Pope Wants Priests To Embrace Technology But Not Live On The Cutting Edge

Pope Francis hasn’t been shy about stating his mind ever since he officially took over the papacy back in March after Pope Benedict XVI became the first head of the Catholic Church to resign in almost 600 years in February of 2013. In fact, the new Pope has been shaking up some of the traditions of the Church, changing the process to get former Popes placed on the list to become saints and even asking for a review of the Vatican Bank. Time has a pretty interesting article about some of Pope Francis’ recent maneuvers, but while he may be changing the Church in some ways, he doesn’t see any reason for the Church to move toward more modern or materialistic ways.

The former cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina has actually proven to be pretty humble while in office, choosing a living situation far removed from the lavish papal apartments men who earn his distinction normally live in. Instead, he’s chosen a simpler route, living in a Vatican guest house and choosing to avoid many of the trappings of the modern world. According to Reuters, the 76-year-old recently spoke out at a training meeting for priests and nuns to tell them they do not need the latest technological devices or cars. According to the outlet, Pope Francis drives a Ford Focus, although we don't know the year. However, if the following words from the Pope are any indication, I’m guessing the vehicle is not brand new.

His reasoning is simple. We live in an age where work can be more effective and even safe if people have devices like cell phones handy and can drive themselves to their business each day. Pope Francis isn’t arguing that people working as part of the Catholic Church should avoid technology entirely, but he is saying that it isn’t necessary to be on the cutting edge.

Pope Francis’ no frills approach might seem a little conservative, but considering how the Catholic Church works and what its values stand for, this approach to teaching priests and nuns doesn’t seem weird or out of the ordinary, especially when you consider the example the Pope is setting, as well. There are people who use power to live a comfortable life or achieve ends and there are people who use power to actually send a message and make a difference in the world. So far, Pope Francis seems to be leaning more toward the latter than the former, but we’ll have to kick back and wait and see how the man does as the months wear on.