VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis today denounced conservative icons Pat Buchanan and Sarah Palin, calling their recent objections to his leadership style “confusing,” “hypocritical” and “borderline-heresy.” The pontiff—who was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church in March—complained that Buchanan and Palin should “look into their own hearts” before questioning his actions, and suggested that they are “simply jealous, having repeatedly failed to be elected to high office themselves.”
Francis, formally a Cardinal from Argentina, was responding chiefly to an article published on Townhall.com Friday in which Buchanan—a longtime soldier in the so-called “culture wars”—wrote that the pope was wrong to move “the Catholic Church to a stance of non-belligerence, if not neutrality, in the culture war for the soul of the West.” Buchanan said he believes that unless the Church remains aggressively opposed to abortion and LGBT rights—as it was under Francis’s predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI—it will lose its moral authority and surrender to relativism.
In a blog post published on the Vatican’s website Monday morning, Pope Francis—who has argued that Catholics should embrace members of the LGBT community, relax efforts to convert atheists to Christianity, and stop being “obsessed” by abortion and gay marriage—responded to Buchanan’s criticism, writing that the former presidential candidate and aide to Ronald Reagan should “reflect on his own opinions” before criticizing others.
“This is a man who has dabbled in Holocaust denial and has a documented history of anti-Semitism,” Francis wrote. “Of course he doesn’t want the Church to become more inclusive. He’d probably like it if we segregated mass services from now on.”
“Opening up the Church to all of God’s children is the just and moral thing to do,” Francis continued, “and I won’t be persuaded otherwise, especially by a man who couldn’t even beat Bob Dole in the ’96 Republican primaries.”
The Holy See also had harsh words for former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, another of his American conservative critics. Palin—who, unlike Buchanan, is not a Catholic—said Thursday that she is “taken aback” by some of Francis’s decisions and is dismayed by his “liberal” comments.
“What does Palin know about leadership?” Francis wondered. “This is a woman who couldn’t even make it through one term as governor of Alaska before resigning, and who, let’s be honest, was probably the worst vice presidential nominee in American history.”
Francis also questioned Palin’s grasp of religious tenets. “I’m not convinced she knows the first thing about the Bible,” Francis wrote. “In fact, I’m not even confident that she knows how to read.”
121 comments
about time there is finally a religious figure that actually cares about humanity
It seems to me that Buchanan and Palin are enormously arrogant in thinking they speak for anyone but themselves. They have no right to question any religious leader’s stand on any topic. This pair and their ilk paint themselves with a rigid, moralistic veneer and dismiss anyone who doesn’t agree with them. I should think they wouldn’t want the rest of us sinners in their very selective heaven. I turned away from the Catholic Church once they became utlra-conservative and put dogma before their flock. With this Pope, for the first time in fifty years, I might consider walking through the doors of a catholic church again. It’s time we had a Pope who understands the modern world problems of his followers and offers some sensible leadership. I wish I could say the same for the other two.
Ms Maga is correct. There is no mention of Palin or Buchanan on any of the Vatican sites. The Kind Pope would not have said the quotes referred to. I don’t like either of these people. But lies and misinformation would discredit the work the Pope is trying to do.
It’s satire, but I love it. Oh, how I wish it was true and someone had the stones to say it for real.
No man of God would respond this way.
I know this is fake and a satirical article. It would be pretty cool if Pope Francis had said this though. I love him.
This is total BS. I’m not a Catholic, but I’m a huge fan of this guy. I spoke with a Franciscan nun who worked at the Vatican and explained that the Pope gives a speech in whichever languages he chooses, the translators translate it however they want, it goes across the building to the various media outlets who repackage it and send it to their editors, who edit it into something that, often as not, is nothing near what the Pope actually said at all.
Pope Francis is important because no leader in known history has amassed THREE MILLION PEOPLE to come listen to him on, say, a beach in Brazil. He didn’t advocate war, or exclusion, or crusade or destruction any of the things that very power leaders get away with doing. His message is astonishingly Christ-like, set apart from Christian doctrine.
This is a propanda piece. Utterly dishonest, disgusting and worthy of contempt by all intelligent readers.
Although I agree with the words attributed to the Pope, I don’t believe he said them. That would be very “unPope” like.
None of these comments by Francis are referenced. This is a propaganda article.
You all should know that Newsflo is not reporting facts …and is satirical of course.
To everyone on this thread that takes this article completely as fact – please throw away all your electronic equipment that is capable of internet access immediately before you hurt yourself or others and I would suggest some mental health counseling.
I believe Laurie this is B.S. , the Pope is a religious leader he would never wade into political crap, all men are created equal, God loves and forgives us all no matter want we do , think , or say we need to follow his example
POPE FRANCIS IS MY POPE – AND I AM A MUSLIM FAN OF THE POPE
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2013/11/pope-francis-this-is-my-pope-and-i-am.html
Best pope ever.
Just throwing this out there – but there is a real credibility issue here with this article. I have gone directly to the Vatican website and searched for any reference to “Palin” or “Buchanan” and the exact phrase “look into their own hearts” and there were no hits at ALL on any of those three searches. Additionally, the Pope, according to the site, has not written a blog post in about 5 days. So, unless the author can produce the link which he so conveniently left out of his article – I am calling this article suspect, at best. Additionally, I have never heard any Pope – past or present – use language like this. So, unless Alex Kuizio can provide the link, I’d suggest you all take a breath.
You go, pope. these two are aholes who want to continue to divide people and play race and gender against each other. they play to the worst fears of their constituents.
It’s satire ! For God’s sake….really do it for God…educate yourselves on what satire is….why are your believers so dumb God ?
Satire is supposed to be funny. This is just slander.
Where, exactly, is the Pope’s blog? I’m finding nothing.
Not true.
this isn’t satire like the story your talking about its a quote from The Popes homily this past week…. Yesterday during his daily homily, Pope Francis warned against what he calls “adolescent progressivism”
In his words, “The spirit of worldliness also exists today, today also brings us this desire to be progressive, following a single thought,” he warned, adding that “a globalized uniformity” results from secular worldliness, as faith is often sacrificed for the illusion of human harmony.
One Vatican insider described the message thusly:
Today’s first reading was a passage from the Book of Maccabees. Francis focused on the perverted source of worldliness in this passage, which describes how the leaders of the people do not want Israel to be isolated from other nations, and so abandon their traditions to negotiate with the king.
So here we see leaders going to negotiate and they are excited about it. The pope says it is as though what they are saying is: “we are progressives; let’s follow progress like everyone else does”. The Pope noted that this is the “spirit of adolescent progressivism” according to which “any move forward and any choice is better than remaining within the routine of fidelity,”
It’s amazing how many people read these kind of satires and think its fact. I mean, I agree with the tone of lots of these goofy “articles”, but I see how people are researching them and scratching their heads… and I think the price of these bits of comedy is pretty high. You can also find incredible amounts of satire on the extreme right, and you’ll find droves of people eating that stuff up as fact, also then repeating stuff as truth. The internet has become the garbage dump of modern man. Full of little treasures, but mostly just electromagnetic compost.
What a charming tart tongue he has! In particular stunning is his comment that he’s not sure if Sarah Palin can read. I have often wondered that myself!
Liberals must like the satirically smeared EGG all over their face? Enjoy the laugh… I especially liked the writing style so “loving and gentle” like this Pope is. Oh well…kind of like the two faced thespian there will also be a time to cry.
Though I agree with the statements ALLEGEDLY made by Pope Francis, I DON’T BELIEVE in a second that he made them. Because of the insertion of the part regarding Buchanan losing to Dole. PLEASE, he would never stoop that low on the comment wire. NEVER.
Listen to God not men! The fact that the pope thought is necessary to respond to the endless banter concerning politics. It just a bad sign too! I do not trust the media or politicians. We need a major change in this country and around the world.
I love this man. seriously. i have not been impressed by a pope in decades, at least not favorably. This man is exceptional. Even though this is a satirical piece, I have to give the new ponitff credit. I mean..look at the German Bling Bishop …his multi-million dollar estate is now a soup kitchen for the poor. That alone is worth a thousand cudos.
So now we have to Google every article to see if it is Satire?
Newslo is no better than Fox News – presenting a view as if it is truth.
I get satire, but nowhere on that page is any indication that they do satire?
So now we have to Google every article to see if it is Satire?
Newslo is no better than Fox News – presenting a view as if it is truth.
I get satire, but nowhere on that page is any indication that they do satire?
Everyone knows this is not Pope Francis’ words, right? Popes do not speak like that, nor are they that absorbed with American politics. The writer sure is fooling a lot of people.
WOW, just a little more indoctrination into the world of ‘everything is ok’. Good luck with that in heaven. He is a train wreck that God will deal with.
It’s called satire. I can’t believe there are people who didn’t recognize it as such. Get a sense of humor people.
There is no way the Pope said this. This is too bitter. He would not respond in this manner.
This must be a gag. I can’t believe the Pope would actually say these things.
Obviously this is satire. I seriously doubt that the Pontiff would be this outspoken, blunt, and candid.
Thank you for your razor edged honesty Pope Francis. The more I read your words, the more devoted to you I become. Could you emigrate and RUN FOR POTUS?
This is fantastically hilarious! But I have to wonder…is this satirical? Seems awfully snarky for a Pope 😉
There is no way this or any other Pope would utter these words.
thanks for a badly written article, although one that makes Francis points clear to all, twice or more times over.
The pope says he isn’t convinced Palin can’t read= day made.
Yes, I know its satire but it’s not even witty.
There is a BIG difference between propaganda and satire.
Haha! Entertaining! (hint: satire)
I can’t find the source of the quotes.
Those words are not Pope Francis’
Maybe not his words, but I am sure it is what he thinks!
Can you add a link to the blog post from the Vatican?
Snaaappp!!!
This is too good to be real
Harmit Tamber seek help.
I LOVE my POPE!!!!!
I like this piece, but I think that people should try and be more understanding when others read this and do not immediately know it is satire. Yes, it seems obvious to me, but I have a particular cultural and social perspective. We should all aspire to be more like this well-liked Pope and practice kindness; insulting people instead of informing them just seems a bit mean-spirited.
hahahahahahaha…i’ve been watching this site now for a while…it’s interesting to see how some articles are immediately funny to most and just about sacreligious to others…haters beware…you’re gonna be outted on this page…but even more interesting is how those when told this is a satirical site just refuse to believe it…hysterical! oh…and one more point…my favorite…the lazy trolls…who can’t bother to check anything out beyond the pimple on their nose…just one click away from seeing the truth…smh
Despite this being a parody…..He’s the best Pope to come along in hundreds of years! YAY, Pope Francis! May your life be long and blessed with the good will of all those you are trying to include in your ministry. And may God himself protect you from those hidden enemies both inside the church and out.
Maybe the Pope hired Newslo to express his true thoughts in order to save his flock and get more people to join the Catholic Church! These new words are mighty fine to me!
How could she know how to read when she thought South/Africa is the capital of Africa not knowing there are 54 countries in Africa, during her campaign to deceive the Americans.Pope carry on with your holy work of God and more blessings
Wow! I am not a Catholic, but I might just convert, this guy is the real deal.
He needs to be careful, not to take the bait from these idiots that make millions of dollars just flapping their gums, to a bunch of other idiots that can’t read or think for themselves.
Well maybe the Pope didn’t actually use these words, but Sarah Palin DID say those things about him !!
this man will change the world. He has balls as big as his heart and that’s what the Catholic church has needed for eons. Bravo – I love this guy…
This priest, THIS Pope has some flexablity, yet is still open to the world and the possibility of love offered by all to all.
I love this Pope !!! About time these conservative dopes hear some real truth !!! News flash !!! Read your Bible. God loves everyone !!! Even those who are self righteous. Like Buchanan and Palin. However misguided they maybe!!
no fan of Buchanan or Palin, but this does NOT sound like anything Pope Francis would say, or even bother to respond to. Hoax I believe.
IF THE POPE SAID THESE THINGS AND DOES NOT HAVE THE BALLS TO STAND FOR WHAT THE CHURCH HAS TAUGHT FOR CENTURIES THEN IT SEEMS THAT CRITICISM IS IN ORDER. HOW CAN ANYONE NOT TAKE A STAND ON ISSUES THAT MATTER?
satire…yes….but there is truth in this…::)
Jerry Green, the article is NOT referenced as satire. Good grief, how hard is this for you to understand? The “SHOW FACTS” highlights are also false, purposely to mislead.
Proverbs says Don’t argue with a fool, So they probably won’t respond
Pat and Sarah are contemporary exàmples of where the right went wrong!
I agree with what the Pope supposedly said, but it doesn’t s Lund like him at all.
True, this is satire…the Holy Father would never say such things as this…but it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t think them! …and I’m sure he does!
I guess he’d denounce me, also, since I feel like he has taken liberties with his interpretation of God’s laws !
Perhaps not Exactly words out of his mouth, but thoughts perhaps repressed through prayer.
Oh, SNAP! Finally, a pontiff who embraces all the things that the Church should be. If he keeps this up, I might just go back to mass on Sunday.
Apparently this article is satirical. But I think we should forward it to the Pope anyway because I bet he’d agree with it.
LOL…competition for the onion….good one, wish he HAD said this..
why are you people so mad because he spoke the truth god loves everyone even your dumb ass.
Thank you Pope Francis! You are clearly being led by the Holy Spirit! Thank God for you now and always!
For a link to the His Holiness’ comments see http://www.hisholiness.hvn
Satire or no, you’re all pretty.
Let’s all agree this is a good and gracious Pope. Please honor and respect him.
Way to go Pope Francis! You tell ’em!
Wow. I may need to reenlist!
Omg, WERK! So well said. What a true, wise, and kind hearted leader.
Isaiah Veiga, I am protecting the honor of Pope Francis.
Jerry Green, you can argue that with the Vatican.
John Iwaniszek, you are completely off topic.
Just kidding!
DAMN the Pope went hard on them!!!
Should say sound
OMG Is this for real?
I like this pope.
This is too good to be real
I love Pope Francis
Lol this was sooo funny! And the comments are even better! I get the feeling that Laurie Anderson Maga is just trolling you all. After all this IS a satirical site… Definitely a good before-bed read 😀
This areticle is BS to the square power! It takes some words from Francis I and adds a lot of the authors invention. Francis would never use such harsh words nor reference to electoral and political faillures internal to US mechanics. Stop publishing this crap!
You’re all aware, of course, that Newslo is a satirical news site…that Pope Francis never actually said any of this…right? And if you weren’t aware, and genuinely thought that this was a legitimate news story, why would you be happy about it?…just because it skewers Buchanan and Palin?? I mean, please…look at some of the quotes attributed to the Pope. Irrespective of who he’s talking about, why would anyone be pleased by seeing this wonderful man debase himself by stooping to this level of discourse? That’s why funny man Alex Kuzio wrote it; because Pope Francis would NEVER speak like this, no matter who he was talking about…that’s what makes it’s funny! The fact that many of you, who thought this was an actual news article, approved of the Pope lowering himself to this level, shows that you have yet to properly discern the gentle nature of this beautiful man.
Those of you freaking out about this being “SATIRE”: You see those two little buttons at the bottom that say “show facts”/”hide facts”? This site prides itself on taking true statements and incorporating them into a larger fictional event.
This is NOT complete satire and by having an online conniption about it all being FAKE!!! without truly knowing what you are reading, makes you sound just as bad as those who believe everything they read online.
Just calm it down, read the ABOUT US section – https://politicot.com/about-us/ – and be thankful that we finally have a rational human as pope now.
“…not surrender to relativism…” –Pat Buchanan
Philosophical absolutes are clearly a pipe dream of the authoritarian and errant fundamentalist. Einstein was clear and the math itself would seem to bear it out… Relativism is the reality and a countenanced social bigotry a curse on that reality, a retreat from it… a rejection of it. Pompous Pat and insentient Sarah are that curse, that retreat, and that rejection.
If we are not open, inquisitive and kind in our words and even meditations of the mind toward Ms. Palin and Ms. Bachman how can we wish for them to be the same toward people who they believe are acting immorally? I find it immensely difficult to embrace them as who they are without ridicule and satire so that is our challenge! If we meet ours, perhaps most unexpectedly the fixed and unfriendly mind of our current society may soften. It may be a long shot however it is may well be our only one.
You go dude!!! That’s my Pope! Where In the bible does it say not to embrace LGBT? Abortion? If the mother has a life threatening condition, she’s supposed to be allowed to die when she could be saved? Because it’s better for a baby to be without a mother than a mother to be without a baby? Really? Jesus was accepting of everyone, so why shouldn’t the church? He’s the man! 🙂
I like the new pope, too, but a lot of people apparently haven’t figured out that this article is satire. Which is actually pretty sad, considering the article headlines displayed adjacent to this one. Are we as a nation beginning to lose our sense of humor, or are we just getting dumber?
THE POPE AND THIS GODLESS INSTITUTION CALLED A CHURCH ,HE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A LOST SINNER THAT NEEDS TO ASK JESUS TO FORGIVE HIS SINS. HE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A SPOKESMAN FOR SATAN.PERIOD. THERE IS NOTHING HOLY ABOUT THIS DEVIL CALLED POPE…………..
Remember when satire was actually humorous? This has almost no comedic value, it’s just a poorly written story trying to dupe people by sounding remotely factual. Who the Hell writes this garbage?
I believe this captures the spirit of this man and pope, but I doubt very much he ever publicly made these statements. I only hope they were his private thoughts. In any case, it dubious journalism.
Thank God I am not the only one who have the same opinion with these two big mouths. Questioned all these morality on how the Pope must act. What a joke.
Oh snap! That is just about the best smack down I’ve ever read. I really like this Pope Francis.
Wow. I like this guy, he knows how to let people have it. Buchanan and Sara Palin haven’t faintest clue about world politics.
Would LOVE to find the original blog by Francis you’re talking about. Please, CITE THE ENTRY!
It matters not who wrote this, Francis is a leader in the true Christian sense.
Love this Pope get the satire, but maybe be suboncousky , thought it 🙂
good for the pope lol and he is funny too lol he got jokes too
Omg the pope let thosr to racist nut a have it lol
Come on, peeps! This is satire! Chill out!
Love it, hate is hates y way you look at it
Oh dear God let this be real!
Thank you Pope Francis
Pope Francis, your a fake!
Wow!!!!
Really petty comments by the pope.
I love the Pope.
Pope “Popi”…I knew he was a Boston fan!! Right on !!
Way to go Pope!