[Catholic Caucus] Vatican analyst: Pope’s new preacher teaches ‘rainbow bible’

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Posted on 11/16/2024 12:58:49 PM PST by ebb tide

CV NEWS FEED // Vatican analyst Luisella Scrosati has raised concerns over Pope Francis’ appointment of Capuchin Friar Roberto Pasolini as the new Preacher of the Papal Household.

In a recent piece published in the Daily Compass, Scrosati critiqued the selection as evidence of a broader Vatican trend of normalizing homosexuality within Church discourse, particularly through what she describes as “ideological” reinterpretations of Scripture.

Father Pasolini’s recent theological positions on homosexuality form the crux of Scrosati’s critique. The new preacher has suggested, for instance, that certain Biblical relationships — such as those between Jonathan and David or the Roman centurion and his servant — could be interpreted as alluding to homosexual love. Pasolini’s arguments, Scrosati contends, rely on “pure fantasy” rather than sound exegesis.

During a public discussion held at the Convent of the Capuchin Friars Minor in Varese, Italy, on “Homosexuality and Christianity,” Pasolini acknowledged that the Bible does not affirm homosexual relationships but suggested that certain passages leave room for imaginative interpretation. 

Referring to the bond between Jonathan and David, Pasolini stated, “To go so far as to affirm that it was a homosexual relationship is, however, a manipulation of the text… yet we are in any case authorized to imagine that the love between David and Saul’s son could have been of this nature.” Scrosati called this a clear instance of “forcing the text to fit a predetermined narrative.”

Even more contentious is Pasolini’s reading of the relationship between the centurion and his servant, which he argued could plausibly have been romantic. Citing the centurion’s great affection for his servant, Pasolini claimed that interpreting this bond as homosexual is “not improper to think so.” Scrosati dismisses this as theological overreach, criticizing Pasolini for misusing the Greek term entimos (translated as “highly regarded”) to suggest a sexual dimension where none exists.

Scrosati also tied Pasolini’s theological approach to his associations with Father Marko Rupnik, the Jesuit priest accused of serial sexual abuse of a convent of nuns. Scrosati said Pasolini, who has collaborated with Rupnik in the past, is part of a circle of figures promoting “distorted interpretations” of Scripture. The Vatican analyst suggested that these affiliations raise further questions about the integrity of Pasolini’s appointment.

Scrosati’s critique extended to the implications of Pasolini’s theology on Pope Francis’ controversial document Fiducia supplicans, which permits blessings for same-sex couples. Scrosati argued that Pasolini’s interpretations aim to legitimize this stance, even as they lack a robust biblical foundation. 

“A sacramental blessing is not a simple ‘good wish,’” Scrosati asserted, accusing Pasolini of conflating theological principles to suit an ideological agenda.

For Scrosati, Pasolini’s appointment represents a troubling shift within the Vatican’s theological direction. “Once again, the Pope has surrounded himself with people who are bent on passing off homosexuality as a normal sexual orientation,” she wrote, suggesting that this is part of a larger effort to reshape the Church’s teaching through “arbitrary and fanciful exegesis.”

Scrosati warned that such theological interpretations could undermine the Church’s moral teachings, turning doctrinal debates into exercises in ideologically driven and fanciful speculation rather than fidelity to Scripture.

Scrosati’s critique extended to the implications of Pasolini’s theology on Pope Francis’ controversial document Fiducia supplicans, which permits blessings for same-sex couples. Scrosati argued that Pasolini’s interpretations aim to legitimize this stance, even as they lack a robust biblical foundation.

1 posted on 11/16/2024 12:58:49 PM PST by ebb tide

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