A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

Complaining in Pope Francis’s room is not allowed, at least according to a sign now hanging on his door at the Domus Santa Marta, the residence on Vatican grounds where he’s lived since the beginning of his pontificate.

“Complaining Not Allowed” (in Italian, Vietato Lamentarsi), reads the sign, which was recently spotted on the Pope’s door by long-time Italian Vatican watcher Andrea Tornielli.  In much smaller print, a red warning on the sign defines this as the first law in the protection of one’s health and well-being.

The sign also warns transgressors, saying that they’re subject to developing a “victim complex” with the subsequent “diminution of their sense of humor and ability to solve problems.”  

Complaining in the presence of children, the sign warns, would lead to a double sanction.

The recent addition to Pope Francis’s door closes on a more upbeat note, advising readers that “to become the best of yourself, you have to concentrate on your own potential and not on your limits, therefore: Stop complaining, and act to make your life better.”

The sign was produced by Italian psychologist and psychotherapist Salvo Noé, who gave it to the pontiff after a June 14 weekly audience. Noé specializes in psychology in work environments, and gives well-being lectures to universities, security forces and companies.

At least the Holy Father has not lost his sense of humor, even if he nourishes it with the babble of psychologists, modern day charlatans who pose as medical professionals.

Problem solving (and Lord knows we have tons of problems within the Church that need solutions) first requires the recognition that a problem exists and needs solving.

That is precisely the problem with those who complain about others being whiners:  they resolutely refuse to recognize the problems. 

Instead, they accuse those bold enough to admit that there are indeed problems that need to be addressed of being overly pessimistic, cynical or psychologically disposed to depression.

But that's the way it has always been:  it's a matter of perspective, that is, what side you are on.

No amount of psycho-babble, humorous or not, will suffice to diminish the confusion and chaos going on within the Church today.  Recognizing that chaos is not lamenting, it is being realistic.

We have certainly heard Pope Francis lament over what he interprets to be the insensitive and uncaring attitudes of Priests and Clerics who sought to defend Church teachings and diligently observe those teachings in their pastoral ministries.  

We have heard the Holy Father lament the condition of the environment and the critical need to protect it.

So, in the same humorous spirit with which the Holy Father posted this funny little quip on the door of his apartment at Santa Marta, let me ask him if I can post one immediately below it which would read: 

           “Physician, heal thyself”!