Catholics, faith and the ‘Francis effect’

Dear Editor, Regarding ‘The Francis effect bringing people back to the Church (IC 14/11/13), the impact of Pope Francis on Catholics and non-Catholics alike has been heart-warming, impressive and very positive.

I would be concerned, however, that the religious practice of a considerable number of ‘returned’ Catholics appears to be based on the personality of one man.

In the recent past hundreds of thousands abandoned their Catholic faith because of the criminal behaviour of a number of priests and religious and the cover-up of their crimes by senior members of the Church.

Apparently the faith of most of them was based on the behaviour of men and not on faith and on the doctrines of the Church founded by Christ.

When Pope Francis dies and is perhaps replaced by a less effective and charismatic Pope, will the same people abandon their faith once more?

Yours etc.,

Michael Kelly,

Knocklyon,

Dublin 16.