On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss Pope Francis’ meeting with James Martin, S.J. It was the pair’s first extended conversation, though Pope Francis is familiar with Father Martin’s work and read his book on L.G.B.T. Catholics, Building a Bridge.
Up next, the first new sculpture in 400 years was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square on Sept. 29. Titled “Angels Unawares,” the bronze sculpture shows 140 migrants and refugees from different historical eras. We discuss the sculpture’s provenance and how it fits with Pope Francis’ priorities.
Finally, Cardinal William Levada died last week. He was formerly head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and a friend of Pope Benedict’s. We discuss Cardinal Levada’s legacy and how the college of cardinals has changed.
Links from the show:
It seems to me there is a clear message connected to the upcoming canonization of John Henry Newman on October 13th and the pope's private meeting with Fr. Martin. There is widespread recognition among scholars that Cardinal Newman and Ambrose St. John were lifelong "friends" in a way now seen as celibate homosexuality. Newman was buried in the same grave with Ambrose St. John, which created some problems when the call for Newman's blessedness began to grow. Fr. Martin's identification with a strong LGBT cause for the Church and Pope Francis' mission of reaching out to the margins surely were at the bottom of their meeting in Rome. America at some point will have to talk about that.