When Jorge Mario Bergoglio from Argentina took the name “Francis” as Pope, the world was cautiously impressed. His namesake, Saint Francis, was known for his humility and for giving up his taste for worldly conveniences. There was as little precedent for this in 2013 as there was indication that this would be the new direction of the papacy. In an organization almost 2,000 years old and with an estimated $6B dollars in its coffers, there was little reason to believe that the new pope would adopt such an austere posture. The affluence of the office is customarily highlighted by the expensive cars and residences of his predecessors and others in the positions of responsibility within the church. Yet, here he was. Where others have adorned themselves with the capes and crowns of so called humility, he seems to have disrobed himself with it, truly exemplifying the notion. This is reflected in his speech, interactions and manner. While reverence of the papacy has long since veered toward idolatry, it is fair to say by all appearances that he has rejected those laurels. After having gotten so much right, however; he has recently gotten some things entirely wrong no matter how well-intentioned. 

The Bible says that God himself is love; nevertheless, when correction was necessary it often came in as heavy handed a manner as only God could deliver. Man could not even imagine the consequences that God had in store, and could not replicate today what He actually executed millennia ago. The being who, not HAS love, but IS love is not reluctant to issue guidance codified and abruptly corrective (read: flood, exile, plagues et al). Why, then, would a man whose goal it should be and responsibility it is to coach people towards unwavering standards of righteousness, confuse failing to reiterate guidance with promoting love? He is either dismissing his role as coach, or he is attempting to alter the rules of the game. While he may not actually be advocating fundamental doctrinal changes, he is advocating changes in perception and a seemingly enhanced permissiveness; which is naturally a slippery slope. Emphasizing the linchpins of a doctrine is no more being “obsessed” with them than a parent who spends 10, 15, even 20 years influencing and correcting their children’s behavior. In fact, that’s lauded and applauded.

Love is not the answer to all moral and ethical questions; instead, it is the medium through which the answers ought to be delivered. Mercy and compassion are hallmarks of good leadership and religion, not draconian edicts. Nevertheless; kindness should not be taken for, or treated as, weakness. The standards are strong and firm. One would not expect even the most compassionate lung cancer doctor to give a patient a cigarette just because it’s what the patient yearns for or has grown accustomed to. It would not be permitted just to help them feel a stronger sense of inclusion (which may be the origin of their problem); not even as a final wish. The doctor would be expected to hold firm, as there is no reasonable expectation that the parameters of medicine and ethics be gerrymandered. Such rigidity holds true of most institutions, formal and informal, the benefits of which are as apparent as they are abundant. Equally abundant is the choice of groups to which one could belong. If the requirements are too stringent or unpalatable, the alternatives are many; and by nature and definition, they are not all-inclusive. 

In addition, analysis of the pope’s comments should be expanded to include a critique of the long simmering self-worship that is finally boiling over. Finally a humble pope, but pompous parishioners. No longer is the conversation focused on how one modifies one’s life and behavior to align it with a principle, it is now about how many clowns can be packed in one car. Instead of slimming down, it’s about making bigger seats and wider caskets. Instead of not smoking, some just smoke electronically. We want to bend the rules and keep our crowns, but where is the value in a value that’s been negotiated? A value does not belong in the marketplace, it is not to be bartered. It is steadfast, not a fluctuating commodity. God’s word doesn’t bend. The laws of the land don’t even bend to accommodate individual wishes and to facilitate noncompliance. The mold is fine, leave it be. Find a religion that suits, not who you are today unchanged; but who you aspire to be, a better you. You will fit the mold better without the crown.