Stop the Lies About Pope Francis and Mary: A Catholic’s Response

 

Stop the Lies About Pope Francis and Mary

A Catholic’s Response

I am disgusted with the bigoted anti-Catholic vitriol being spewed recently by some non-Catholic so-called "Christians," accusing Pope Francis of rejecting Jesus and claiming he’s in Hell because he "entrusted" himself to Mary.
You don't like the Catholic Church or the Pope — I get it.
You don’t understand Catholic teaching, culture, or terminology — I get it.
But at the very least, show basic human decency. Pope Francis has just passed away. He has just been buried. At least respect the man’s death before you start spewing ignorant, bigoted tripe again.
I can’t believe I even have to explain this, but here we are.

Let me break it down clearly, from a Catholic who actually knows what we believe.

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What It Means to "Entrust" Yourself to Mary

When Catholics "entrust" ourselves to Mary — like Pope Francis did many times in his life, and at his death — we are not rejecting Christ.
We are asking Mary, the Mother of God, to help us love and follow Jesus even more faithfully.
We’re following what Scripture shows: Mary always points us to Christ.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 970) says:

"Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power."

Pope Paul VI in Marialis Cultus (1974) made it clear:

"The Church’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin is intrinsic to Christian worship, but it is always directed to the greater glory of Christ."

We don’t worship Mary. We don’t adore her.
We venerate her — because she magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:46). She doesn't compete with Him.

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But Isn't Christ the Only Mediator?

Absolutely.
Catholics fully believe what Scripture says: "There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5).

But that doesn’t mean we can't pray for each other or ask for others’ prayers.
If you’ve ever asked a friend to "pray for me," you already believe in subordinate mediation.

St. Thomas Aquinas explained this perfectly:

"Christ alone is the perfect mediator between God and man... But others are called mediators in a secondary sense, insofar as they cooperate in uniting men to God by preparing or disposing them for union with Him." (Summa Theologiae, III, q. 26, a. 1)

Mary’s intercession doesn’t replace Jesus.
It brings us closer to Him.

The Second Vatican Council's Lumen Gentium hammered this point home:

"Mary’s maternal function towards men in no way obscures or diminishes the unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power." (Lumen Gentium 60)

No confusion. No competition. Just deeper union with Christ.

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Is It Idolatry or Paganism?

No. Not even close.

Idolatry means worshipping something or someone as God. Catholics absolutely do not and cannot worship Mary.
We venerate her because God chose her in a unique way. We honor the masterpiece because of the Artist.

The early Christians knew this.
St. Irenaeus (2nd century) said Mary was "the cause of salvation for herself and the whole human race" (Against Heresies, Book III, Ch. 22) — because she said yes to God’s plan, not because she saved anyone on her own.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 350 AD) told the early Church to ask the saints for prayers,

"praying that God will receive our petition through their prayers." (Catechetical Lectures 23:9)

If asking the saints for prayers is paganism, then the early Church was pagan — which is nonsense.

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Is Pope Francis in Hell Because of Mary?

Seriously?
No human being — no YouTube commentator, no preacher, no Twitter troll — can declare someone in Hell. Only God judges souls (CCC 1038).

Besides, entrusting yourself to Mary is not a sin, much less a mortal sin. It’s a sign of humility and faith in God’s plan.

When Pope Francis entrusted himself to Mary, he was doing what Christians have done for two thousand years: asking a holy mother to pray for him as he followed her Son.

At his 2013 entrustment to Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Francis said:

"We entrust ourselves to you, Mother of the Church, that we may be taught to follow Christ with greater fidelity."

Not “instead of Christ.” Follow Christ.

To spread the lie that Pope Francis is in Hell because of that is not only ignorant — it’s vicious, and it reveals a heart very far from Christian charity.

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Final Word

Catholics entrust themselves to Mary because she leads us straight to Christ. Always has. Always will.
We don't replace Jesus.
We don't worship Mary.
We ask her to pray with us and for us.

And when someone — even a Pope — dies, we pray for them, honor their memory, and leave their soul in God’s merciful hands.
That’s what real Christians do.

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Appendix: Sources and References

• Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 963–975

• Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus (1974)

• Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium, Chapter 8

• St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, III, q. 26

• St. Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book III, Ch. 22

• St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures 23

• Pope Francis, Prayer of Entrustment to Mary, 2013

• St. Ephrem the Syrian, Hymns on the Nativity

In Memoriam: Pope Francis 1936-2025

 

In Memoriam: Pope Francis

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 1936–2025
266th Successor of Saint Peter

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🕊️ A Shepherd from the Ends of the Earth

Born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was the son of Italian immigrants, a Jesuit priest, a chemist, a man of humility, and a spiritual father to millions.

When white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel on March 13, 2013, the world met a different kind of pope. He was the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first to take the name Francis—after the saint of the poor, of peace, and of simplicity.

“Buona sera,” he said simply from the balcony that night.
“And now, I ask you to pray for me.”

It was a papacy that began not with power, but with prayer.

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🌍 A World-Changing, World-Challenging Pontificate

Over his years as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis became one of the most visible and debated figures on the world stage.

He emphasized:

• Mercy over judgment (Misericordiae Vultus)

• Dialogue over division

• The poor over the powerful

He championed the marginalized, visited slums, embraced refugees, and washed the feet of prisoners. He authored encyclicals that shook global conversations:

• Laudato Si’ (on the environment)

• Fratelli Tutti (on fraternity and social friendship)

• Evangelii Gaudium (on the joy of the Gospel)

But his reign was not without controversy.

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⚖️ A Papacy of Paradoxes

Pope Francis bewildered both liberals and conservatives. He often spoke in ambiguities, calling for inclusivity but upholding traditional teachings—yet sometimes appearing to undermine them through pastoral leniency.

He allowed debates over blessing same-sex couples, spoke of the divorced and remarried receiving communion, and challenged the authority of some liturgical traditions.

He was accused of:

• Creating confusion in moral and doctrinal matters

• Appointing progressive bishops while sidelining more traditional voices

• Minimizing doctrinal clarity in favor of “pastoral accompaniment”

To many, he was a prophet of renewal.
To others, a source of disorientation.

He was, in every sense, a disruptor—and perhaps, in his own way, a reformer in the mold of Francis of Assisi: loving the Church not by leaving it, but by shaking it to its roots.

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⛪ Death and Funeral Rites

With his death at the age of 88 in Rome, the See of Peter falls vacant once more.

The traditional novemdiales—nine days of mourning—will take place, with a funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square, likely presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

Pilgrims and protesters alike will gather.

Some will pray for him as a holy reformer.
Others will pray for the next pope to restore clarity.

As his body lies in state before the tomb of the Galilean Fisherman, the world will reflect: what did Pope Francis leave behind?

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🗝️ The Conclave: What Happens Next?

Within fifteen to twenty days, the College of Cardinals—now heavily shaped by Pope Francis himself—will enter into conclave beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes.

The Cardinals are:

• More global than ever before

• Less Eurocentric

• Often pastoral over doctrinal

But many within the Church desire a return to theological clarity, liturgical beauty, and firm ecclesial identity.

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🔮 Theories: Who Might Be the Next Pope?

🧭 1. Cardinal Peter Erdő (Hungary)

• Theologically solid, liturgically traditional, diplomatic

• Could signal a return to doctrinal stability without political friction

🔥 2. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy)

• Charismatic, close to the poor, influenced by Francis but rooted in Catholic orthodoxy

• A bridge candidate between the Francis vision and more moderate voices

📚 3. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines)

• Beloved, emotional preacher, strongly pastoral

• Represents the growing Church in Asia, with echoes of Francis’s style

🕯️ 4. Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea)

• Traditionalist, deeply spiritual, committed to liturgy and orthodoxy

• Could be chosen as a corrective figure—but would require consensus in a divided conclave

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🕊️ Final Words

Whether hailed as a saint or remembered as a provocateur, Pope Francis leaves behind a Church both challenged and awakened.

“A Church that does not go out is a Church that gets sick,” he once said.
“I prefer a Church that is bruised, hurting, and dirty because it has been out in the streets.”

Now the streets of Rome will fall silent as bells toll from the dome of St. Peter’s. And somewhere, a white cassock waits in a tailor’s hands.

The Chair of Peter is empty.

But the Church endures.

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Personal Reflection

I’m going to be honest: I didn’t always agree with everything Pope Francis said or did.
At times, I found his words confusing, vague, and hard to reconcile with the clarity I was used to in previous popes like St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI.
That said, I never stopped respecting him — as the Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Christ, and my Holy Father.

He carried a heavy cross leading the Church in one of the most chaotic and hostile times in history, and I will always honor him for his faith, humility, and service.

As for the next Pope, my hope and prayer are simple:
I want a man who is clear, direct, and courageously traditional — but also charitable and wise in diplomacy.
A man who can stand before the world without apology and say, lovingly but unmistakably:

"I believe — without shame or compromise — that the Catholic Church is the One True Christian Church, founded by Jesus Christ Himself, and the One and Only sure way to God and salvation."

That’s not arrogance.
That’s just truth, spoken with love — the truth that Christ commanded His Church to proclaim to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19).

Whoever the next Pope will be, I pray he leads us with the boldness of Peter, the heart of John, and the wisdom of Benedict.

Did the Pope teach heresy? Do all religions lead to God?

In Singapore, on September 13, 2024, Pope Francis said, “All religions are paths to reach God... They are like different languages that express the divine. But God is for everyone, and therefore, we are all God’s children.”

I cannot judge what is in Pope Francis' heart or mind—only God can do that. However, I do wish the Holy Father would speak more clearly and directly, especially on sensitive topics, while maintaining respect for other religions. Even if his words are being misinterpreted and he does not intend to teach religious relativism, the fact that so many, including Catholics, are confused by his statements—and that this confusion causes division and controversy—is concerning.

I hope that the Pope meant to say that while all religions represent human efforts or "paths" to seek God and salvation, the true and ultimate path is through Christ and His Church. I only wish he had expressed this more clearly. As Catholics, we can affirm our belief in the truth of the Gospel and the Catholic faith while still showing respect for other cultures and religions.

For my part, I remain Catholic because I believe the Catholic Church is the one, true faith—the Apostolic and universal Church, founded by Christ Himself. While the Pope may sometimes make statements that are confusing or controversial, the Church’s official teachings remain constant and true. As St. Peter said to Christ when faced with a difficult teaching, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Even when Pope Francis confuses me, I will continue to respect and honor him as the earthly head of my faith, a fellow child of God, and the Vicar of Christ.

Citations:

• Pope Francis emphasized the importance of respecting other religions and fostering dialogue but has been criticized for ambiguity. For example, in Singapore (2024), he stated that "all religions are paths to God"​(https://www.pillarcatholic.com/)​(
  Crux).
• Dominus Iesus (2000), issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, emphasizes that while there is truth and goodness in other religions, salvation is only through Christ (Dominus Iesus, 22).
• St. Peter’s words to Jesus: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
• The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “it must be firmly believed that the Church... is necessary for salvation” (CCC 846).
• Nostra Aetate from Vatican II acknowledges the truth in other religions but proclaims Christ as the one, true path (NA 2).
• The Church Fathers, such as St. Augustine, affirmed the Church’s role in understanding and interpreting salvation: “I would not believe in the Gospel myself if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so” (St. Augustine, Against the Letter of Mani, 5:6).

Pope Francis’ remarks about all religions being "paths to God" have raised concerns about whether he endorses religious relativism, a view that all religions are equally valid paths to truth. To properly assess his teachings and Catholic doctrine on this issue, it’s essential to compare his statements with Catholic teaching from the Bible, the Catechism, Church Fathers, and other Church authorities.

Pope Francis' Statements

In Singapore, on September 13, 2024, Pope Francis said, “All religions are paths to reach God... They are like different languages that express the divine. But God is for everyone, and therefore, we are all God’s children.” This statement was part of his broader call for interfaith dialogue and mutual respect among different religions ​(Crux) ​(https://www.pillarcatholic.com/).

Biblical Teachings

The Catholic Church firmly believes in the unique role of Jesus Christ in salvation. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This is foundational to Christian teaching, affirming that salvation is through Christ alone.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Catechism supports this by teaching that Christ’s role in salvation is singular and irreplaceable: “It must be firmly believed that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation... Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it” (CCC 846). While recognizing that other religions may contain elements of truth, the Church teaches that salvation comes only through Christ.

Church Fathers and Councils

The Church Fathers like St. Augustine highlighted the importance of the Church in understanding salvation: “I would not believe in the Gospel myself if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so” (St. Augustine, Against the Letter of Mani, 5:6). This underscores the Church’s role in guiding believers toward the truth.

The Second Vatican Council, in Nostra Aetate, expressed respect for other religions, stating: “The Catholic Church rejects nothing that is true and holy in these religions. She regards with sincere reverence those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and teachings... Nonetheless, the Church proclaims, and is in duty bound to proclaim without fail, Christ who is 'the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6)” (Nostra Aetate, 2).

The Vatican and Modern Teachings

In Dominus Iesus (2000), a declaration by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it was reaffirmed that while other religions may contain elements of truth, they do not provide paths to salvation equal to that of Christ: “It would be contrary to the faith to consider the Church as one way of salvation alongside those constituted by the other religions” (Dominus Iesus, 22).

Bishops' Response to Pope Francis

Some bishops, such as Bishop Joseph Strickland, have expressed concern over Pope Francis’ interreligious statements. Strickland called for clarity, urging that “Jesus Christ is the only Way. To deny this is to deny Him”​(Christian Post). This reflects the broader theological tension around the interpretation of the Pope’s remarks.

Conclusion

While Pope Francis’ statements emphasize respect for interfaith dialogue, they must be understood within the larger context of Catholic doctrine, which teaches that Christ is the unique and universal path to salvation. The Catholic Church has consistently maintained that other religions may contain elements of truth, but the fullness of salvation is found in Christ.