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Europe

Conservative criticism of pope sparks rally of support

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts, talks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican, Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017. The Vatican published a book by Coccopalmerio fully endorsing Francis' controversial opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics _ the main bone of contention between Francis and conservative and traditionalist Catholics. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

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    Image 2 of 3

    Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts talks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican, Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017. The Vatican published a book by Coccopalmerio fully endorsing Francis' controversial opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics _ the main bone of contention between Francis and conservative and traditionalist Catholics. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

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    Image 3 of 3

    Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, president of Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts talks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Vatican, Tuesday Feb. 14, 2017. The Vatican published a book by Coccopalmerio fully endorsing Francis' controversial opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics _ the main bone of contention between Francis and conservative and traditionalist Catholics. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) (The Associated Press)

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis' top advisers are coming to his defense amid an unprecedented wave of conservative criticism that represents the biggest challenge to his mercy-over-morals papacy.

In an unusual gesture, the nine cardinals from around the world who advise Francis on running the church made a public show of support this week after posters featuring a scowling Francis appeared around Rome.

The posters referenced some moves perceived as heavy-handed and asked, "Where's your mercy?"

The Vatican also published a book by the Holy See's top canon lawyer on Tuesday fully endorsing Francis' controversial opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics — the main bone of contention between the pope and traditionalist Catholics.

The book's author, Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio, said in an interview: "He knows we love him and we are with him."