Sister Monica
Pope Francis has now been the pontiff for seven and a half years and at 83 he appears to be holding up well, especially when we know that he comes under relentless attack from the theological right in the Roman Catholic church and impatience from the left. Does this mean he's doing his job well? I certainly admire him far more than his predecessor Benedict, who was arrogant.
Francis has attempted to address the environmental crisis (well) clergy sexual abuse (denial, then greater determination) Indigenous rights (with respect) financial corruption in the church (slowly but surely) and LGBTQ2 acceptance (mixed messages,) Just when he seems to be taking a courageous stand he shies away from controversy.
Still, the other day he wrote a letter to a Carmelite nun in Argentina, Sister Monica Astorga Cremona, who is ministering to transgender women living in poverty and has opened a home for them. In the letter Francis describes the Christian approach to transgender people as involving care, compassion, and creativity.
Really the focus should be on Sister Monica, who embodies these spiritual gifts. And they are a reminder for all of us in a world where transgender persons are too often regarded as social lepers.
Sister Monica at the new home for transgender woman
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