Pope Francis to get simple coat of arms, ring

[onehandle]

Source: AP

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis is mixing his Argentine past with his Roman present to create his new papal coat of arms, while harking back to a pope associated with the Second Vatican Council for the simple ring that he will receive during Tuesday's installation Mass.

The Vatican on Monday released details of the symbols of Francis' pontificate, which in its inaugural days has been marked by his preference for simplicity and aversion to Holy See splendor.

The new pope chose to keep the same coat of arms he had as archbishop of Buenos Aires, and picked the simplest ring out of several models offered him. It is fashioned in gold-plated silver and was once a gift to Pope Paul VI, who presided over the second half of Vatican II, the meetings that modernized the church.

The coat of arms has a necessary addition — the papal symbols surrounding it: a gilded miter, and crossed gold and silver keys.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-simple-coat-arms-ring-140412300.html

[Hekate]

1. Pope Francis is getting off to a really good start

Wouldn't it be wonderful if he opened a Vatican Council III?

[David__77]

2. To me, that would be upholding liberation theology.

And recognizing that there is real evil on the temporal plane that must be fought. The exact opposite of the philosophy of Mother Theresa.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. A Social Conservative: Pope Francis Led Effort Against Liberation Theology and Same-Sex Marriage

"During the military dictatorship in Argentina, the new pope openly criticized liberation theology’s combination of religious teachings and calls for social justice. His social conservative streak continued when he was elevated to cardinal in Argentina. In 2010, he called the Argentine government’s legalization of gay marriage "an attempt to destroy God’s plan" and opposed adoption by gay couples."

http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/14/a_social_conservative_pope_francis_led

[daleo]

4. There are reports that he was close to the junta, in some ways

The church in Argentina was divided during the dirty war. His side adjusted to life with the right- wing regime. Some priests that didn't go along we're killed. Makes you think of Jesus and the Romans, as a historical parallel.

[Beacool]

5. I like this Pope a lot already.

A gold plated ring? Benedict wouldn't have been caught dead wearing one. He loved the accoutrements of the job (the fancy cassocks, the red shoes, etc.). After he was elected a Vatican usher offered Francis an ermine trimmed velvet cloak to wear, he rejected it and told the usher that he could wear it himself. Not only humble, but with a sense of humor.

[Politicub]

6. All of this is mere artifice

The real proof will be the agenda that this pope sets and whether or not it places the Vatican on a course to make real contributions to improve the human condition.

I've never understood why Catholics place such an emphasis on the nobility of suffering. Shouldn't an organization as large and influential as the Vatican focus more on eradicating human suffering - as a goal at least?

I'm having trouble figuring out what this pope is aiming to accomplish. To me it feels like he wants to get more converts by courting those who need real help and not provide it unless the needy give something in return. Today the price is your very soul. This needs to change.

This is no different than any other missionary group setting out to convert the heathens.

Appearing in an open pope mobile, wearing minimalist jewelry and looking constantly confused do not a compassionate person make.

I know this atheist's opinion is worth little more than a bucket of warm spit. But as a gay man whose community was in the crosshairs of Benedict, I tend to pay attention.