Why new Pope brings no hope for Catholics and non-Catholics

During the last couple of weeks news about the Conclave and election of a new Pope have been a main topic in international media, including Canada. There was a strong Canadian contestant but in the end the Cardinals decided to pick Jorge Mario Bergoglio. Some sources allege that he came second in the last election. He immediately adopted Francis as his name as homage to the poor. Since his election he has shown a simple and humble image trying to break away from the decadence that has long existed among the Catholic Church high ranking officials.

Notre Dame, Paris by Veronica Rivas

As a Mexican I was raised catholic however it’s been more than 20 years since I distanced myself from the Catholic Church. As I grew up and starting asking questions I found the institution was too rigid and failed to engage with young people. As I read more and attended a public liberal university I realized how shockingly different my point of view and opinions were from those of the Church I was raised in. As an adult I kept my Christian beliefs but I am definitely not a practicing Catholic.

I am sure at this point you are wondering what the point of sharing these thoughts is. I believe non-Catholics are wondering why this election matters and what does it means? Catholics on the other hand, for the most part are happy to see “fresh” blood, and finally a representative from the most prominent Catholic region in the world: Latin America. 

I think it is extremely important to talk about these developments because of the influence the Pope has on billions of people across the globe. Whether we want it or not he will be “guiding” followers, interacting with other spiritual leaders and trying to exercise his influence on governments. So it is worth analyzing what are the implications of his election.

To me it was no surprise a Latin American cardinal was picked. After all, this region of the world has the largest concentration of Catholics, although according to a recent article by Time World, numbers are decreasing at alarming rates. Humility and rejection of opulence seems to how the new Pope wants to differentiate himself from other Popes. However, if Francis has made a statement about the importance of carrying for the less fortunate among society, without a doubt it does not apply to all the marginalized people. In other words as long as you are gay, lesbian, transsexual, bisexual, transgender, pro-choice supporter, or pro birth control you will not be welcomed. Also not open to discussion is the matter of priesthood celibacy or inclusion of female priests. For now I will leave aside the situation of victims of sexual assaults by priests and the lack of response and accountability to bring them to justice.

A few years back when Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize gay marriage, Francis, then Buenos Aires Cardinal, was not only against it but even made hateful remarks about gay unions describing them as “a scheme to destroy God’s plan”. When it comes to women’s health it is no surprise he is against abortion (under any circumstance) and against birth control. In addition, there seems to be a cloud of mystery regarding the Church’s actions or lack of them during the dictatorial regime in the 1970s.

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona by Veronica Rivas

Looking at his own history, Francis has made more strong statements and taken a public stand against gays, pro-choice and pro birth control people than the right-wing military regime suspected of torturing and killing some 30,000 Argentinians. As a matter of fact, if he was against the regime he never mentioned it,at least not in public.

I find his comments and pronouncements against certain social groups may even contribute to marginalize, stigmatize, and endanger those individuals. Let me explain that in Latin America society, particularly in smaller cities and rural communities, society is quite conservative. Acts of violence or discrimination against gays are not uncommon. Women still face difficult barriers to access proper education, sexual health, work opportunities, and economic independence. Gender equality still very much a utopia.

When it comes to access to sexual education and dealing with unwanted pregnancies Time World mentions that “according to Human Rights Watch, 40% of all pregnancies in Argentina end in illegal abortions. Some Latin American countries, especially in Central America, suffer maternal mortality rates 20 times higher than Western Europe’s.”

In Latin America women victims of rape, incest or whose pregnancies endanger their life or the fetuses’ are not allowed to abort in 6 countries, in the rest of the region they face a kafkaesque  process, red-tape, and public humiliation before they can obtain an authorization. Government officials quite often delay the process so the window of opportunity to legally abort (before the 12^th gestational week) is passed before a decision is made preventing the abortion.

Recent reports about gang rapes, honour and spousal killings of women show a pandemic of gender related violent acts.This is the time to educate, empower, support, and provide opportunities for women in poverty and situations of disadvantage. They are often not provided with sexual education, access to birth control methods and have little or no option to decide about their pregnancies.

We have to recognize that for many reasons those who are against gay and womens rights are also against equality and inclusion. How can a Pope lead billions of people promoting outdated, hateful and discriminatory views to the upcoming decade?

I believe church should adapt and morph as any living organism to the social, technological and economical changes in the society. An institution out of touch with the needs and dynamics of new generations is no longer a place that embraces the idea of an inclusive society. After all isn’t the core of Western civilization to become a society of equal opportunities and respect of basic human rights?

Statue at a church in Paris by Veronica Rivas

Pope Francis, as a Canadian citizen I embrace the values of this country. I believe anyone should be allowed to get married and have a family, and women should have the right to decide about their sexuality and bodies. You represent little to no hope when it comes to promoting change.