Pope Leo can make time to go to Peru this year, but not to visit the US when it celebrates its 250th birthday. Trump derangement syndrome or following in the hoof prints of his predecessor who never visited his native Argentina?
Never Missing an Opportunity to Miss an Opportunity
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
If Kamala Harris had won the Presidency, Pope Leo XIV would be eager to visit the United States during its 250th anniversary. Remember: Chicago Democrat politics matter more than being the Vicar of Christ.
If I’m not mistaken, travel was unusual for popes prior to about 1966. I’d be pleased if Leo would remain within the boundaries of the Province of Rome and if his continuous stream of verbiage were cut back. By about 85%.
I’m of two minds about this development: One, I would love to have Pope Leo come and speak about Catholic citizenship it America. Two: I would dread what Pope Leo would actually say about Catholic citizenship in America. I have a feeling the Democratic Party would be happy with his thoughts on that topic.
I agree with Art Deco’s sentiment. Pope Leo should stay mostly in Rome. It strikes me the more a Pope goes out traveling, the more political he becomes, whether intended or not.
Art Deco and Matthew make valid points.
What is with present day American churchmen that makes them despise America so much?
Were I Leo I would not want to become a political football for either Trump or anti-Trump partisans. When the family is fighting, who wants to play “honored guest”?
I second what Art said. Clerics keep telling us we should all stay off social media to enhance our spiritual life. And then they spend all their time going on social media. There’s a reason why Jesus went off into the desert.
My impression is Pope Leo does not particularly like or respect his home country and this is reflected in the many years spent away from the US.
So whether he visits or not is immaterial to me.
A missionary, head of a religious order, then a bishop. It wasn’t like he was a Europoseur expat.
I’m going with:
“Father James Martin’s secretary was unable to coordinate calendar scheduling with Pope Leo’s secretary.”
I think there are two very good reasons why the Holy Father is better off in Rome:
1). As Tom and Matthew have already noted above, no matter what our Pope does or says on his visit, it will be politicized by both ends of our political spectrum. Better to stay out of it all, perhaps send an anodyne message of congratulations and leave it at that.
2). The Holy Father has plenty to do as it is: between addressing the shaky state of Vatican finances, rooting out corruption in high places, the need to vet and appoint solid bishops, call consistories, receive ad limina reports, doing damage control over Francis’ train wrecks Traditiones Custodes, Amoris Laetitia and Fiducia Supplicans, and the demands of papal spiritual/ceremonial duties— this Pope already has an enormous workload. I’d rather have a Pope who gave all the above his undivided attention.
He became Peruvian with his 20 years there.
If he really gave two hoots about the Church in the US he would have removed TC. He hasn’t Fine. Live with the SSPX ordaining bishops and watching American donations dry up.