Now this is rather odd,<\/p>\n
MEXICO CITY (AP) \u2014 Mexico\u2019s main archdiocese has taken the unusual step of publicly saying Pope Francis had been badly advised when he directed harsh words to local bishops during his visit in mid-February.<\/p>\n
The pope told a gathering of local bishops in February not to be career-minded clerics, saying, \u201cWe do not need \u2018princes,\u2019 but rather a community of the Lord\u2019s witnesses.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope also urged them to maintain unity and show more transparency. \u201cIf you have to fight, fight. If you have to say things, say them, but do it like men: to the face,\u201d Francis told the bishops.<\/p>\n
An editorial published Sunday on a website of the archdiocese of Mexico City also said that some of the pope\u2019s comments had been misinterpreted by \u201creporters more focused on histrionics than the deep meaning of the words.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mexican bishops have been accompanying the suffering, downtrodden people, devoting their lives to others and not living like \u2018princes,\u2019\u201d the editorial said.<\/p>\n
It denies local bishops are out of touch with the people, and says the pope\u2019s comments \u201cmight be due to someone near him who gave him bad advice.\u201d<\/p>\n