Readers React: Francis is a feel-good pope, but still needs to open the door for women and gays

To the editor: Pope Francis is a feel-good pope, and it’s hard to disagree with much of what he has to say. His genuine compassion for the poor and the marginalized is a message the entire world needs to hear. (“A papal audience,” Sept. 23, and “Church’s evolution is a backdrop to pope’s visit,” Sept. 22)

But as the throngs cheer him and the media dissect his every word, let us be reminded that his church does not, in fact, have its arms fully open to all.

Roman Catholic women are excluded from places of decision making and the priesthood. Church doctrine denies women true reproductive freedom, so they are without power to control the size of their families.

Ideally, the church would not only permit but support women in this regard, especially in Third World countries where the need is so desperate.

I submit that greater support for women would be a good addition to the pope’s to-do list. Smaller families can free women for educational opportunities, increase their earnings potential and help them rise out of poverty. This creates healthier family units and healthier communities.

Janis Salupo, Irvine

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To the editor: So the pope elevated Father Junipero Serra to sainthood on the East Coast. When did they move the missions there?

I obviously missed it. Color me annoyed.

Judith Detamore, Playa Vista

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To the editor: The pope arrives with an agenda, and climate change tops it.

Francis needs to travel to China and India and talk to their leaders about climate change. He needs to address his ambiguous church values worldwide.

The Catholic Church is preaching conservative values but condoning liberal values. Why don’t the pope and the Catholic Church condemn liberal values and preach their true values?

Tom Kondziella, Diamond Bar

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To the editor: I plan to return to the Catholic Church when Francis changes three doctrines.

One, affirm that women have a right to choose. Preach your “pro-life” doctrine, but after a women chooses abortion, help her grieve and celebrate her courage for making an impossibly difficult choice.

Two, open the door to female priests. While you’re at it, let married men and women in that door too.

Three, love gay people as they are — you know, unconditionally.

Oh, one more thing. Publicly pledge to prosecute pedophile priests. No more transfers for child molesters, please.

Makes these changes, Pope Francis, and I’ll see you at Mass.

Bill Smart, Santa Barbara

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