Does Pope Francis symbolize a changing face for the Catholic Church?

[rug]

December 21, 2013 at 3:56 PM ET
By: Connie Kargbo

Since his election to the papal office in March, Pope Francis is changing the tone of the Catholic Church's governing principles on issues ranging from abortion to gay rights.

Now, in his most recent message, Pope Benedict urged the Curia, the Catholic Church's governing body, to refrain from gossip.

"Holiness, in the Curia, also means conscientious objection. Yes, conscientious objection to gossip," he said. "For gossip is harmful to people, harmful to our work and our surroundings."

This is the latest in a series of comments made by Pope Francis that indicate a more progressive mindset from the papal office.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/12/pope-francis-was-elected-in.html

5:09 video at link.

[IrishAyes]

1. Certainly seems so.