"Nuttier than a fruitcake, Fawlty!"
Apparently Pope Francis revealed to a journalist he consulted a psychologist when he was 42 years old, to help him clarify a problem. (Story here.) So far so good. Although I'm beginning to notice comments on Facebook such as "It's been an open secret in the Vatican that the Pope is on psychotic medications."
The story can only get better going forward, I'm sure. What?
"Hurry! Get me out of here - I told you he's insane
and has me imprisoned."
I'm just joking about this of course. Nothing is wrong with consulting a psychologist or taking medication when needed. The Holy Father's admission may help remove any such stigma. I imagine those who dislike and mistrust the Pope may use this against him however.
"I imagine those who dislike and mistrust the Pope may use this against him however"
ReplyDeleteMeh ... good for our Papa Francis in seeking professional help. What was said or done is between his doctor and himself and our Lord.
Let the experts who specialize in scandal, smear tactics, laughable speculation continue to make fools of themselves while trying to decipher "just what it all means."
I have only respect for a man or women, but especially a man who would consult professional help for a personal problem. Pope Francis seems to be a man of deep reflection, prayerful reflection and integrity. So, what is wrong with that? Oh yea I can hear it now, "real men do not talk about feelings or how they might change their own behavior." Real men just tell everyone else they have the problem!
ReplyDeleteYeah - I hope I'm wrong that people will use this against him. I think he is a great example for all of us.
ReplyDeleteYes, he is. I can only hope to love and to pray like Papa Francis does.
DeleteHappy Labor Day everyone!
I think the problem that people are seeing is not that he sought out therapy, but that he sought out a Freudian psychoanalyst. That's a particular kind of therapy that has been repeatedly condemned by holy people, Popes and Catholic Psychologists. It's not that he sought help, but that he sought a particular kind of help that is problematic. And yes, it's an open secret that the Pope is not emotionally and psychologically well. Very prominent Catholic Psychiatrists have written articles on the topic. A Google search will find them for you. Most of them say he suffers from Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
ReplyDeleteThey say that about Trump and Obama as well. I'm sure it was said about JPII as well. It's highly unethical for professionals to psychoanalyze a person without direct examination and interview, or based upon media reports and perception. His seeking help about an unnamed difficulty is not a negative, many people seek some form of counselling from time to time, houses of formation and religious communities often send members for counselling. Freudians fell out of favor by the 1980's and he was atheist - nevertheless, I'm sure it wasn't a sin to consult a Freudian trained shrink. There are many Christians who think psychology is demonic or equivalent to the occult. What can I say?
DeleteI noticed that Francis went for counselling after his tenure as superior general of the Argentine Jesuits I think - in the late 1970's. That may have provoked some challenges for him. he eventually fell out of favor with the Jesuits in Argentina because he was too traditional/conservative. Yet today people accuse him of being a Marxist and too liberal.
All of this will get thrashed about, and as I suggested, he will be condemned for this as well. How encouraging for people suffering from short-term/long-term mental illness.
When I was younger, I sought help from a mental healthcare professional. The help that I received was lifesaving.
DeleteIt made me a better person despite my falls and bumps along the road of life.
So yes, knowing that Papa Francis sought help too is encouraging indeed. God bless him!
Terry, are you saying that dealing with Jesuits can make a guy crazy?
DeleteThe Holy Spirit knew what He was doing when He inspired the cardinals to vote for Papa Francis. Don't we trust Him??
ReplyDeletehttp://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2017/09/03/pope-says-marriage-can-only-be-between-a-man-and-a-woman-and-we-cannot-change-it/
DeletePapa Francis does not sound psycho at all in this interview but it does feed the unsavory papal critic machine.
Hope everyone is enjoying cool weather this fine Sunday cause in So Cal, we are roasting. ×_×