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Pope Francis has died

(www.reuters.com)
916 points phillipharris | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.21s | source
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hliyan ◴[] No.43749565[source]
I wonder whether we will have another Jesuit Pope. Jesuits are supposed to be generally very education focused, more progressive (especially w.r.t science) and stand less on ceremony. I know nothing about how the College of Cardinals work, but if they're anything like other political voting bodies, one of two outcomes are possible: a swing to the Right (and toward tradition), recognizing the current balance of power in the world, or a swing even further Left of Francis, again recognizing the current trend but as a counterweight.
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grandempire ◴[] No.43749843[source]
> especially w.r.t science

I would like to know more. My impression is that most Christian institutions have long ago disentangled from scientific debate - providing interpretative value rather than alternative science. This is part of a larger trend to focus their scope and mission in modern life. Have the last few popes made comments on scientific issues?

(The exception is evangelical Americans.)

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1. mrj ◴[] No.43753869[source]
I went to a Jesuit university. The way it was explained to me could be simplified to: God wouldn't lie to us, God made nature, so then scientific discoveries therefore teach us more about nature and God. When a new discovery threatens old teachings, the Jesuits convene and figure out how to incorporate this new understanding into their beliefs, strengthening them rather than threatening.

I found it inspiring. I'm genuinely sad about the Pope's passing. He was a man who followed the teachings as he understood them.