So humble, he's proud of it...

"Humility" on Display:

"Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them:
otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven." (Mt 6:1)


It is amazing to see how many people are falling for the show of the "humble" Francis, Jorge Bergoglio. People should know that there is nothing humble about a man who, in the presence of countless cameras and journalists, constantly tries to show off how wonderful of a person he is. Besides, you definitely know something is wrong when the liberal-secular media veritably swoons over "the Pope" as he gets approval ratings as high as 88% and receives one "Person of the Year" award after another.

The following is an analysis of the facts regarding "Pope Francis" in light of Catholic teaching.


The "Experts" Speak

Shortly after Bergoglio's election in 2013, two Semi-Traditionalist big shots insisted that those who were already calling Francis' bluff didn't have a leg to stand on:

...[C]ertain pundits and commentators of the Internet [are] already publicly rending their cyber garments and pronouncing the new Pope anathema: his humility is really pride, he hates the traditional Latin Mass, his former archdiocese is a disaster area, etc. Read why the author and Father [Nicholas] Gruner tell us that these pronouncements are wrong.

(Christopher A. Ferrara, "Some Wise Words from Father Gruner", The Fatima Crusader 105 [Spring 2013], p. 2)


But no, those pronouncements were not wrong; instead, the "wise words" from Rev. Gruner and Mr. Ferrara were; which Ferrara essentially had to admit in the recently-produced Remnant video "Tradition Under Fire". In addition, Ferrara himself has since written about just how much of a disaster area Bergoglio's archdiocese is: "Apparently, we are not supposed to notice that during Cardinal Bergoglio’s tenure as Archbishop of Buenos Aires ... there was no Catholic renewal but rather a drastic decline in every index of ecclesial well-being, especially the number of priests and religious" (Ferrara, Quo Vadis, Francisce?, The Remnant, Dec. 15, 2013). And apparently, we are not supposed to notice that Ferrara cleverly changed his tune!

Yet, in the Fatima Crusader article cited above, Ferrara and Gruner claim that the objections against Francis some traditionalists had from the beginning, were based on "rash judgment." Instead, they say, "The interior motive is what matters, and we are hardly in a position to judge that after only six days..." (p. 2). But is that really so? Let's have a brief look at what Pope St. Pius X said about the Modernists:

Although they express their astonishment that We should number them amongst the enemies of the Church, no one will be reasonably surprised that We should do so, if, leaving out of account the internal disposition of the soul, of which God alone is the Judge, he considers their tenets, their manner of speech, and their action. Nor indeed would he be wrong in regarding them as the most pernicious of all the adversaries of the Church.

(Pope St. Pius X, Encyclical Pascendi Dominici Gregis, par. 3)


Notice that Pius X here identifies the Modernists as "the most pernicious of all the adversaries of the Church", all the while "leaving out of account the internal disposition of the soul, of which God alone is the Judge." He simply judged by the objective external evidence that certain individuals were Modernists and therefore enemies of Christ, yet at the same time he also made clear that such did not constitute a usurpation of God's judgment of their souls.

To Catholic eyes and sober minds, it was apparent from the beginning that in his role as "Pope" Francis, the long-time Modernist Jorge Bergoglio tried everything in the book to make himself look humble, in such a way as to make the true Popes -- and even, to a lesser degree, his own five anti-papal predecessors! -- look pompous and vain. The result has been a further erosion of the dignity of the papacy in the eyes of the world, something Tradition In Action has aptly dubbed Bergoglio's "Miserablist Revolution".

So, we beg to differ with "Fr." Gruner and Mr. Ferrara: The interior motive is irrelevant to "pronouncing the new 'Pope' anathema". Francis is a most pernicious enemy of the Catholic Faith and the Church and not a humble man. A humble man does not constantly seek to greatly distinguish himself from his predecessors and then eat up the incessant adulation of the world. A humble man does not spend hours after the weekly Wednesday audience soaking himself in the hero worship offered by the crowd. And a humble Pope does not want to be addressed by his baptismal first name!

The objective evidence about Francis speaks volumes. Gruner and Ferrara's laughable contention that he "is ... a pious man with a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin" is amply refuted in our Reality Check on Francis at the end of this post. Granted, the two agree that "[t]ime will reveal any serious problems with the Pope's intentions", and that they could be "forced to a different conclusion" (p. 2). But the bottom line is that the initial criticism of Bergoglio wasn't rash but founded on objective evidence, an assessment that has since been amply confirmed by more evidence of the same kind.

In their article, Ferrara and Gruner then continue with the old, already-refuted claim that Benedict XVI believes that the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart has not yet occurred and is anticipating it in the future. We roundly refuted this idea simply by quoting Benedict XVI himself, in the essay "No Friend of Fatima: Unspinning Christopher Ferrara's Defense of Benedict XVI."

So you see what the opinions of these self-appointed "experts" is really worth. They didn't go by the evidence at hand but rather by what they wanted the truth to be, based on an agenda to which they have committed themselves. Why is anyone listening to these people? Why does anyone care what they have to say?


Beyond the Wheelchairs

A good contribution exposing the fake "humility" of the narcissist Francis has been provided by the traditionalist blogger Mundabor, who, however, is unfortunately still refusing to see that Bergoglio is a non-Catholic Antipope. Mundabor writes:

Wheelchairs are, as we are informed, not enough anymore. In his humbleness, the Bishop of Rome cares to be seen by the entire planet whilst he kisses and blesses a poor man, obviously disfigured by a terrible disease. Following the example of the Gospel, Francis does not miss an occasion to put himself in the middle of the street, and be seen by everyone whilst doing good. Very moving, I am told. Perhaps I should check the Gospel on the matter, though, and Francis too.

...I am truly, truly sick and tired of this kindergarten mentality that refuses to see reality, and prefers to take refuge in bouts of sugary emotionalism completely devoid of any logical content whilst sound Catholicism goes to the dogs. There are bloggers around swooning like girls at the sight of the boy band: look, he did not only kiss the man! No! He imposed his hands on him! Astonishing! Unprecedented! We thought he would say “take the man away from me, he's ugly!” And instead, this…!

Give me a break.

Do you think that Pope [sic] Benedict would have refused to see, or bless, the very same man? ... Pius XII perhaps, or Pius XI? Or perhaps is it so, that these were all men who, conscious of the fact that they must disappear as persons so that Christ may appear in the Papacy, would not indulge in public gestures easily – and rightly – seen as [a] cheap shot at personal popularity?

What is more like the Pharisee in the Gospel of a Pope who, instead of sending his Almoner to help around in the most discreet manner possible – as it used to be; so much so, that most people do not even know who an Almoner is and what he does – sends him around to say to the people he helps “this money comes from Pope Francis”, with the unavoidable press echo whenever someone makes the event public? Is it not so, that saying “this money comes from Pope Francis” is an invitation to make it public? [see here for the story --N.O. Watch]

...

Wake up, for heaven's sake. Refuse to be part of this circus. Read again what Jesus said about the Pharisee who puts [himself] in the middle of the road, and say it out loud. ... This papacy is degenerating into a marketing circus of the cheapest sort; a circus meant to promote one man, whilst orthodoxy is considered “narrow-minded”.

(Mundabor, "Beyond the Wheelchair", Nov. 8, 2013)


Clearly, Francis is receiving the applause of the world and eating it up. On November 9, the Associated Press released a news snippet entitled: "One by One, Pope Greets Hundreds in Wheelchairs." Francis is seeking to be loved and admired by the world, while at the same time he stabs people trying to be good Catholics in the back. He has nothing but contempt for the latter and misses no opportunity to denounce them as Pharisees, Triumphalists, Rosary-counting Restorationists, "self-absorbed Promethean Neopelagians" (Evangelii Gaudium no. 94), etc. Translating his words into action, Bergoglio's treatment of the traditionalist-leaning Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate has been nothing short of tyrannical. This is not exactly what one would expect from a humble soul.

Let's also not forget the amusing episode of Francis himself pointing out his supposed humility. In his third interview, the one conducted by the apostate Eugenio Scalfari, Francis reportedly said: "The Council Fathers knew that being open to modern culture meant religious ecuмenism and dialogue with non-believers. But afterwards very little was done in that direction. I have the humility and ambition to want to do something" (source). Ah, yes; surely no one can argue with that kind of humility. No wonder he's proud of it!

But joking aside. Jorge Bergoglio simply isn't humble; he's full of pride. And he loves being admired and cheered by the crowds. On September 23, 2013, Mexican laywoman Lucrecia Rego de Planas wrote an Open Letter to Francis in which she scolds him for apparently 'loving to be loved by all.' Clearly, this is contrary to the Gospel. Being hated and persecuted by the world is one of the hallmarks of a faithful Christian, as Our Blessed Lord taught:

John 15:18-19
If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.


Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.

Luke 6:26
Woe to you when men shall bless you: for according to these things did their fathers to the false prophets.


To be despised by the world on account of faithfulness to the Gospel is a great thing, because the world despises Christ. On the other hand, to be loved by the world is... well, draw your own conclusions.

True and False Humility

By contrast to the Bergoglian circus, let us consider an example of true humility in a true Pope: Benedict XV. This Pope reigned from 1914-1922 and sought in numerous ways to ease the sufferings of the people affected by World War I. He proved himself an extremely generous giver of alms. If you've never heard of this before, it's probably because he wasn't interested in broadcasting it to the world:

When Pius XI ascended the papal throne [in 1922] and caught his first glimpse of the ledger of the Holy See, he was alarmed at what he saw. In fact, Cardinal [Pietro] Gasparri had to borrow money to pay for Benedict's funeral and the conclave. The expenditures were clearly recorded. Benedict had spent nothing on himself. He made only the most necessary repairs in the Vatican. He had depleted the treasury in charitable contributions during the war and after. He had asked the world to contribute heroically but he himself always took the initiative in this charity.

(Walter H. Peters, The Life of Benedict XV [Milwaukee: Bruce Publishing, 1959], pp. 180-181.)


True virtue seeks to remain hidden. Our Blessed Lord taught: "But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee" (Mt 6:3-4).

Another truly humble Pope was Benedict XV's immediate predecessor, whose heroic humility comes with official ecclesiastical recognition inasmuch as he is a canonized saint: Pope Pius X. It bears repeating that this saint-Pope is also the greatest Anti-Modernist of the twentieth century, for which he has been loathed by many. See our blog post with some interesting tidbits and links about the great St. Pius X.

What a contrast there is between real Popes and real virtue and the undignified circus of Jorge Bergoglio!

More of Francis' "piety," "humility," and "deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary" could be witnessed at this year's Novus Ordo extravaganza known as "World Youth Day." It took place in Rio de Janeiro and left the Brazilian Archdiocese $39 million in debt. To help pay for it, the Novus Ordo authorities had to sell a hospital (!) for $20 million, and now the Vatican has offered to help as well. World Youth Day '13 was a gigantic promo for the Francis Show, and featured such "humble" things as lewd dancing, fun Pagan head gear, a Sodomite porn model as lead choreographer, "Holy Communion" from disposable plastic cups, and much more, and it ended with Jorge the Humble putting a beach ball and a jersey on the altar of St. Mary Major.

The True Faith was ridiculed, God was mocked, and the youth were misled -- but Francis sure had fun!

"If I shall touch only his garment...." (Mt 9:21)

There is another strange phenomenon that seems to be an integral part of the Francis Show, and that is the incessant physical contact Francis seeks to have with his followers, be it hugging, kissing, or laying hands on people. The latter in particular is a very Protestant thing to do.

What's going on with all the touching? The Pope has no special healing powers, after all. Why, then, are people flocking to Francis to be touched by him? The Pope is not Christ Himself. The Pope is not a Wonder Worker. The Pope is not (per se) a Saint. The Pope is not an Apostle (except for St. Peter, of course). There is simply nothing in Catholic doctrine that connects the papacy itself with physical healing or miraculous powers.

So what is going on here? Francis either believes himself to have special healing powers, or else he does it for popularity's sake, confirming people in their apparent erroneous conviction that it is important to be physically touched by the "Pope" as such, or, worse yet, by Francis in particular. (Please don't say he's just being compassionate: Compassion does not exist in a man who denies people the most salutary -- and therefore most compassionate -- thing of all: the True Faith, the True Sacraments, good morals, and genuine piety.)

This is quite troubling. There must be a certain distance between the Pope and the people so it doesn't descend into hero worship, which is exactly what we saw with Karol Wojtyla, John Paul II. It is he who started this "Superstar" quasi-idolatry, where youngsters would practically swoon at seeing him or break out in tears over shaking his hand, reminiscent of girls fainting at rock concerts. It seems that Francis is intent on picking up precisely where John Paul II left off, and kicking the whole thing up a few gears.

What one should seek from the Pope is a blessing, that is, the papal blessing, for the Pope certainly has a special benediction to give. But such a blessing does not involve touching and is to be sought from a Pope who is a scandalous sinner as much as from a holy Pope, because this blessing pertains to the Pope as such and originates with Christ; it has nothing per se to do with the individual who happens to be Pope.

Not so with Francis, the Pretender Pope. He thinks it's all about him, and acts accordingly. It is no surprise that a world that no longer knows genuine Catholicism is falling for him like a set of dominoes.

We will end by providing several insightful Reality Checks and this beautiful quote from Thomas a Kempis' timeless classic, The Imitation of Christ, regarding the difference between nature and grace, the earthly man vs. the supernatural man:

Nature has a relish for knowing secrets and hearing news. It wishes to appear abroad and to have many sense experiences. It wishes to be known and to do things for which it will be praised and admired. But grace does not care to hear news or curious matters, because all this arises from the old corruption of man, since there is nothing new, nothing lasting on earth. Grace teaches, therefore, restraint of the senses, avoidance of vain self-satisfaction and show, the humble hiding of deeds worthy of praise and admiration, and the seeking in every thing and in every knowledge the fruit of usefulness, the praise and honor of God. She will not have herself or hers exalted, but desires that God Who bestows all simply out of love should be blessed in His gifts.

(Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Ch. 54)


May we all learn to be humble, for without this humility, there will be no room for us in the Kingdom of Heaven (cf. Ecclus 3:20; Mt 5:20, 18:3; Mk 10:14; 1 Pet 5:5-6).