Pope Francis has signaled a change in tone for the Catholic Church. The pontiff has called for a “new balance” is the church’s teachings urging that people should not be condemned over homosexuality, abortions or contraception.

The Pope put forward a softer approach to the church’s most controversial topics in a long interview that was released this week.

Pope Francis said the Church had, “”locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules,” and he urged priests and officials to avoid dogma and rules. While the Pope reaffirmed that the Church was against these social issues, it should also not spend so much time talking about them.

“The teaching of the church, for that matter is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time,” said Pope Francis.

The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell has clarified that the Pope’s comments do not indicate a major change for the church. In as statement Cardinal Pell said;

“Two paragraphs in Pope Francis’ important 12,000 word interview have been the focus of particular attention. He also emphasised the importance of not taking issues out of context.

“The Holy Father is describing how many priests and bishops, including myself, carry out their ministry as teachers and healers.

“Questions like abortion and homosexual practice involve very important human and scriptural values, and they need to be articulated clearly, sensitively and with a compassionate understanding of our weaknesses and struggles.

In the long ranging interview the Pope also revealed that he is a fond of the writings of Dostoevsky, he’s a fan of the paintings of Caravaggio and picked Mozart as his favourite composer.

In July the Pope surprised journalists when he declared it was not his place to judge homosexuals.

OIP Staff