Pope Francis responds to the collapse of Catholic moral principles in Portugal

And makes me think of this:

Clericalism is bad.  I got that part.  But the rest of it?  Catechesis maybe?  Dialogue perhaps? Your guess is as good as mine.

There is a subset of the Catholic Church that seems to understand every syllable that proceedeth from the mouth of Pope Francis.  Good for them.  As often as not, it seems confusion and conflicted understanding rule the day.  Not in the way of parables that some point to as an excuse.  That is, not in a way that conceals the real meaning while making it clear to those chosen to hear.

The confusion seems legitimate confusion, and in ways that allow people to skirt the issue or, worse, assume that Pope Francis says ‘whatever you want is fine, it’s those Catholics’ fault that you think it’s bad.’  Or something along those lines.  Not that he means this.   But time and again when he speaks, confusion, not catechesis, seems to be the end result.