The New York Times oddly asserted Thursday that Pope Francis has embraced a less political approach to the papacy, and this “retreat from culture-war politics” has led to the rise of populism in Italy.
Francis’ approach “represents a sharp break with the policies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who attempted to keep the church’s views relevant in societies, including Italy, that have grown increasingly secular,” the Times declared, arguing that Francis has “embraced a new model” for the papacy, withdrawing from political engagement and limiting church action “to the pastoral dimension.”
Breitbart notes that Pope Francis is arguably the most political pope in recent memory, focusing on issues of immigration, climate change, and economic justice.