Pope Refuses His Papal Blessing to Sicilian Youth

In the last event of his day-long visit, Francis met with a large group of young people at Polteama Square in Palermo and addressed them briefly. Then, at the end of his talk, he refused to give the traditional Papal Blessing because, he said, this would have offended the “many non-Catholic Christians, those of other religions and the agnostics” who might have been among the youth in that group.

Instead of a blessing, in his nasal droning, he said:

It is shameful. A Pontiff who does not raise his hand, make the Sign of the Cross and bless the youth with the traditional Catholic blessing because of his concern not to offend Protestants and other brands of heretics and agnostics. What about a concern to offend Our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom he is the Vicar on earth? What about the certainty a Pope must have that there is only one true Faith?



I am not writing here about giving the solemn apostolic blessing like the Urbi et Orbi given to the city of Rome and the world on solemn occasions. I am talking about a simple blessing like that which any pastor gives to the faithful of his flock: All Francis had to do was make the Sign of the Cross and invoke the Trinity – “In nomine Patris, et Filii et Spiritus Sancti.” But he couldn't even do this.

The “blessing” he gave was preceded by an explanation that it would be one for “everyone,” that is, a sort of pan-religious “blessing” one that could offend no one – except the truly faithful Catholic – so that God “might bless that seed of restlessness that is in your heart.”

What did Francis have to say to the youth in his brief address? It was, in effect, like his non-blessing: Nothing doctrinal or moral in order not to offend anyone, everything humanitarian and philanthropic.

Like a Chapter Dad encouraging lads to good works in a Masonic youth group, he told them to “generate a new civilization, a fraternal civilization, a civilization of love” where “everything can change!” He spoke about a faith based on encounter, getting involved and spending oneself for others, dirtying ones hands for others: “You have to get your hands dirty! Do you understand? If you are not able to get your hands dirty, you will never be welcoming.”

Fraternity not morals

Words like these preached to modern youth do nothing less than tell them to engage in every kind of relationship – licit or illicit, moral or immoral – and experience every kind of passion, legitimate zeal and illegitimate unrestraint. So long as they are helping those who are exploited and live on the fringes of society, like drug addicts, homosexuals, and every kind of “Me Too movement” adherent, they are approved by Pope Francis.

His words, woefully lacking in anything that speaks of Catholic Morals, could be the recommendations of a partisan of Liberation Theology or a communist agitator. It is what I fear will be the fare served at the coming Youth Synod October scheduled for October 3-28.