Pope Francis shows Democrats how to take back America

[rustbeltvoice]

167. Hell-o Manny,

I have not read the comments. I read what you presented. I am sorry, i was not the first to hit the recommend button. I am new to Democratic Underground, and have not completed socialisation.

I am sure that some of the comments above mine are kneejerk, automatic reflex "I hate the pope, and all his tribe".

I see your point on 88%. I also saw a note that amongst non-Catholics the figure was 75%. [No, i have not gone and confirmed this] What this suggests, is his presentation of recent public views is more popular within his constituency than without. Would you not agree? Now, if this true, would it not suggest that his programme, and by extension, the programme of the Catholic Church is more aligned with common humanity than the political programmes offered in the United States?

Also, on another point. The Catholic Church is very hierarchical, and respectful of authority. Further, i would say that the US Church is extreme in this matter. Now, the Catholic Church is a world wide organisation. Roughly, the voting College of Cardinals is 120. The United States is a small part of the Catholic Church. Raymond Burke is a US cardinal in the curia, Charles Chaput is a cardinal and the archbishop of Philadelphia. Both have criticised publicly Francis. This goes against the aforementioned power structure. Both Burke and Chaput are ultra-conservatives, Burke is off the scale. If one were to compare Catholic priests to the Republican party, they are the Louie Gohmerts and Michelle Bachmanns.