[flagged]
Pope Francis has died
171–180 of 875 posts
Re: Pope Francis has died
#172Re: Pope Francis has died
#173Why is this posted on HN, even twice? It’s not like other news sources won’t announce this. The pope had its good and bad sides, but in the end we should remind ourselves he’s just a human being. It’s OK for HN to inform about people here, but shouldn’t they be somehow related to any topics HN touches? The popes was just a guy who somehow got popular because of some quite successful religion - but I’d personally pref…
Why have you posted the same general comment twice after the first was flagged? As the rules suggest, if you disagree with the post - flag it.
Re: Pope Francis has died
#174I genuinely liked him, even as an atheist. He seemed to be trying his best to make the world a better place and I can't fault him for that.
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Re: Pope Francis has died
#175[flagged]
Yes, we should, but despite our current state, the pontiff can still generate momentum for progressive global policies, and in that regard, Pope Francis was a breath of fresh air.
Re: Pope Francis has died
#176[flagged]
If we ever reach the point where we aren't interested specifically in what prominent elders have to say, we're screwed.
Not every "prominent elder" deserves respect. Certainly not on the basis that men in a smoke filled room elected them the infallible avatar of a God that most people don't even believe in. People are in awe of this latest Pope because his morals were essentially normal and not medieval. The Pope was just a guy in a robe.
The world would be much better off if we listened to scientists and scholars - people who at least earned the authority with which they speak - the way we listen to priests.
Re: Pope Francis has died
#177@tomhow
I understand the intention behind keeping the thread respectful, especially in the context of someone’s death. That said, I find it difficult to fully separate reflections on Pope Francis from reflections on the institution he led. The papacy is not just a personal role—it is deeply representative of the Catholic Church as an institution, with all the historical and present-day weight that carries.
It also stands out to me that similar moderation reminders don't usually appear in threads about other public figures. That gives the impression that this topic is being treated as more sensitive or "untouchable" than others, and I think it's fair to question why that is.
I'm all for thoughtful conversation, but part of that includes being able to engage critically with the institutions and roles that public figures embody—even in moments like this.
Re: Pope Francis has died
#178Re: Pope Francis has died
#179Earlier quoted context omitted.
Pope John Paul II was also extremely popular across the world.
He was, but John Paul II was traditionally conservative. I think Francis resonated with more people–Christian or not–because he emphasized compassion, humility, and social justice. He spoke more openly about issues like poverty, climate change, and inclusion–his encyclical LAUDATO SI’ is a great read–, and he often used language and gestures that the "common man" could relate to. Perhaps the way he dressed so simply–…
Pope Francis was the only Pope that resonated with me. I was really shocked that at how human his words were. The moment he came on the scene he seemed genuine and honest. I hope they find more like him.
Re: Pope Francis has died
#180I genuinely liked him, even as an atheist. He seemed to be trying his best to make the world a better place and I can't fault him for that.
He riled many of his flock and hierarchy when he said that "even atheists can be redeemed". [0]
I will always applaud a person who retreats — even just a little — from dogma and fanaticism.
https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2013/05/29/187009384/...