In an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” that aired on Sunday, Pope Francis made a statement that has raised eyebrows among some Christians. The pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church, claimed that “people are fundamentally good” and that “the heart itself is good.”
The statement, made during a discussion about hope in a world filled with darkness and struggles, caught the attention of many due to its seeming contradiction with biblical teachings. According to the pope, it is the goodness and resilience of people that give him hope in these trying times.
But Francis’ words have been met with some skepticism, with many questioning if this statement aligns with biblical teachings. Some have suggested that the pope may have misinterpreted or misunderstood certain passages in the Bible.
One such passage, found in Jeremiah 17:9, reads, “The heart is devious above all else; it is perverse — who can understand it?” This verse seems to contradict Francis’ statement that the heart itself is good.
Other biblical passages also seem to refute Francis’ claim. In Mark’s gospel, Jesus himself states, “No one is good but God alone.” And in Romans 3:23, the Apostle Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Despite the pushback from some in the Christian community, the pope stands by his belief that people are fundamentally good. He points to the heroic deeds and resilience of people in the face of tragedy and hardship as evidence of this inherent goodness.
“We are all fundamentally good. Yes, there are some rogues and sinners, but the heart itself is good,” says Pope Francis. https://t.co/MmLPBhWVU2 pic.twitter.com/7Be2GrKrdB
— 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) May 19, 2024
This is not the first time Pope Francis has expressed this belief. In 2019, he made a similar statement during an interview with Italy’s TV2000 channel.
The pope argued that people should not pray the line from The Lord’s Prayer that reads, “And lead us not into temptation.” The traditional translation of this phrase has been called into question, with some, including Francis, suggesting that it implies God is the one who tempts us.
But this interpretation does not align with Catholic theology, as the Church has always taught that it is Satan who tempts us, not God. Francis’ suggestion that the line be changed to “Rescue us from the evil one,” however, has drawn criticism from many who argue that this changes the meaning and intent of the prayer.
Despite these controversies, Pope Francis remains an influential figure in the Catholic community and beyond. His messages of love, compassion, and hope have resonated with many, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The pope’s statement about the goodness of people has sparked a conversation about the nature of human beings and our inherent potential for good and evil. While some disagree with his interpretation of Scripture, others see it as a hopeful and uplifting message.
As the Catholic Church continues to address these and other theological debates, believers and non-believers alike will be watching to see how the pontiff’s words and actions shape and reflect the teachings of the Church. In the meantime, Francis’ message of hope in the midst of darkness continues to resonate with many, regardless of their faith background.
