Interesting - a conservative's view of "liberal" Pope Frank:

[trotsky]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/2016/04/18/pope-francis-is-a-social-conservative/

My fingers are tired of typing this but a) Pope Francis is a Catholic, b) he doesn’t have the power to change Catholic dogma and there’s scant evidence that he wishes to and c) liberals and traditionalists need to calm down about his papacy. I only write it one more (last?) time because the past few days have offered a classic example of folks getting Francis wrong.

...The Pope’s answer tells us two things. First, he is frustrated with the media’s obsession with doctrinal controversy. Right on, brother. This circus has reached the point where the Pope, a priest or even the average lay Catholic can’t talk about the faith without their words being scrutinised for what they do – or even don’t – say about sex. This constant trial by media is undermining the evangelical mission of the Church, distracting us from its vital message about spiritual and material charity towards others. Worse: we Catholic journalists risk becoming part of the problem. Instead of welcoming Amoris Laetitia as a personal reflection upon the “joy of love” we tore it apart like it was a party political manifesto.

Second, the Pope remains a social conservative – or, more accurately, “Catholic”. Note that he is brought to the edge of tears by “the falling birth rate”, by the fact that mothers cannot afford to stay at home with their babies and that the “youth” don’t see the need for a sacramental relationship with God through marriage. The emphasis in Francis’ teaching is upon healing rupture through compassion. Sometimes, he expresses this clumsily – and there is a rash enthusiasm for engagement that can backfire.

...

How can anyone read those words and conclude – positively or negatively – that he’s a “social justice warrior” or crypto Marxist? The central message of Amoris Laetitia is that there’s an ideal family, there’s a broken reality and that the bridge between the two must by the Catholic Church. Reconciliation to the Truth will save not only the individual and their family but wider society. Amen to that.