Pope Francis reforms influential group Opus Dei

[peppertree]

A shake-up of conservative Catholic organisation Opus Dei came into effect Thursday, under a decree ordered by Pope Francis that experts say reduces its power and independence.

The organisation, which is present notably in Europe and Latin America and whose title means “God’s Work”, was given unique status in the Catholic Church in 1984 under Pope John Paul II.

Since then, Opus Dei has become a kind of super-diocese operating across borders and answerable only to the pope — drawing accusations of secretive behind-the-scenes power games that it has always denied.

The reforms, announced by Pope Francis in a Motu Proprio edict last month, are part of wider changes to modernise and introduce greater transparency within the government of the Catholic Church.

At: https://www.macaubusiness.com/pope-francis-reforms-influential-group-opus-dei/

Pope Francis greets the new Opus Dei Prelate Fernando Ocáriz in 2017.

From now on, the Opus Dei leader — the prelate — will no longer be appointed a bishop, and the organisation becomes dependent on the Dicastery (or ministry) of the Clergy.

Known as one of the Catholic Church's most conservative - and powerful - groups, Opus Dei was closely tied to the Franco dictatorship in Spain (its home country) as well as numerous dictatorships in Latin America.

[2naSalit]

1. Well, I can see that...

This news might not appeal to the likes of Bill Barr and Mike Pompeo.

[peppertree]

3. Or Alito

To say nothing of Latin American right-wingers - many of whom belong to or are friendly with Opus.

Back in the '70s and '80s, it was a sure way to obtain promotions and favors in Spain and Latin America. Many of the region's dictatorships (and Franco's) were filled with them.

Even here in the U.S. I've heard of people who've lost prominent posts after refusing to join the group.

It was about time they were reined in somewhat - though I trust Francis keeps his tea under lock and key.

[hlthe2b]

2. About damned time... Now, Pope Francis, how about addressing those Opus Dei extremeists

on the US Supreme Court and perhaps how much they have crossed the line while justifying their ideology on corrupted views of "faith"-- their version of Catholicism.

Opus Dei is a secret society and an official arm of the Catholic Church. Its roots are in fascist Spain.

[2naSalit]

4. +1

[peppertree]

5. +1

After a few flaps early in his tenure (notably with failin' Palin, you'll recall) Francis has mostly avoided putting an oar in foreign politics - even his native Argentina's.

But then, these far-right Catholics are so entrenched it's hard to say what effect - if any - his calling them out by name would've had.

In Latin America, for example, whenever he has shown any opposition to some conservative offensive or other (usually by alluding to it), RW media hasn't hesitated to turn against him - something unimaginable in the past.

To say nothing of their army of paid Twitter/Facebook trolls!

[grumpyduck]

6. Every time I see the name Opus,

I think of the penguin in Bloom County. Don't know why. Even Opus One wine makes me think of him.

[Baitball Blogger]

7. Opus dei gets kicked in the ass!

I love this pope!

[peppertree]

10. And he knows them better than most

When he became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in '98, Opus Dei was still largely running Argentina - though their grip had been loosening since the last dictatorship stepped down in '83.

His becoming Archbishop was seen as something of a defeat for Opus - who had been very close to his last three predecessors (all pro-dictatorship types).

But the real break with Bergoglio came when he became Pope Francis in 2013 - when he and then-President Cristina Kirchner (whom Opus, and right-wingers generally, see as a communist she-devil) created a close alliance.

Ever since, they've been deploying their many media allies in Latin America - and legions of online trolls - against him.

And Francis knows who's behind a lot of it. He also, no doubt, keeps a close eye on his tea.

[shrike3]

12. Thanks for the inside info.

I did not know this, re Francis.

[peppertree]

14. You're welcome

Always lots of drama in Argentine politics - especially since Perón and (of course) Evita.

[shrike3]

16. Good point. n/t

[shrike3]

8. Very, very good news.

And thanks so much to all the posters who expressed opinions without violating our rules. It's much appreciated.

[peppertree]

9. Absolutely.

There's too much anti-Catholic bigotry - which even seeps into Democratic forums from time to time (though much less than Repug ones - where Catholics, along with Jews, are often seen as responsible for the "browning" of America).

Any religion, or large groups of people generally, have extremist and/or power-hungry elements.

[shrike3]

11. Yes. However, constructive criticism has its place.

Which our safe haven rules note.

I was impressed at how well everyone's behaved, and I hoped I will continue to be.

[peppertree]

13. That said...

If Catholic clergy would just drop their celibacy rule, they - and the church - would be in a much better place.

Francis himself, a couple of years ago, hinted that that would be his preference (if he dared!).

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pope-francis-sex-food-divine-pleasure_n_5f5bd9c3c5b67602f6051a6e

[shrike3]

15. I assume it would help with vocations if nothing else.

Shortage of clergy continues to be a problem.

However, if people think married clergy will insulate the church from child predators, I think they are mistaken. I have had five -- so far -- male acquaintances who turned out to be predators. All were married and four were parents. One was a protestant youth minister, the other far had no clerical connections.

[Grasswire2]

17. I see today that he also booted Knights of Malta in the behind. nt