How do you deal with disagreements with Popes decisions

I have struggled very much with the pope deciding that we are not to be in favor of the death sentence. I understand the reason he said this was because jails at the time could be broken out of. However it's hard for me to accept because the Bible may have it there for a reason. I also really struggle with agreeing with it.. for instance people who rape children in my mind deserve death and are irredeemable. Does anyone else struggle with this? Does this no longer make me a proper Catholic? How do you handle things you disagree with that the pope says are now canon to the faith?

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11 Comments

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@justiceOct 30

Try to unfollow the news media’s that are scandalizing you I try not to focus on the headlines only on the major events and otherwise try to focus on the church at the local level

@gabrielstcharlesOct 30

Based. Medieval grindset.

@justiceOct 30

@gabrielstcharles lol exactly! I also find a lot of the big new sources use very scandalous language to describe the pope and the things he does or doesn’t do, instead of encouraging prayers for the pope they cause despair

@gabrielstcharlesOct 30

I get you- for me I’ve always seen a certain “beauty” in the death penalty, in the sense that it was an act of mercy to allow someone to repent and be saved, rather than continue in their actions and eventually face eternal damnation.

I’m thinking that the context of it being applied to non-believing nations might be a consideration, that the death penalty becomes more of an immediate damnation to hell.

I’m not super well read, so that’s just my 2 cents.

This is my personal take- but I feel like life is difficult enough as it is, and there’s some peace in just submitting to the pope’s authority even if you don’t agree, especially if it doesn’t directly affect me. The way I think of it is that when I face judgement, God will not hold me accountable for submitting to the pope, but He could possibly hold me accountable for my disagreement.

@ridimapinto26Oct 30

I wish we could collectively décide on a method of punishment for heinous crimes, such as crimes against children, that is not just death sentence. Instead of housing them in a prison with food, water and rest, they all should be left in the middle of the ocean in a big ship or container, so we are not technically killing them (or are we? Im not sure). Coming back to your question, Sorry but even I don't know how to think about it. I also thought for the longest time that the church was not against capital punishment, until recently, and i was surprised to find the change in the church's stance. Considering that the pope being a priest himself has heard numerous confessions and witnessed true repentance in many horrible criminals, so I kinda understand where he is coming from.

@gabrielstcharlesOct 30

Maybe castration 🤔 But it’s also very scary to think about. Where I’m from in Singapore, the penalty for even possessing drugs is death. Thankfully the Singapore justice system is secure enough that there’s little room for error, but still as a whole, does that really warrant death?

There’s a lot more that goes into this and thinking about it, perhaps it is just safer for the Church- as the supposed guardian of morality- to be in general against it in the current context. Because when the Church adopts a universal stance that is supportive of the death penalty, people might start applying that to any and all contexts. Again idk, just thinking out loud here

@matthewtkOct 30

Thats worse than the death penalty. Essentially leave someone abandoned at sea, guaranteed death, and that death will be strung out over several days? The death penalty is only acceptable if it can be executed in a matter of less than one minute, preferably just a few seconds.

@jenna_mkayOct 30

I’ve yet to see it myself, but Trent Horn just released a video on it and he is my favorite apologist (aka, can translate it into simple terms) so that could be a good resource!

@resonantcogOct 30

As I have come to understand it, The Pope is a model for Christians and from time to time, speaks ex-cathedra which should be followed but the Pope is as much a man as you and I are. We shouldn't desire to approach punishment in pursuit of death sentencing but the most guarded and protected youth will think that the death sentence should be banned... As we all should. We should want it as much as we want people to stop being so evil that the only way to stop them from doing evil things is putting them to death. I think that letters should be written to the Pope for understanding so that he can enlighten us or we can show him that he misspoke. I believe in a world without evil as I believe in a Christ that doesnt always face His enemies with a sword.

@darrynOct 31

We are one big family in Christ, and disagreements are only natural. If your child disagrees with you, does that make him or her any less a part of your family? Of course not. You would want your child to approach you, express their concerns, and have an honest conversation. You might even realise that your child has a valid point.

Likewise, your opinion is just as worthy of being heard, even when it differs from that of our Holy Father. I too sometimes struggle to understand certain papal views, particularly some of Pope Francis's thoughts. While I haven't disagreed with any canon of Canon Law so far, if I ever had a concern, I would approach my local parish priest for guidance. After all, questioning with humility and seeking understanding are not contrary to faith.

@frankOct 31

Thanks for the reply. Approaching my priest may be a very good idea .