"Pope Calls Synod to Speak Boldly, Cardinal Defends Current Teachings"/NCR

http://ncronline.org/news/vatican/pope-calls-synod-speak-boldly-cardinal-defends-current-teachings

VATICAN CITY

"

Pope Francis opened discussions at his worldwide meeting of Catholic bishops Monday by telling the prelates they should speak openly, without fear of upsetting him or limiting discussions to things he would want to hear.

Using the Greek term parrhesia -- meaning to speak candidly or boldly, and without fear -- the pontiff told the some 190 prelates gathered in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall they should "speak with parrhesia and listen with humility."

Working in a synod, the pontiff continued, does not mean prelates should say only what Francis wants to hear. "This is not good!" said the pope.

"A general condition is this," said the pope. "Speak clearly. Let no one say: 'This you cannot say.'"

"You need to say all that you feel with parrhesia," he continued. "And, at the same time, you should listen with humility and accept with an open heart what your brothers say."