Archb. Soc warns against commercialism of papal visit
MISQUOTING POPE FRANCIS
LINGAYEN-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, has alerted the Catholic faithful about commercial items being sold by enterprising businessmen to mark Pope Francis’ visit to the Philippines.
Villegas issued a statement Monday after the CBCP has been apprised of t-shirts with slogans being attributed to the Pope already being sold to exploit the Pope’s popularity.
“While the words in the shirt attempt to convey the openness of the Holy Father, the phrases “NO RACE NO RELIGION” are definitely misleading and quite frankly erroneous,” Villegas said.
He said that Pope Francis never uttered those words even as he is aware that he heads an organized religion with a vast membership throughout the world, and that race forms part of the identity of individuals and of peoples.
“He has never said and taught that religion and race do not matter, because they most certainly do,” Villegas said.
He added that, “It is what selfish, uncharitable and judgmental people do with religion and race that is a problem.”—(Tita Roces)
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