Pope Francis Targeted by Fake News Amid Tensions With Conservative Catholics

[shrike]

The incidents underscore the tensions between Francis and some conservative elements of the Catholic Church. The pope's calls for a less strict church that is more compassionate toward "imperfect" members, such as those who divorced and remarried, has not been welcomed by some conservative members.

"Francis is not the first pontiff to fall victim of rumors and fabrications. Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI were all unfairly criticized at some stage. What's new here is the way the rumors are spread. It's a sign of the times," Antonio Spadaro, the editor-in-chief of the Jesuit newspaper Civiltà Cattolica, told NBC News.

"This is the proof that the pope has enemies and his role as a moral and religious leader is unsettling to some," he added.

A source at the Vatican who spoke on the condition of anonymity, however, downplayed the latest stunt as harmless: "It wasn't done in bad taste. It's quite funny, actually. We are not worried."

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-targeted-fake-news-amid-tensions-conservative-catholics-n719326

[benld74]

1. This is Francis manner to show Malta

That is led by Cardinal Burke (The Jerk), that meeting with Bannon, yeah that Brannon, is not good,
Pope has absolute authority over the a Catholic Church, and Burke +3 other Cardinals publicly asked the Pope questions that lend themselves Y or N answers.
Making it public, after the Pope had already made his announcement answering those questions, is a means to show RT Conservative Catholics the Pope
Is wrong.
Can't do that boys, so here's what I'm going to do.
I won't remove Burke from head of Malta, but he now reports to a higher up boss, who then reports to me. Burke not highest anymore.
And this is after he placed Burke in Malta, to keep him outta trouble, and STILL Burke messed his pant
Keep it up Burke