If nothing else, the pontificate of Francis is never dull. For much of this year, the faithful have been roiled with accounts of drastic changes to doctrine, including the ordination of women and the blessing of "irregular" relationships. Though the term is broad, everyone knows that there is no one pushing to legitimize adulterous relationships, it's being pushed by homosexuals and their allies.
Last week the pope spoke with remarkably firmness on both issues, and liberal Catholics have to be feeling pretty bad about it. On the recent 60 Minutes interview the pope was giving a rather long-winded question about allowing female ordination. It's a remarkable clip because he almost immediately releases the thrust of the question shows clear irritation and boredom with the setup, and when finally given an opening to respond, leans forward to give a firm "No," rejecting it outright.
Similarly, the confusion of Fiducia supplicans, had prompted a large swath of Catholic theologians and senior clergy to call for its retraction. Apparently that will not happen, but the pope did "clarify" that it only applies to individuals, can never be used to affirm homosexual unions and that Church teachings on homosexuality remain unchanged.
Lest there be doubt, Cardinal Fernandez was dispatched to Egypt to heal the rift with the Copts. This is clearly an effort to save the pope's legacy, which at this point is looking pretty bleak. The Coptic Church had been steadily moving closer to Rome, but FS created a rupture. The pope's recent statement that: “Blessing a homosexual union goes against the law, the natural law, the law of the Church,” will likely heal this wound.
It's no secret that Francis is not in good health, and I've seen some of his critics claim that he hasn't presided over a public Mass in two years. Much of what has been going on in his name may very well be happening behind his back. This does not exculpate him, however because personnel is policy.
If he can heal the schism with the Copts, much of this confusion will be forgotten.
Chateau Lloyd 
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