The Northwestern community had an opportunity to learn more about the meaning behind Pope Francis’ contentious quotes on social issues Tuesday night at Sheil Catholic Center.

Francis, the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, has drawn criticism for his comments that the Catholic Church should focus less on its abortion, contraception and homosexuality teachings. Father Mark Andrews, who teaches at Loyola University Chicago, sat down with 50 students and community members to discuss the various controversies.

Andrews explained that many people take what Francis says and treat it like an inkblot, searching intensely for deeper meaning and often overanalyzing.

Andrews said he hopes people develop “a new sense of imagination as to what our experience as Christians can be,” after having heard his opinions on what the pope says.

“Because we’re such a celebrity-oriented culture, there can be a certain temptation to pay all sorts of attention to him … without ever asking the question, ‘What does that entail for me?’” he said.

One of the many topics of the night was Francis’ assertion that he will alleviate the Vatican’s moral wrongs. Andrews clarified the comment, saying this supposed assertion actually stemmed from a mixture of two quotes and that many holy people work in the Vatican. Still, he said, the Vatican developed a reputation for clerics who are an obstruction to the work of the church.

Another topic that surfaced was the pope’s stance on widely discussed controversies, such as the opposition to contraception. Andrews said he believes the pope is trying to focus on more big-picture issues.

“He’s refusing to get bogged down in polemics,” he said. “He sees that we’re spending time and energy fighting over issues and getting nowhere.”

Andrews and audience members also discussed Francis’ use of symbolism in his speeches. He responded to an audience member’s concern that Francis’ opinions may put him in harm’s way.

“Any pope’s life is in danger,” he said. “(Pope Francis) has said that he has no interest in living in fear.”

Mary Deeley, pastoral associate and director of Christ the Teacher Institute at Sheil, said the event was easy to plan.

“We had batted around having someone talk about the pope, and (Andrews) came around at the same time and said, ‘I’d really like to talk about the pope!'” she said.

Andrews said he held the talk in a Q-and-A format because he wanted to address the issues that were most important to attendees.

Many wanted to know what would happen if a sitting pope was ever harmed.

“I think many people will want to see (what he’s been teaching) be continued,” Andrews said. “What matters is what we all are doing.”

McCormick freshman Anna Petersen said she learned a lot about the pope from attending the talk.

“I thought it was very insightful into a lot of aspects about Pope Francis that I hadn’t really questioned before. …It reinforces how admirable he is,” she said. “He’s a great role model, not just for Catholics.”

McCormick sophomore William Garrison, another attendee, said he can look to the pope for guidance in his endeavors.

“It’s just encouraging,” Garrison said. “If the pope can look at the Vatican … and raise those questions, then I can raise them to myself in my own life.”

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