Speaking with the Spanish-language outlet Vida Nueva, the Pope said he remains undeterred by the opposition and is resolute in his mission to unmask what he calls the "prophets of confusion."

During the interview, which coincided with his visit to Lisbon for World Youth Day, Pope Francis expressed his views about various issues within the Church and the broader world.

One significant topic he discussed was the prospect of a Third Vatican Council.

Francis asserted that the time is not yet ripe for such a council, primarily because the Second Vatican Council's implementations have not been fully realised. He further criticised ideological movements within the Church that adopt a "restorationist air" while being plagued by corruption.

Royal court culture in the Curia

Francis acknowledged that his reform efforts to date in the Church have revealed "a certain impotence," in that there's only so far "over the limit" it's possible to go. He admitted that "I have not yet dared to put an end to the culture of a [royal] court in the Curia."

Addressing the criticisms he has faced for his inclusive approach, such as regularly meeting transgender individuals during his Wednesday audience, the Pope drew inspiration from Jesus in the Gospels.

"The first time they came and saw me, they left crying, saying I had given them a hand, a kiss, as if I had done something exceptional for them," he said. "But they are children of God! He still loves you just the way you are. Jesus teaches us not to set limits."

A stone in the shoe of imperialism

When questioned about his stance on World Youth Day and pastoral approaches, Pope Francis expressed concern over any approach driven solely by ideology, be it from the left, right or centre.

He emphasised that such approaches are inherently flawed and detrimental to the youth. In particular, the Pope singled out right-wing ideologies, cautioning against the dangers posed by groups linked to them.

On the international front, Pope Francis declared himself a staunch opponent of imperialism in all its forms. He decried the strength of imperialism, asserting that America is a victim of various empires.

According to the Pope, the solution lies in empowering people to be the "protagonists of their own destiny," but he cautioned against resorting to populism.

"I speak badly of any empire, of whatever sort," the pope said. "For this reason, I know that I am a stone in the shoe for more than one when I report these situations, so they have to somehow drive away the pain of the stone."

Sources

CruxNow

Catholic Herald

CathNews New Zealand

Francis landed in Lisbon on Wednesday for the week-long World Youth Day, an event devised by the late Pope John Paul II for Catholics in their teens or early 20s and held every two or three years in a different city.

The event comes less than six months after a report by a Portuguese commission said at least 4,815 minors were sexually abused by clergy - mostly priests - over seven decades. The commission in charge said that was just the "tip of the iceberg".

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Homeless people and others sleeping rough in Almirante Reis Avenue, one of Lisbon's busiest thoroughfares, were recently given an ultimatum by the city council: vacate the premises by July 12 or face forced removal.

Many homeless individuals affected by this decision believe that the city council's actions are directly linked to Pope Francis' upcoming visit to Lisbon for the World Youth Day global gathering of young Catholics.

Rita Moreira (pictured), who suffers from poor health, stated "They (the city council) are sweeping the homeless under the rug... That's what they're doing to us - they're hiding us."

This is not the first instance where homeless people have been displaced due to major Catholic events. In 2015, the Philippine government faced criticism after admitting to temporarily relocating homeless individuals during Pope Francis' visit.

Ironically, Francis has spoken out for homeless people many times and established the World Day of the Poor in 2016 to bring focus to the challenges this group faces.

However, Lisbon's city council vehemently denies that its actions are motivated by the Pope's visit. It claims that the "interventions" are part of ongoing efforts to assist vulnerable populations and direct them towards shelters.

Alternative accommodation "horrible"

Comunidade Vida e Paz, a charity for the homeless, reported that the city council instructed their street team to inform homeless individuals in the Almirante Reis and Regueirao dos Anjos areas about the removal of their tents and belongings.

While the council offered shelter as an alternative, Moreira and others expressed dissatisfaction with the conditions, describing them as "horrible."

The city council insists that its objective is to provide accommodation solutions for the homeless.

However, Portugal's People-Animals-Nature (PAN) party has raised concerns about the urgent removal of the tent and belongings and its potential connection to Pope Francis' visit. PAN sought answers from the city council, but it has yet to respond.

PAN's leader, Ines Sousa Real, emphasised that concealing homelessness during the World Youth Day event will not solve the country's poverty problem. She stressed the urgency of implementing measures to address the ongoing housing crisis, which has resulted in many people living on the streets.

Marcio Achega, a 31-year-old construction worker who has been homeless for two years, expressed frustration, stating "They want to clean up (the city's) face because someone... who is very important will come here. If they want to forcibly remove us because of the Pope, they have to give us a house."

Sources

US News & World Report

CathNews New Zealand