Pope Francis Releases First Book On Catholic Church Vision
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pope Francis has released his first book in which he shares his heart and vision for the Catholic church.
Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli conducted the interviews with Francis and came up with a collaborative work the pope titled, "The Name of God is Mercy."
Dr. William Madges is a St. Joseph's University theology professor and papal scholar:
"He has a great line in there where he says, 'God's identity card is mercy.' You know, if you ask, 'Who is God?' He says, "There's the answer right on the identity card, God is mercy.'"
Madges says the pope believes many people need to hear and take that message to heart.
"They have a view, I think of the Catholic Church that it has been so unwelcoming to some individuals and keeping them at arm's length," Madges said. "And, he's been very clear since he was elected in 2013 that he wants the doors of the church to be thrown wide open."
Madges the pope also speaks of the church's approach to the faithful, acknowledging that past emphasis on doctrine and law now needs to be balanced with mercy.
"You're not throwing law out - but namely, which one orients the other. And he wants law to be oriented or subordinated to mercy rather than mercy being subordinated to law," he explained.
He says the pope also is asking the clergy who hear confessions to consider a more compassionate approach.
Madges says while extending a hand of mercy to sinners of all stripes, the Pope is not offering any proposals that would radically change church doctrine anytime soon.