In December 2023, the Vatican released a document regarding pastoral blessings, which was promptly weaponized by countless Christians against the Pope, many of whom evidently either did not bother to read the document itself, or did so with bad intent. News media was filled with headlines of this declaration and reports of dissension within the RCC church herself.

I am not a Roman Catholic, but I started to wonder how much truth was found in these accusations. I decided to read the document itself. It’s not hard to find, and not that long. I was sadly not surprised to find that a Straw Man had been erected and publicly excoriated.

Once again, in an attempt to “stay faithful” to Jesus, it looks like Christians have resorted to tactics Jesus never would have used. Brothers and sisters, we must not wage war as the world does.

Here’s the document, if you’d like to read it yourself.