I feel the same way. Can't blame those who post crab emojis, though, the abuse scandal has yet to really be resolved in a way that provides justice to the victims. Trans people are still demonized. I have hope that our next Pope will take Francis' approach further.

yeah like not complete dipshit is already achievement for the church, and being at least good at grace for the dispossessed is something. Also talking to people in gaza

shame he didn't excommunicate american dipshits, but can't have all.

May his soul carry the prayers of the oppressed and the toiling classes to God.

Francis was actually a moderate centrist by Church standards, and he was political enough to finally make the college of Cardinals reflect that. He stacked the deck for potential successors long ago. Tagale would be basically appointed already if it wasn't that he's known to be mediocre at administration, but that's not a disqualifying quality either.

It happened the day after Easter.

And yes, I fear the next Pope will be worse.

I don't mind the crab emojis. I think they are a valid response to the deep hurt caused by, specially American, religiosity. I am very privileged my parents were mostly laid back Catholics with a general "just be good a person" attitude. Rather than the jesus freaks, I've encountered here in America. I'm also not queer, so I don't have to wrestle with my place in religious communities or practice; although, I am attuned to be offended and frustrated on behalf of LGBTQ comrades - and advocate on behalf of their rights and that of reproductive rights for pregnant people. It is a very privileged position to merely be "offensive" due to my political beliefs, and not much else.

I think it is worth reminding ourselves as christians and communists, that material conditions and ideas are closely interlinked. Capitalist hegemony abhors "diversity". It is focused on creating and maintaining a surplus army of labor. Institutions such as the Catholic Church are constituted from the "thought leaders" of the current political order. There's an upper and lower-bound for change within an institution as long as the base and superstructure stay the same.

What I do find frustrating, given that I've had to wrestle with some of these incongruencies and contradictions of religiosity and Marxism, is that I've done some work. Some investigation. Just an ounce of curiosity. Can help comrades see that faith, if practiced correctly, can help you and strengthen you, against this broken world. Pope Francis, refocused Catholicity on the needs of the most vulnerable. And it was truly a renewal of faith for me to see that happen. It should gladden our hearts this happened. We should also gladden and rejoice that it triggered some of the worst people in existence, cause it robbed them of certainty, certainty that God is with them. Because he is not. God is with the poor, and the marginalized. God lives in all of us, but he strengthen and gladdens the hearts of those that need it most.

I'm not Catholic, but I'm still very sad to see him go. He was one of the most Christlike Christians in my lifetime and I hope the next Pontiff will continue his legacy.

Same. Wife asked me if I was okay.

I'm deeply saddened. Pope Francis was a powerful voice for compassion and dignity, especially for those pushed to the margins of society. As a former refugee from a Muslim-majority region, I felt seen by his words and actions. He reminded the world to care for those too often overlooked. I hope his message of empathy and justice continues to resonate for generations to come.

I'm not religious but I was saddened to hear about his passing. He seemed like a good man who was genuinely trying to bring some positive change. His stance on Gaza proved it for me.

I'll never forget this image.

RIP

Have you seen the movie conclave? It's pretty good if you're interested in catholic politics and aesthetics

im not christian but I hope he got to play that copy of Undertale that someone gave him 🙏🙏

The pope was the hitlernumber years old, and died a day after 4/20 i'm sus as

Rest in peace

Hopefully he get replace by another lib pope