Conservative Catholics question Pope Francis’s approach

As a practicing and orthodox Catholic, personally I love Pope Francis. The Catholic church by definition is neither conservative nor liberal, but what it seeks to teach is the truth of the gospel, the truth of Jesus Christ. In today's age, some of those teachings come across as conservative and some come across as liberal, but to the church it's just the truth. It should be that way for all Catholics as well.

It doesn't surprise me at all that many people who call themselves conservative Catholics feel challenged and maybe even somewhat put off by Pope Francis and his teachings. Some will look inside themselves and grow. Others will question him, oppose him and dismiss him. There are examples of both in the linked article. But to me after having both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI who strongly emphasized the Church's teaching on abortion, marriage and other teachings that many identify as conservative (both of whom I love and appreciate); it's refreshing and a sign that the Holy Spirit is the one who really guides the church to have Pope Francis who brings to light and emphasizes a different and important aspect of the churches social teaching and openness to all. It is all part and parcel of the same Catholic church.