Pope Francis has emerged as a significant and inclusive leader for the Catholic Church, particularly among younger demographics. His understanding of intersectionality links issues such as climate change, poverty, and racism, making him relatable to many. Youth ministers and parish leaders have noted how his approach attracts young people to the church, emphasizing kindness and dignity for all individuals. This inclusivity contrasts with perceptions of Catholicism associated with negativity, highlighting a hopeful progression towards understanding and acceptance within the church community.
"I think Pope Francis was the first pope who really understood the concept of intersectionality. He understood that climate change, poverty, migration, forced migration, racismâthat's all connected," said Ruth Roland, the director of mission advancement at Benet Hill Monastery in Colorado Springs.
"I work with young people and they really love him. I love seeing the way that he has brought so many people to the church; the way that he has been attractive to the young people. They really feel like, oh this is our pope!" said Melissa Montenegro, a youth minister at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland, Washington.
"I love his message of inclusion, his message of kindness; his message of treating people in the way God would treat them. So I see him as one of the most inclusive popes of our time," said The Rev. Kingsley Ihejirika of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Northampton, Massachusetts.
"He's done so much for this world that is very important and I really hope the Catholic Church continues in light of how inclusive he's been," said Georgia Bancheri, a medical student.
Collection
[
|
...
]