Pope will address Congress - Sack cartoon

[MADem]

64. I am not "throwing that around." I think the BBC reported the exchange accurately.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-23489702

As he often does, he says things that can be interpreted in more than one way. This isn't accidental with him. He is a very astute politician, because he knows how to throw out the line in such a way that people will often hear what they want to hear. The line can also be reeled back in if needs must, without appearing to retract any substance.

He's advancing the dialogue on this score because his comments, though not signalling any real change, do signal an attitude adjustment--and that's usually the first step.

Is it perfect? Hell no. Acceptable? Certainly not. It's a step up from "STONE THEM!!!!!" But that institution moves at a glacial pace, and at least he's started the process.

On this issue, he's barely an inch off the starting block, and the race will be a long and likely arduous one--there is no "Supreme Court" at the Vatican.

Perhaps the next Pope will realize that the way to grow the organization is to be more, not less, inclusive. I suspect this guy knows that, but he knows that the culture isn't ready to endorse change. I think it'll come to 'em eventually. Time will tell.