Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley says he shares in
the sense of wonder at how swiftly Pope Francis has captured the
world’s attention and softened, with his sometimes startling words and
personal gestures, the image of the Roman Catholic church.
But he cautions that those with high
expectations that the shift in tone presages major changes in church
teachings on contraception, abortion, homosexuality and other flashpoint
issues are likely to be disapppointed.
“I don’t see the pope as changing doctrine,’’
O’Malley said in an interview with the Globe, though he said the
pontiff’s focus on compassion and mercy over doctrinal purity has
reverberated powerfully throughout the church.