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Church Not Persecuted, But Confused, Says Professor
A Macalester College professor argues that the Catholic Church faces a crisis not of persecution, but of internal confusion. Dr. Andrew Latham, who also holds fellowships at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy and Defense Priorities, contends that Pope Francis’s emphasis on ambiguity and consensus has destabilized the Church.
Latham criticizes the current pontificate for prioritizing global issues like climate change and economic justice over the Church’s core spiritual mission. He argues that while Pope Francis’s pastoral concerns are valid, they are overshadowed by the damage done to doctrine and Church identity. The professor points to documents like “Amoris Laetitia” and “Fiducia Supplicans,” as well as the Synod on Synodality, as examples of this ambiguity.
Contrasting Pope Francis with his predecessors, Latham praises John Paul II and Benedict XVI for their clear articulation of Catholic teaching and their defense of traditional values. He suggests the next pope must emulate their example, restoring clarity and coherence to the Church’s message.
Latham argues that the next papal conclave must prioritize a candidate who will uphold traditional doctrine and resist the urge to conform to secular priorities. He warns that another Francis-like papacy could lead to further decline, while a pope in the mold of John Paul II or Benedict XVI could offer a path to recovery. He concludes that the Church’s survival depends on internal coherence and a renewed commitment to its core mission.