The Catholic Action Network for Social Justice

The Catholic Action Network for Social Justice congratulates Pope Francis I on his appointment to the papacy and sends our blessings to him in his new ministry.  We applaud Pope Francis on his commitment to the poor and marginalized and his desire to live simply, connected to the people.  We pray that the spirit of St. Francis guide the Pope as he works to bring together the Catholic community with a spirit of humility, compassion, and a focus on the Gospels.  The Catholic Action Network has concerns about previous hurtful comments that he has made to our homosexual brothers and sisters, and we pray that a spirit of love, openness, and hospitality inspire the Pope to welcome all to Christ’s table, just as Christ himself did.  It is also our hope that the Pope will listen and take to heart the concerns of women in the Church and will re-open dialogue about women and married persons in the priesthood.  May this be a time of great fruitfulness for the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, to support one another in living lives of humility, simplicity, compassion, service, and above all love.