By JJ MCKAY, the fresh toast
Although the Catholic Church is not a fan of cannabis, its compassion allowed the Pope to consider medical marijuana to relieve suffering.
Pope Francis is becoming one of the most influential world leaders recommending compassion, mercy and justice. Since its election in 2013, its papacy has been marked by a deep commitment to the poor, social justice and pastoral renewal, reshaping the commitment of the Catholic Church with the world and inspiring millions of people through confessions and cultures. He rarely lost sight of individual suffering by directing the Catholic Church in changing times. Although it is not a fan of cannabis, Pope Francis extended to reflection on medical marijuana. The world has lost a leader who addressed the change of heart … and has always wanted its neighbor better.
The leadership of Pope Francis is deeply rooted in the principle of mercy. He declared an extraordinary jubilee of mercy in 2015, urging the faithful to rediscover the compassion of God and to embody it in their daily life. Its encyclics, like Evangelii Gaudium and Fratelli Tutti, call an “outgoing church” which reaches existential peripheries, offering a refuge to the marginalized and suffering. Francis concentrates not only on spiritual renewal but also on practical action – he constantly defends the cause of the poor, migrants and the fringes of society, insisting that the Church must be a lighthouse of hope and a force for justice.
The compassion of Pope Francis extends beyond the limits of the Church. He was a tireless defender of peace, interreligious dialogue and environmental management. His efforts to promote understanding of the various confessions – obvious in historical meetings with leaders of other religions and his signature of the “document for Human Fraternity” – has established a new standard for religious cooperation and mutual respect. Its encyclical laudats link environmental care with social justice, stressing the interconnection of all humanity and the planet.
While Pope Francis is celebrated for his compassion leadership, his position on drugs, including marijuana, is nuanced and firmly rooted in Catholic education. Francis constantly opposed the legalization of recreational drugs, including marijuana, arguing a drug addiction which harms individuals and communities. He declared unequivocally: “Toxicomania is an evil, and with evil, there can be no return or compromise”. Its concern is particularly acute with regard to the impact on young and the poor, which are often the most vulnerable to the destructive consequences of drug abuse.
Regarding medical marijuana, the Catholic church recognizes that the use of medical marijuana can be morally authorized for strictly therapeutic land, provided that it is carefully supervised and really serves the good of the patient. The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares: “The use of drugs inflicts very serious damage to human health and life. Their use, except for strictly therapeutic terrain, is a serious attack ”. Thus, while Pope Francis opposes recreational use and large legalization, the Church does not categorically reject the medical use of cannabis if it is proven effective and has administered responsible for legitimate medical reasons. Given the scope and power of the papal voice, offering an option to examine marijuana for its health services can influence many governments.
The leadership of Pope Francis testifies to the power of compassion in action. He reminded the world that real size lies in service, humility and solidarity with suffering. Although it remains cautious on solutions such as medical marijuana, its primordial message is clear: say “yes” to the life, love and dignity of each person. In a divided world, its witness continues to inspire hope and a renewed commitment to build a fairer and more compassionate global community.
Fresh toast is a daily lifestyle platform with one side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.
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