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CNN: Pope says better an atheist than a bad Christian

Pope Francis caresses a child during his weekly general audience, in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican in 2016. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Pope Francis caresses a child during his weekly general audience, in St. Peter’s Square, at the Vatican in 2016. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
By Shelia Poole
Feb 23, 2017

Pope Francis has caused heads to turn once again.

The pope who has not problem speaking his mind - on the environment, women and gays- now suggest that being a nonbeliever is no worse than being a bad Christian.

The pope delivered this message during a homily in Rome, according to CNN .

“So many Christians are like this, and these people scandalize others,” Francis said during morning Mass at Casa Santa Marta, according to Vatican Radio. “How many times have we heard — all of us, around the neighborhood and elsewhere — ‘But to be a Catholic like that, it’s better to be an atheist.’ It is that: scandal.”

Related:

As numbers rise, nonbelievers find each other

About the Author

Shelia has worked at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for more than 30 years. Previously, she worked at The Lexington Herald-Leader and The Louisville Defender. Her beat is a bit of a mixed bag that includes religion and spirituality, culture and trends, race and aging. She earned degrees from Spelman College and Northwestern University.

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