Pope Francis: questions remain over his role during Argentina's dictatorship

[aviv]

Jorge Bergoglio was head of the Jesuit order in the 1970s when the church backed military government and called for patriotismDespite the joyful celebrations outside the Municipal Cathedral in Buenos Aires yesterday, the news of Latin America's first pope was clouded by lingering concerns about the role of the church - and its new head - during

Comments

[world_dancer]

Thanks for posting this. I've seen mentions of a dark background during a rather deadly time in Argentina, but nothing specific in English. So it's good to have more background.

Ultimately, I'm optimistic about the new pope, despite the political turmoil of his past and his human frailty that apparently led to him working behind the scenes rather than openly becoming a martyr. In religious terms, martyrdom is usually the preferred situation, but I can't completely fault someone for choosing a different path.

[moonshaz]

Pretty much this.

[lovedforaday]

baby steps

[sadisticsidhe]

Interesting! I was looking for a source that wasn't in Spanish, which I can't read, or the dailymail, which I don't trust. I know some news outlets are reporting that Amnesty International investigated him and found the charges lacking. I would be interested in seeing the actual report or their statement.

[stormqueen280]

To be honest, even the Spanish sources are a bit confusing. Some say he was aligned with the dictators (there are several pictures of him with Videla, for example), others say he worked behind the scenes (sources are also confusing on the extent of this behind the scenes action).

On one hand, he is very conservative on moral/sexual matters (not that I expected anything different from a Pope). He vehemently opposed Kirchner's pushing of gay marriage and adoption by gay couples.

On the other hand, he is known for being frugal and disliking ostentation, which is something very positive. He can make a significant contribution on social matters if he chooses to focus on the poor in a practical manner.

[wanderinghope]

this makes me feel :/ and :| ... oh organized religion, i really don't understand you.

but i like your icon :)

[underlankers]

So the Church went from a guy conscripted into a totalitarian movement and who covered up crimes to someone who was evidently outright complicit in dictatorial brutality willingly? What are them fellers in the College of Cardinals smoking?

[magus_69]

And to make it even better, the first guy's predecessor helped protect Jews from the Nazis. I cannot take that away from him, misogynist homophobe though he was.