Pope sets example for our monks

I guess I am not the only Buddhist who has tremendous respect and admiration for Pope Francis.

Whatever complaints progressive Catholics may have against the Vatican, at least the system was able to produce and make such a compassionate soul as Pope Francis its leader.

Pope Francis' humility and simplicity has mesmerised the world because top cleric leaders from all faiths — including mine — prefer to live in a cocoon of luxury and autocracy far from their prophets' paths.

The faiths may be different, but these clerics are the same in their refusal to recognise the realities of the modern world. They similarly turn a blind eye to corruption and abuse in their closed system, particularly sexual abuse and suppression of women. They're even protective of the abusers.

Despite the hypocrisy, they insist on imposing centuries-old prejudices on the followers. Those who cannot fit in are harshly condemned as the sinful on the way to hell. There is no space for compassion. The proclivity to condemn and punish becomes their source of power, which is why persistent calls for change always meet with fierce resistance.

That is why Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air, not only for the Catholic Church, but also for other organised religions in dire need of change.

When I think of Pope Francis, two things arise in my mind. First is the image of him kneeling down to wash and kiss the feet of young offenders who included women and a Muslim man. His pre-Easter ritual stunned traditionalists — and opened hearts worldwide.

Second is his response when asked about gays: "Who am I to judge?"

Last week, all eyes were on the Catholic Church's assembly of some 200 bishops at the Vatican. Hopes for change were high because the initial draft of the synod's document contained an upbeat tone toward gays, cohabitation and re-marriage, which reflected the Pope's openness.

Opting for inclusiveness, the Pope urged the bishops to air their views frankly in an open debate. The assembly ended with the bishops saying no. Yet the battle is far from over. The themes will certainly resurface again next year.

Many critics dismiss Pope Francis, saying his kindheartedness cannot change conservative Church teachings. They want to see quick, tangible results. But in situations where the problems persist because they are not viewed as problems — so no questions are being asked — what Pope Francis has done is very significant. He has raised the questions, and asked for the answers, too.

His inspiring humility and non-judgmental compassion have also made followers of other faiths raise questions of their own cleric leaders.

I cannot imagine top monks here kissing and washing the feet of the poor, for example. And I ask why?

While the Catholic Church is divided on sexual morality issues, at least the agenda is on the table. Here, it's total silence still.

Like any closed society dominated by a single sex, child sexual abuse is a big problem. Yet it remains a taboo topic.

Temple corruption is rife because temples do not have systematic and transparent accounting systems. Instead of instituting and enforcing such a system, the clergy still allows monks to take temple donations as personal money.

Monks' sex scandals have become daily occurrences without systematic intervention from the clergy. Each scandal is viewed as an individual monk's misconduct, not the system's weakness. Many abusive monks are also protected by the strong patronage system.

Meanwhile, the monthly meeting of the elders is primarily to allocate ranks and promotions to members in the feudal hierarchy.

One important issue managed to reach the elders' council for a ruling, however: female ordination. It is no-no, they all agree. No more discussions allowed.

When our society is ridden with social injustice, monks can lend moral authority to calls for change given the Buddhist teachings on compassion, giving and the law of impermanence. Yet, no monks in power care to do so.

When our society is torn by colour-coded politics, hate speech and violence, top monks prefer to stay in their comfortable status quo — if not divided among themselves along political fault lines.

Pope Francis is popular worldwide, regardless of faith. He represents what is missing in organised religions.

He is loved and respected because he returns to the fundamental values of compassion and humility. It is the way of monastics. It is also the way ours should follow.