For American Catholics, Pope Francis was elected to lead the Roman Catholic Church at a time of crisis for both the institution and the faithful.
The church in the US was reeling from the aftershocks of continuing exposes of widespread sexual abuse by priests as well as the growing rift separating the church’s leadership from significant portions of younger Catholics. Many of the younger members had become disenchanted with – or in some cases, hostile to – the institution that they saw as ossified, out of touch and irrelevant to their lives.
The American Catholic Church had long been an ethnic immigrant church. As millions of immigrants from largely Catholic European countries came to America, they brought their cultures and religion with them. They built churches and schools that served to solidify and advance their communities and preserve their traditions.
Over time, as these communities grew and prospered, their children assimilated into American life, married, and moved to ethnically and religiously diverse suburban neighbourhoods. This had a profound effect on the church. What had been a mosaic of Italian, Irish, Polish and other European Catholic churches eventually melded into the American Catholic Church.
The ties that bound them together as a single-faith community remained, but they were less potent than they had been in the old homogeneous ethnic communities from which they had emerged. Intermarriage became more common, as did a loosening of the hold the church had over belief and practice.
Catholics, like most Americans, were transformed by the political, social and cultural upheavals that rocked the US in the 1960s and 1970s. Americans came to be divided over issues of race, the war in Vietnam and the sexual revolution. Some became more liberal, others more conservative.
A poll in the 1950s found that a majority of Americans said they would strongly disapprove of their children marrying someone from a different religion. Fifty years later, that no longer bothered them. But if their children married someone supporting a different political party, that would trouble them, they said.
While the Catholic faithful became divided, the bishops, with a few exceptions, did not. If anything, they became more conservative, finding refuge in an increasingly narrow focus on issues like abortion, birth control, divorce and homosexuality. Some still spoke about war, racism, labour rights and poverty – and they issued declarations on these matters – but it was matters of reproductive rights that trumped all else.
Pope Francis met with victims of priestly abuse to ask for forgiveness
Then came the bomb.
There had long been rumours of various priests abusing youngsters over whom they had authority. But no one was prepared for the shock that would follow when, in 2002, the Archdiocese of Boston released a report detailing the magnitude of the problem. There were hundreds of offending clergy and thousands of victims spanning decades of abuse. It shook the church to its core.
My brother, John Zogby, was commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops to poll the attitudes of American Catholics towards this scandal. The reactions were predictable: there was anger and disgust.
While the bishops pledged to address the concerns of their followers, it became clear that several of them were more interested in protecting their institution than in rooting out the problem. This only caused more disenchantment. The problem grew as other dioceses and states released equally damning reports.
The drain on the faithful became even more evident. Church attendance and contributions were down. Being “Catholic” came to be seen more as a demographic identifier that distinguished the descendants of the earlier European immigrants from other “religious” groupings than as believers in the church and its teachings.
Almost tone deaf to the crisis they were facing, the bishops doubled down on abortion and other sexual matters – making these litmus tests for the faithful. And they came to see the church’s future in the waves of newer immigrants to the US from Latin America and Africa who appeared to be more traditionally minded.
After many bishops made their preference clear for Republican Party candidates for president in 2008 and 2012, some prominent Catholic politicians representing the Democratic Party wrote a letter to the bishops reminding them that the bishops’ statement on policy concerns included 25 issues. They said: “We agree with you on 24 of these and disagree on one [abortion]. And yet you show preference for candidates who agree with you on just one issue and disagree with you on the other 24.”
It was into this divided church that Pope Francis began his papacy in 2013. His impact was profound, and yet subtle. He never directly challenged the conservative positions on abortion, homosexuality, or women’s role in the church. And yet he had an immediate effect, with gestures that spoke of a kinder, gentler approach to the faithful.
He displayed humility, foregoing ostentatious papal trappings. He washed the feet of prisoners and visited refugees, showing respect and compassion. He met victims of priestly abuse to ask for forgiveness. He also had audiences with gay Catholics to demonstrate acceptance. Tabooed topics became matters to be discussed, and he made clear that those who had been shunned by traditionalists were to be treated with respect.
His gestures spoke volumes. For many Arab Americans – like in the case of much of the Arab world – four of these stand out. Most will never forget that on his visit to Bethlehem, he stopped his motorcade and walked to Israel’s notorious wall, putting his head to the concrete barrier, praying and saying: “We need bridges, not walls.”
Or how this past Christmas, he prayed in front of the manger scene that featured the baby Jesus laying on a Palestinian keffiyeh. Or how for the past year, he would place a nightly FaceTime call to the Palestinian Christian church in Gaza to speak with the enclave’s suffering people. And finally, his historic and deeply moving meeting with Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, in the UAE and inter-faith declaration that they co-signed, promoting understanding and mutual respect between Muslims and Catholics.
His gestures outraged conservatives who sought to undermine him at every turn. Because they were gestures, some liberals were left dissatisfied that he didn’t move to change church teachings and practice.
In a real sense, the Catholic Church he has left is as divided as it was when he began his papacy. But the departed pontiff’s legacy is that for more than a decade, he brought hope and compassion, respect and an invitation to dialogue. It may not be enough to save the Catholic Church in America, but if his example is followed, it could light the way forward for its members.
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 4 (Mount 18',Werner 44', Hudson-Odoi 49', Havertz 85')
Morecambe 0
Quick%20facts
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
World%20Cup%202023%20ticket%20sales
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Other key dates
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Finals draw: December 2
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Finals (including semi-finals and third-placed game): June 5–9, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-off draw: November 22, 2019
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Euro 2020 play-offs: March 26–31, 2020
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
The specs
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm
Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: L/100km
Price: Dh306,495
On sale: now
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Six tips to secure your smart home
Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.
Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.
Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.
Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.
Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.
Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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Expert input
If you had all the money in the world, what’s the one sneaker you would buy or create?
“There are a few shoes that have ‘grail’ status for me. But the one I have always wanted is the Nike x Patta x Parra Air Max 1 - Cherrywood. To get a pair in my size brand new is would cost me between Dh8,000 and Dh 10,000.” Jack Brett
“If I had all the money, I would approach Nike and ask them to do my own Air Force 1, that’s one of my dreams.” Yaseen Benchouche
“There’s nothing out there yet that I’d pay an insane amount for, but I’d love to create my own shoe with Tinker Hatfield and Jordan.” Joshua Cox
“I think I’d buy a defunct footwear brand; I’d like the challenge of reinterpreting a brand’s history and changing options.” Kris Balerite
“I’d stir up a creative collaboration with designers Martin Margiela of the mixed patchwork sneakers, and Yohji Yamamoto.” Hussain Moloobhoy
“If I had all the money in the world, I’d live somewhere where I’d never have to wear shoes again.” Raj Malhotra
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
MATCH INFO
Championship play-offs, second legs:
Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 0
(Aston Villa advance 1-0 on aggregate)
Fulham 2
Sessegnon (47'), Odoi (66')
Derby County 0
(Fulham advance 2-1 on aggregate)
Final
Saturday, May 26, Wembley. Kick off 8pm (UAE)
MATCH INFO
Jersey 147 (20 overs)
UAE 112 (19.2 overs)
Jersey win by 35 runs
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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THE DEALS
Hamilton $60m x 2 = $120m
Vettel $45m x 2 = $90m
Ricciardo $35m x 2 = $70m
Verstappen $55m x 3 = $165m
Leclerc $20m x 2 = $40m
TOTAL $485m
