In facing ‘populist’ tide, Pope risks exposing Church skeletons

Michie · Jan 8, 2025

After the election of Donald Trump, pundits speculated on how Pope Francis would react this time to a U.S. president who opposes his views on immigration and various conflicts happening in the world.

For many, this question was answered with the appointment of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington, DC. McElory, who has served as the Bishop of San Diego since 2015, is one of the leading members of the liberal wing of the Catholic Church in the United States, and often has opposed Trump’s policies on immigration and supported LGBTQ+ issues in the Church.

Trump has said he would deport unregistered immigrants and promised to ask Congress to establish that only two genders will be federally recognized, which is opposed by those supporting “transgender affirmation.”

The appointment of McElroy to Washington was a surprise to many, who suggested Francis would make a more conciliatory pick to the office, given Trump’s large win in November.

Continued below.

In facing ‘populist’ tide, Pope risks exposing Church skeletons

After the election of Donald Trump, pundits speculated on how Pope Francis would react to a U.S. president who opposed his views on immigration and various conflicts happening in the world.

cruxnow.com

Michie · Jan 8, 2025

From the op:

Meanwhile, conservative Catholic commentator Philip Lawler said there were two “predictable consequences” of the McElroy appointment to Washington.

“1) He will be a prominent critic of the Trump administration. 2) He will be criticized himself in turn, because of his ties to ‘Uncle Ted’ McCarrick,” Lawler said on X, referring to accusations McElroy covered up abuse charges against the ex-Cardinal and ex-priest.

“His criticism of the White House may or may not damage Trump. But the criticism of McElroy will undoubtedly damage the credibility of the Catholic hierarchy. So his appointment tells you something about the current priorities of Vatican leadership,” he continued.

Lawler has a point, in that there are two major issues facing the Francis pontificate in the 88-year-old pope’s waning years.
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I personally think if he tries to be an anti-Trump maverick it’s just going to reflect poorly on him.

jamiec · Feb 6, 2025

Michie said:
From the op:

Meanwhile, conservative Catholic commentator Philip Lawler said there were two “predictable consequences” of the McElroy appointment to Washington.

“1) He will be a prominent critic of the Trump administration. 2) He will be criticized himself in turn, because of his ties to ‘Uncle Ted’ McCarrick,” Lawler said on X, referring to accusations McElroy covered up abuse charges against the ex-Cardinal and ex-priest.

“His criticism of the White House may or may not damage Trump. But the criticism of McElroy will undoubtedly damage the credibility of the Catholic hierarchy. So his appointment tells you something about the current priorities of Vatican leadership,” he continued.

Lawler has a point, in that there are two major issues facing the Francis pontificate in the 88-year-old pope’s waning years.
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I personally think if he tries to be an anti-Trump maverick it’s just going to reflect poorly on him.

It sounds as though the US hierarchy is extremely damaged and discredited already, so the second of those consequences is almost inevitable, regardless of whom the Pope chooses.

McElroy & the other US bishops should concern themselves with the spiritual good of Catholics, not, mainly, with politics. Bishops these days are far too political, to the very great neglect of more important matters.

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In facing ‘populist’ tide, Pope risks exposing Church skeletons

Michie

Well-Known Member