Bishop Says Pope Likes to Create “a Mess”

The leader of Rhode Island's Catholics in reaction to a Vatican meeting of bishops debating hot-button family issues said Pope Francis likes to create "a mess."

Bishop Thomas Tobin said Tuesday on the diocese's website that "Pope Francis is fond of 'creating a mess.' Mission accomplished."

Catholic bishops scrapped what would have been a historic welcome to gays and displayed deep divisions at the close of the two-week meeting. They didn't reach consensus on ministering to divorced and civilly remarried couples.

Tobin suggested it's not wise to publish "half-baked minutes of candid discussions about sensitive topics" because the secular media hijacks the conversation "for their own agendas."

Tobin's post was called "Random Thoughts About the Synod on the Family." He said the pope encouraged candid, fearless discussion and transparency.