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Pope warns against 'bad shepherds' in opening Synod remarks

Says clergy should not be motivated by greed
Pope warns against 'bad shepherds' in opening Synod remarks

Pope Francis arrives to lead a papal mass at St Peter's basilica on Sunday at the Vatican (AFP Photo/Gabriel Bouys)

Published: October 06, 2014 04:31 AM GMT
Updated: October 05, 2014 05:31 PM GMT

Pope Francis opened a worldwide meeting of Catholic bishops Sunday – a possible landmark of his papacy – by warning against "bad shepherds" who unduly burden the faithful and who "thwart" God by not being guided by the Holy Spirit.

Francis was speaking in a homily during the opening Mass for the meeting, known as a Synod and focusing on modern struggles of family life, in St. Peter's Basilica.

Referring to the Mass readings for the day and to the prophet Ezekiel’s warning about shepherds who care for themselves and not their sheep, the pontiff said some shepherds become tempted by "greed for money and power."

"To satisfy this greed bad shepherds lay intolerable burdens on the shoulders of others, which they themselves do not lift a finger to move," said Francis.

The pontiff also laid out clearly what the Synod is not to do.

"Synod Assemblies are not meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas, or to see who is more intelligent," said the pontiff. "They are meant to better nurture and tend the Lord's vineyard, to help realize his dream, his loving plan for his people."

Francis' words Sunday are likely to be met with much speculation over what direction the pontiff hopes the Synod, in which some 190 bishops and cardinals will discuss family life topics in closed-door sessions October 6-19, will take.

Referring to the Gospel reading Sunday – a parable from Jesus in Matthew's Gospel about tenants who take over the owner's vineyard – Francis said bishops can also "be tempted to 'take over' the vineyard, because of that greed which is always present in us human beings."

"God's dream always clashes with the hypocrisy of some of his servants," said Francis. "We can 'thwart' God's dream if we fail to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit."

 

Full Story: Pope opens Synod criticizing 'bad shepherds,' those who 'thwart' God

Source:National Catholic Reporter

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