Moore lauds style and humility of Pope Francis

Photo credit: Greg Garrison

While Thomas Moore is in Birmingham, Alabama tonight and tomorrow for programs based on his new book, A Religion of One's Own, Greg Garrison speaks with him about his approaches under the headline, "Former monk speaking tonight in Birmingham advocates creating your own religion, but praises new pope".

Garrison writes:

"The whole attitude to Catholicism has changed because the pope makes his own breakfast," said Moore, one of America's bestselling spiritual authors. "He has done wonderful things already just in his style. I do think style is important. I don't know that it will translate to any changes in the law of the church."
 [. . .]
He has been impressed with Pope Francis setting a tone of humility and creating an emphasis on caring for the poor. "I would hope that he would translate that excellent style and bring some changes," Moore said. "He's got so much goodwill in the world. That's worth a lot."

Other popes have hurt the church by a lack of simplicity, Moore said. "All this pomp and circumstance has hurt the papacy," Moore said. "At the personal level, I still consider myself Catholic. You can't get rid of it." 

Moore's workshop tomorrow Saturday 3 May, starts at 9:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham, 518 19th St. North. The Southern Progressive Alliance for Exploring Religion (SPAFER) and the Friends of Jung-South co-sponsor these events. Tickets are available at the door.