Pope rips EWTN ‘work of the devil’

September 21, 2021

Pope Francis has lashed out at the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), saying: “They are the work of the devil.”

During a meeting with Jesuits in Slovakia, the Pontiff spoke of “a large Catholic television channel that has no hesitation in continually speaking ill of the Pope.” Although he did not name the network, the reference clearly was to EWTN. “I personally deserve attacks and insults because I am a sinner,” the Pontiff said; “but the Church does not deserve them.”

Pope Francis said that he had “said this to some of them”—apparently indicating that he had lodged complaints with some representatives of the American television network. His public remarks could put more pressure on EWTN, a network that has built up a large international following in part because of its willingness to tackle controversial issues.

The Pope’s question-and-answer session with Jesuits occurred on September 12, during his visit to Slovakia. A full transcript of the session was released on September 21.

During the same session, Pope Francis also expressed impatience with priests who “make nasty comments about me,” complaining that “they make judgments without entering into a real dialogue.”

Evidently linking such criticism to support for the Tridentine liturgy, the Pope went on to speak of “the decision to stop the automatism of the ancient rite.” He said that when young priests seek permission to celebrate the Latin Mass, it is “a phenomenon that indicates we are going backward.”

Earlier in the exchange, Pope Francis had spoken out against a tendency to “look back to the past: to seek security.” He said: “This is the evil of this moment—namely, to seek the path in rigidity and clericalism, which are two perversions.”

“It frightens us to accompany people with sexual diversity,” the Pope told the Jesuit group. He urged them to “go forward in pastoral experiences.”

Also during the meeting, the Pope said:

• After his July intestinal surgery, he is “still alive, even though some people wanted me to die.” He remarked that some cardinals were preparing for a conclave, believing his condition was grave.
• He recommends the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius particularly to Jesuits suffering from a lack of fervor.
• Ideologies have “a diabolical appeal,” and gender ideology in particular is “dangerous.” However the Pope cautioned against making abstract judgments rather than considering individuals. “If there is a homosexual couple, we can do pastoral work with them, move forward in our encounter with Christ.”
• The Western world must welcome migrants and help them to become members of their host society. “Leaving migrants without integration is leaving them in misery; it is equivalent to not welcoming them.”

 

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Further information:

• “Freedom Scares Us”: Pope Francis’ conversation with Slovak Jesuits (Civilta Cattolica)
• Pope Francis to Slovakian Jesuits: ‘Some people wanted me to die’ amid health problems (CNA)