Photo: Jessenia Martinez
Pope Benedict XVI has begun to sing praise of the generosity of American Catholics in their welcoming of new immigrants, as well as backing the commitment by bishops toward immigration reform in the country.
This announcement comes at a time when immigration is all the rage in America (or object of rage), with the DREAM Act fighting to stay alive, deportations being handed out like condoms at a college campus and Election Day fast approaching. Strange that the Holy See has been relatively quiet on the issue up until now, isn’t it?
The convenience of this announcement probably shouldn’t be overlooked. A huge number of immigrants coming to the United States are from Latin America, a global bastion of Catholicism and one of the strongest legacies of the Spanish Empire. A flood of Catholicism here could, in theory, give other papal positions stronger legitimacy in the United States – a largely Protestant nation. Not only that, but more Catholics here could draw some flak away from the Church.
However, this does not mean Latinos will vote and support the Church lock-step. It has already been pointed out that Latinos do not all see eye to eye when it comes to God. While we certainly might not seem like we pray as one, what difference does it make? The Vatican’s focus on the Americas is probably as narrow-minded as its focus on women’s rights.
Let’s keep the bigger picture in mind, though. At 57,199,000 followers, Catholics make up a pretty impressive section of Christians in America all on their own. Census 2010 data shows a large Catholic population; however, this is a drop in the bucket. The total Christian population in America, when counting Catholics and 31 other denominations is a whopping 173,402,000. Given the total number of Christians in America, the impact of the Catholic vote is relatively low. There is a reason why there are so many Christian denominations: they didn’t agree with the Papacy in the past.
Also, America has elected only one Catholic president in its history, President Kennedy, and the United States is a country built on the idea of independence from outside thinking and input on how it does things.
This isn’t 1492, the Catholic Church is far from the main religious entity in the world, and its word is losing the power it once wielded.
By Dustin Mendus, guest contributor.
About Being Latino Contributors
Clean your own house first….
Not anymore. Most organized religions now a days are really making jokes of themselves. I’m Catholic, but I don’t like all these coverups and scandals that have been going on in the Church. They are supposed to be teaching us the way of God, but they’re being hipocrites. And by no means is this only the Catholic church! I’ve seen other religions that act FAR WORSE.
Seems like they should be encouraging Latinos to do the right thing like not entering countries illegally, breaking their laws, using false identification, etc… I guess the Catholic Church needs more representation and money in America, therefore they are encouraging reform to those who have not earned or deserved it.
I don’t know but my Catholic Church mass on Sunday is usually standing room only and the Spanish Latino mass is equally packed with a line out the door and a vibrancy and zeal that is incredible. Regardless of what you all think and your prejudices against the church (like the good secular grievience studies Latinos that you are) Catholic life is growing in the United States.
They are attempting to keep families together and that is why immigration is being welcomed.
No.
I am listening. His word matters. Does it matter to you, Being Latino?
BL has a big anti Roman Catholic, pro secular humanist agenda, and they would love everyone to believe that Latinos are some brave new world progressive types rejecting the past, tradition, or what some call the “permanent things” – things and subjects that will never change no matter how much Federal legislation is forced upon the populace. I find their rantings amusing – like that of those recently graduated from an institution and think they know everything there is to know and their way is gospel.
Funny way of being Latino… rejecting the past…
Catholics should care what the bible says. Not what an elected old man in a pointy hat has to say. Everything he says should be backed up by a bible verse.
The writer asks the question why is the church finally speaking out about this, but then goes on to say it is a HUGE issue (rage was his word) right now…I think he answered his own question no? As far as the church ” losing the power it once wielded” I’d have to disagree, my church is packed every Saturday and Sunday, especially with so many people experiencing very troubled times right now. Perhaps it’s not what he turns to, but millions still do.
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173,402,000
Check out the article to find your answer. It isn’t that difficult.
57,199,000
57,199,000 Catholics
What’s a catholic?
1 Peter 2:13-17 Tells us to respect the authority of mans law. So for any Christian who encourages a people to break these laws goes against what God commands. The sad pattern of today’s followers of Christ have a bad habit of picking and chooseing what to believe and what notto believe in the Bible. I do see a big difference to sinning, to saying that doesn’t really count.
Now if this or any Pope advocates for reform great. No issue with that. But when they change and tweek what the Bible says? I would ask what kind of Christian are you? God has said many times that he will judge greater those in position of power in the church. I fear greatly for the resent scandle filled leaders recently and all others who covered up so much.