion.
On Islam: “In the name of mercy, he calls parishes and dioceses to open the door for the followers of Islam. As a religion, they are hostile to the Gospel and the Church. They murdered millions in religious wars. And we, Poles, remembering the victory over their armies in Vienna, better than others understand that there is no way to talk about dialogue with them. We can show mercy to those Muslim believers who are dying of hunger or thirst. The door of the diocese and the parish may be open only to believers in Jesus Christ."
On Holy Communion: “The second point of misunderstanding mercy is to open the door of the Eucharist, the food of the saint, to people who choose sin as their world. They may have access to the Eucharist as long as they repent and repent of their sin … Admitting the unholy people to holiness in the Church is a profanation of the sacraments.”
On the pope’s leadership: “What is the pope’s direction? I do not know. What is the purpose of his speech? I do not know too. I know how these statements are used in media devoted to the destruction of Jesus and His Church. I pray for wisdom for the pope, for his heart to open to the Holy Spirit, and if he does not, I pray for his quick departure to the Father’s House. I can always ask God for a happy death for him, because a happy death is a great grace.”
The Archbishop of Krakow, Marek Jedraszewski, condemned Staniek’s comments, and said he addressed it personally with him.
Last year, the pope officially declared that in certain circumstances people who have divorced and remarried might not be considered guilty of adultery and that those people could possibly access the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist
Pope Francis has also expressed compassion for persecuted Muslims and called on Christians to take on the responsibility of helping them when possible.
(H/T: CNN)
