WHO IS THE «BAD SHEPHERD»? Characteristics and biblical images proposed by Pope Francis

During Pope Francis’ four-year pontificate, we have learned to define with one of his concise images who, according to the Pontiff, is a good shepherd, that is, the one who has «the smell of the sheep» upon himself. Instead, what are the telltale signs of the «bad shepherd»? The Jesuit superior Bergoglio in primis, and the bishop of Rome, Francesco that follows, has not only among his personal references the image of the mercenary, suggested by the parable; but in both texts in which he depicts the figure of the «bad superior» and in his instructions to the bishops, he seems to propose, for the discernment of those interested – and also for the meditation of each us – another evangelical image: the one who «sells, or rather, undersells the inheritance received freely». An image that can be associated with certain precise features and even some exemplary biblical figures.

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