Apparently a bishop whom Pope Francis is known to like and whom he personally raised to rank within the Italian episcopal
conference, Bp. Nunzio Galantino, is warming up to Luther. He spoke at the Pontifical Lateran University (“The Pope’s University”) during their
LutherFest 2017 sponsored by the theology faculty (who knew that a Roman Catholic university would have that?). Some of his remarks are surprising to say the least:
“I’ve deployed against all the papists, against the Pope and
indulgences but only by preaching the word of God. And when I was
sleeping the word of God was working such things that the Pope is now
fallen.” [Bp.] Nunzio Galantino, Secretary General of the Italian
Episcopate, read at full voice this passage from Luther which for 5
centuries was considered offensive to Catholics. “The reform started by Martin Luther 500 years ago was an event of the Holy Spirit“,
the bishop affirmed while speaking at the Pontifical Lateran University
to a conference promoted by the Pope’s school to celebrate the
anniversary.
“The Reform”, Galantino underscored, “responds to the truth expressed in the formula ecclesia semper reformanda.” “It
was the same Luther,” the Secretary of the CI reminded, “who didn’t
consider himself the author of the Reform, writing: “while I was
sleeping, God was reforming the Church.” “Even today,” the prelate
commented, “the Church needs a reform. And today, too, it can be fulfilled by God alone.”
I am sure that some in Rome might disagree, don't you think?
When will Rome admit that indulgences and relics were methods of taxation to raise revenue in order to construct the Vatican and other magnificent church buildings. Church employees also used the proceeds to live like greedy sultans in luxurious opulence. The medieval peasants were coerced, under threat of excommunication and eternal damnation, to pay crippling taxes.
ReplyDeleteRome forgot that St. Peter(the first Pope) warned against buying salvation....
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+8%3A9-25
From the article:
“Even today,” the prelate commented, “the Church needs a reform."
Does this mean Rome will re-examine Trent? Someone needs to ask Bp. Nunzio Galantino that question.