Ireland’s historic same-sex marriage referendum being held on Friday has
been framed as a commentary on the waning influence of the Catholic
Church, but perhaps no single event has better represented the recent
transformation and rejuvenation of the scandal-ridden institution.
Regardless of the results of the vote, Ireland will be looking at a new church, humbled in the aftermath of revelations of child sex-abuse but determined to stay relevant by charting a new course, one that some say is modeled on Pope Francis’ efforts to revitalize worldwide Catholicism through an emphasis on compassion and justice.
http://www.ibtimes.com/ireland-gay-marriage-vote-irish-catholic-church-takes-cue-pope-francis-charts-new-1935450
Regardless of the results of the vote, Ireland will be looking at a new church, humbled in the aftermath of revelations of child sex-abuse but determined to stay relevant by charting a new course, one that some say is modeled on Pope Francis’ efforts to revitalize worldwide Catholicism through an emphasis on compassion and justice.
http://www.ibtimes.com/ireland-gay-marriage-vote-irish-catholic-church-takes-cue-pope-francis-charts-new-1935450