After greeting Pope, Filipino leader lashes out at Catholic bishops

January 16, 2015

After welcoming Pope Francis to the Philippines on January 15, the country’s president lashed out at Catholic prelates the following day, charging that Church officials have been unduly critical of his leadership.

President Benigno Aquino complained that Catholic bishops had overlooked the corruption of his predecessors, but “now seem to think that the way to be true to the faith means finding something to criticize.” He said that one prelate had even criticized his haircut.

Aquino has been at odds with Church leaders because of his push to enact sweeping new family-planning legislation. The country’s bishops have opposed the plan.

 

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Further information:

• After Meeting With Pope Francis, Philippine President Criticizes Local Church Leaders (New York Times)