I need to forgive myself again; will I never learn?

[CajunBlazer]

22. I am sure Pope Fransis is a bit ticked at the Bishop who invited Sanders

Remember that this guy who invited Sanders isn't even one of the 215 Cardinals under the Pope in the church hierarchy; in Vatican City he is a relatively low level functionary who appears to be politically clueless. He manifested his naivete when he expressed his amazement that the invitation of a candidate for President in the middle of a nomination race would cause such a fuss. He has probably lived in Vatican City most of his life and not in the real world

You don't get to be Pope by being politically clumsily. Pope Francis is well aware world leaders do not insert themselves in the national elections of sovereign counties, especially powerful countries. Unlike some protestant ministers, Catholic priest are obviously warned not to even get involved in local elections, even when they believe some moral issue is in play.

I'll bet that Pope Francis has now been briefed on the situation given that the public relations arm of the Vatican has gotten involved in making it clear that the pope was not involved in the invitation and will not be attend the meetings. However, this was a relatively low level set of meetings that the pope would not generally be involved. Pope Francis will probably get a report after the meetings which he will read eventually.

However, those who believe that Sanders will meet with the Pope while he is in Rome are going to be sadly disappointed. Normally a visiting dignitary would have relatively little problem getting an short audience with the Pope, but there is no way that Pope Francis is going to allow this controversy to grow by meeting with Sanders this time around.