Full article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/30076 ... ed-aged-88Bangkok Post wrote:When Francis took over, the Catholic Church was mired in infighting and beset by a global scandal over clerical sex abuse of children and decades of cover-ups.
He promised an end to impunity and changed Vatican law to help tackle abuse, though victims said he could have gone further.
More widely, he initiated a major shake-up of the Vatican's powerful governing body, including improving financial responsibility and allowing lay Catholics to lead Vatican offices.
Throughout his papacy, Francis championed the poor and vulnerable and emphasised love over doctrine.
"If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him?" he said at the start of his papacy.
Pope Francis on gays
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Gaybutton
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Pope Francis on gays
I doubt it is possible to be on this planet without knowing Pope Francis has died. I think it is appropriate to remind ourselves of his stance on gays and clerical child abuse. I only hope his successor will be equally tolerant of gays or even more so.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Pope Francis on gays
As you know, Catholic is not one of the primary religions in Thailand, but Catholicism does exist in Thailand and there are Catholic churches.
By the way, if you haven't seen it, this might be a good time to see the movie "Conclave".
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Thai Catholic Bishops and Prime Minister Honor Pope Francis, Urging Prayers for His Soul
By Adam Judd
April 21, 2025
Bangkok, April 21st, 2025 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has called on Thailand’s Christian community to offer prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The bishops praised the late pontiff as a model of unwavering faith, humility, and service, whose 12-year papacy left a huge mark on the global Church and beyond. They encouraged Thailand’s roughly 380,000 Catholics—about 0.5% of the nation’s predominantly Buddhist population—to reflect on Francis’ life as an embodiment of Christ’s teachings, particularly his dedication to the marginalized, interfaith harmony, and environmental stewardship.
“Pope Francis lived as a true disciple of Christ, guiding the Church with courage, compassion, and profound humility,” the CBCT stated. “His tireless advocacy for the poor, his pursuit of peace, and his openness to dialogue across faiths inspired millions. We invite all Thai Christians to pray for his soul and to carry forward his legacy of love and service.”
During his papacy (2013–2025), Pope Francis was a transformative figure, showing mercy, social justice, and ecological responsibility. His 2019 visit to Thailand, marking the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam, was a historic moment for the country’s Catholic minority. Meeting with His Royal Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Buddhist leaders, and young Catholics, Francis promoted interfaith dialogue and urged care for the vulnerable.
Francis’ health struggles, including severe double pneumonia in early 2025 and chronic conditions like diverticulitis and bronchitis, were widely reported. Despite his frailty, he continued to advocate for global peace and the poor until his final days, earning admiration even in Thailand’s Buddhist-majority society, where his humility mirrored revered monastic values.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined the global outpouring of grief.
Thailand’s Catholic community, though small, is vibrant, with 11 dioceses, over 500 churches, and active charitable organizations like Caritas Thailand, which align with Francis’ focus on social justice. The CBCT highlighted how Francis’ emphasis on serving “the least among us” inspired local initiatives, such as aid for impoverished rural communities and advocacy for migrant workers. His interfaith outreach also strengthened ties with Thailand’s Buddhist majority, notably through his 2019 meeting with Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX.
Thailand joins a grieving world, with tributes pouring in from leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who hailed Francis as a “moral giant” and “apostle of the poor.” In Thailand, Catholic churches are planning memorial Masses, while interfaith groups have expressed solidarity, recognizing Francis’ role in fostering mutual understanding.
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the papal conclave to elect Francis’ successor, but the CBCT urged Thai Catholics to pray for the Church’s future.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/21/t ... -his-soul/
By the way, if you haven't seen it, this might be a good time to see the movie "Conclave".
___________________________________________________________________________
Thai Catholic Bishops and Prime Minister Honor Pope Francis, Urging Prayers for His Soul
By Adam Judd
April 21, 2025
Bangkok, April 21st, 2025 – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has called on Thailand’s Christian community to offer prayers for the eternal repose of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The bishops praised the late pontiff as a model of unwavering faith, humility, and service, whose 12-year papacy left a huge mark on the global Church and beyond. They encouraged Thailand’s roughly 380,000 Catholics—about 0.5% of the nation’s predominantly Buddhist population—to reflect on Francis’ life as an embodiment of Christ’s teachings, particularly his dedication to the marginalized, interfaith harmony, and environmental stewardship.
“Pope Francis lived as a true disciple of Christ, guiding the Church with courage, compassion, and profound humility,” the CBCT stated. “His tireless advocacy for the poor, his pursuit of peace, and his openness to dialogue across faiths inspired millions. We invite all Thai Christians to pray for his soul and to carry forward his legacy of love and service.”
During his papacy (2013–2025), Pope Francis was a transformative figure, showing mercy, social justice, and ecological responsibility. His 2019 visit to Thailand, marking the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam, was a historic moment for the country’s Catholic minority. Meeting with His Royal Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, Buddhist leaders, and young Catholics, Francis promoted interfaith dialogue and urged care for the vulnerable.
Francis’ health struggles, including severe double pneumonia in early 2025 and chronic conditions like diverticulitis and bronchitis, were widely reported. Despite his frailty, he continued to advocate for global peace and the poor until his final days, earning admiration even in Thailand’s Buddhist-majority society, where his humility mirrored revered monastic values.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra joined the global outpouring of grief.
Thailand’s Catholic community, though small, is vibrant, with 11 dioceses, over 500 churches, and active charitable organizations like Caritas Thailand, which align with Francis’ focus on social justice. The CBCT highlighted how Francis’ emphasis on serving “the least among us” inspired local initiatives, such as aid for impoverished rural communities and advocacy for migrant workers. His interfaith outreach also strengthened ties with Thailand’s Buddhist majority, notably through his 2019 meeting with Supreme Patriarch Somdet Phra Ariyavongsagatanana IX.
Thailand joins a grieving world, with tributes pouring in from leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who hailed Francis as a “moral giant” and “apostle of the poor.” In Thailand, Catholic churches are planning memorial Masses, while interfaith groups have expressed solidarity, recognizing Francis’ role in fostering mutual understanding.
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the papal conclave to elect Francis’ successor, but the CBCT urged Thai Catholics to pray for the Church’s future.
https://thepattayanews.com/2025/04/21/t ... -his-soul/
Re: Pope Francis on gays
My policy is to consume news from websites, rather than watch what the BBC serve up for me on TV. I can read the relevant news & ignore the rest.
That way, I don't have to sit through the obscene fuss when some privileged elderly person dies (Pope, QE2 etc), general whinging by people who are living a great life on the dole and other crap.
Why take any interest in religious organisations that peddle lies & bullshit and have done far more harm than good over the last 2000 years or so ?
Having had religion disgracefully promoted in state schools for the formative years of my life, I've EARNED the right to push back.
That way, I don't have to sit through the obscene fuss when some privileged elderly person dies (Pope, QE2 etc), general whinging by people who are living a great life on the dole and other crap.
Why take any interest in religious organisations that peddle lies & bullshit and have done far more harm than good over the last 2000 years or so ?
Having had religion disgracefully promoted in state schools for the formative years of my life, I've EARNED the right to push back.
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Gaybutton
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Re: Pope Francis on gays
I share your opinions, but this is not the appropriate topic to voice them. I would rather do this on a separate topic. Feel free to start it and I will be happy to move your post above to that topic.
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Gaybutton
- Posts: 23443
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Re: Pope Francis on gays
Now that the new Pope is American, it will be interesting to see his position on gays.
Since he is American, I would have liked to see him break tradition and instead of taking the usual type of old European name, take an American name. I would have loved to see Pope Billy Bubba . . .
Since he is American, I would have liked to see him break tradition and instead of taking the usual type of old European name, take an American name. I would have loved to see Pope Billy Bubba . . .