Pope cautions theologians against pitfalls; rejects violence in God’s name

December 06, 2013 - Pope Francis warned theologians against the temptation of pride, ambition and dryness of heart. “Your mission is both fascinating as well as risky at the same time,” the Pope told some 32 members of the International Theological Commission who held their plenary assembly in the Vatican. The commission operates under the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Pope explained to the group that research and teaching theology can become a true path of holiness as with numerous Fathers and Doctors of the Church. It is also risky because it can lead to dryness of heart, pride and even ambition. It would really be ugly and a mistake to think of God with a dry heart. On the other hand, the Pope said, the highly rational character of theology grants it a universal dimension that can unite people of good will. He prayed that the Blessed Virgin obtain for all theologians an increase in the spirit of prayer and devotion, so that they might be true servants of the Church in the spirit of humility. Touching upon the issue of monotheism and violence, the Pope pointed out that God’s revelation through Jesus rules out every recourse to violence in the name of God. “It was precisely because of His rejection of violence to overcome evil with good with the blood of his Cross, that Jesus has reconciled men with God and men among themselves,” the Pope added.