It's all very strange. There seems to be photographic evidence of Pope Francis comforting a small boy. The photo is in this article: http://www.businessinsider.com/pope-fran...en-2014-12
The photo could have been taken out of context, of course. But given the news about him comforting a small boy (who does look sad and upset in the photo), it suggests that the current Pope did say such words.
I suspect that the attribution to a former deceased pope (who can't be asked now!) is to take the heat out of the issue. But who can say?
Speaking only for myself, I don't need another person to tell me what to believe (or not believe). But for those who need such things, it is still encouraging that one Pope at some point said such words.
The photo could have been taken out of context, of course. But given the news about him comforting a small boy (who does look sad and upset in the photo), it suggests that the current Pope did say such words.
I suspect that the attribution to a former deceased pope (who can't be asked now!) is to take the heat out of the issue. But who can say?
Speaking only for myself, I don't need another person to tell me what to believe (or not believe). But for those who need such things, it is still encouraging that one Pope at some point said such words.
