Pope Rejects Changes To Catholic Sex Rules (Press, 16 May 1985)

Pope John Paul II concluded a four-day visit to the Netherlands amidst significant protests and criticism from young Catholics regarding the Church's teachings on sexuality. During this visit, which was marked by small crowds and public dissent, the Pope firmly reiterated the Catholic Church’s stance on various sexual matters, declaring that the Church's teachings would remain unchanged “for all time.” Speaking to a gathering of several hundred young people in Amersfoort, the Pope expressed that their criticisms caused “problems” for older generations, admitting, “Sometimes you hurt us.” His visit saw protests, including instances of stones and bottles being thrown, demonstrating the tension between traditional Catholic doctrines and the views of younger generations in the Netherlands. The Pope maintained that the Church must adhere to “strict rules” and uphold “unpalatable pronouncements,” even if it meant opposing prevailing societal attitudes. The low turnout at his events indicated the challenges facing the Church in the Netherlands, a country noted for its progressive Catholic community. Approximately 750 to 1,000 attended the meeting in Amersfoort, a stark contrast to expected sizes and reflecting broader discontent. A Vatican official who had attended numerous papal trips remarked on the unusually small crowd size, saying he had “never seen anything like it.” Father Louis von Belkom, who was present at the rally, suggested that the indifference towards the Church among the youth was more concerning than outright rejection. On the other hand, a larger crowd attended the Pope's outdoor Mass in Tricht, estimated between 25,000 to 40,000 people, but this number still fell short of expectations. During this Mass, the Pope defended the Church’s positions against divorce and artificial birth control, advocating for the recognition of family as foundational to society and warning against concessions that could undermine family life. Upon departure to Luxembourg, the Pope's schedule included meetings with sick, handicapped, and elderly individuals, as well as a Mass for workers and immigrants, highlighting his outreach to diverse communities. Luxembourg, where about 97.3% of the population are Catholics, also has a significant immigrant population, primarily from Portugal and Italy. Final reflections on the Pope’s visit to the Netherlands suggest an environment fraught with rebellion and controversy, reflective of a broader disconnect between the Church’s established teachings and the emerging perspectives of the younger Catholic demographic. The Pope’s tour was set to continue with events in Brussels, concluding on 21 May 1985.

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