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Francisco as "Red Pope" (Francisco Wong-Diaz, USA, 01/05/23 6:45 am)

In response to John E's query about the "red pope": yes, in writings and YouTube videos one can read or hear such terminology for Pope Francis. Its genesis, I believe, is Francis's Jesuitical stand on Liberation Theology and some decisions and opinions he expressed regarding tolerance of sexual behavior and gender fluidity.

In particular, traditional Catholics are upset by his downplaying of sexuality outside marriage among parishioners and see Francis as a purveyor of "libertinaje," sowing discord and confusion among the faithful.

In contrast, they offer the various messages from Marian apparitions in Fatima regarding to the real existence of Hell and sexual amorality as the greatest culprit. The current revival of attention to the message of Fatima to repent, as John the Baptist demanded, and that the rosary is the weapon of choice against the Devil and his minions, were the critical devotional contributions of John Paul II, and the major Catholic response to the Red Pope.

JE comments: In historical practice, "Red" doesn't include sexual licentiousness. Totalitarians on the left (Stalin, Mao, Ceausescu, Castro) were sexual prudes, at least in public, and certainly not tolerant of homosexuality or gender fluidity.  Liberation Theology is another matter, and certainly has been labeled "red" by its detractors.  Francisco, what can you tell us about the current status of Liberation Theology in the Catholic hierarchy?  Has Pope Francis essentially removed the restrictions placed on its practitioners under John Paul II and Benedict?

Today in Rome, an unprecedented event:  a current pope presiding over the funeral of a pope "emeritus."

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