I also believe millions of people have been prevented from following me on Twitter. They make it so hard—for one thing you have to have an account. So unfair.

“Robert Ellsberg’s new book is the most meaningful work of hagiography I have ever read. He doesn’t just describe saints; he takes us into their spirit and their spirituality. This book will stretch your ideas of what it means to be holy in this day and age.”—@joanchittister

On June 21 in Naples Pope Francis delivered a remarkable speech on the task of theology and the need for a "theology of dialogue and welcoming." bit.ly/2J5CAFZ. Some highlights in this thread.

He refers to the “Babel syndrome”--not the confusion that arises when we don’t know what the other person is saying, but "when I do not listen to what the other person is saying and think that I know what the other is thinking and is about to say."

"Students of theology should be educated in dialogue with Judaism and Islam to understand the common roots and differences of our religious identities, and thus contribute more effectively to the building of a society that values diversity, respect, brotherhood, coexistence."

"I studied in the period of decadent theology, decadent scholasticism, the age of the manuals. We used to joke that all the theses in theology could be proved by the following syllogism. First, things appear this way. Second, Catholicism is always right. Third, Ergo…

"In other words, a defensive, apologetic theology shut in a manual. We used to joke about it, but that was what we were presented with in that period of decadent scholasticism.

"It is important that theologians be men and women of compassion... inwardly touched by the oppressed life many live, by the forms of slavery present today, by the social wounds, the violence, the wars and the enormous injustices suffered by so many poor people...

"Without communion and without compassion constantly nourished by prayer – this is important: theology can only be done “on one’s knees” – theology not only loses its soul, but also its intelligence and ability to interpret reality in a Christian way."

"Without compassion, drawn from the Heart of Christ, theologians risk being swallowed up in the condition of privilege of those who prudently place themselves outside the world and share nothing risky with the majority of humanity. A laboratory theology...understands nothing.

"Even good theologians, like good shepherds, have the odor of the people and of the street and, by their reflection, pour oil and wine onto the wounds of mankind. Theology is an expression of a Church which is a “field hospital"...