Did you see this one?
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/pope-francis-menace-or-farce_1033365.html
But as we try to sort out what Francis is, exactly—a menace to society and his Church, or a foolish, farcical dupe—it’s worth considering an amazing exchange he had with reporters last July during a flight from Asuncion to Rome:
Question: Holy Father, on this trip, we’ve heard so many strong messages for the poor, also many strong, at times severe messages for the rich and powerful but something we’ve heard very little was a message for the middle class, that is, people who work, people who pay their taxes, the normal people then. My question is why in the magisterium of the Holy Father are there so few messages of the middle class. If there were such a message, what would it be?
Pope Francis: Thank you so much. It’s a good correction, thanks. You are right. It’s an error of mine not to think about this. I will make some comment but not to justify myself. You’re right. I have to think a bit.
Pope: The world is polarized. The middle class becomes smaller. The polarization between the rich and the poor is big. This is true. And, perhaps this has brought me not to take account of this, no? Some nations are doing very well, but in the world in general the polarization is seen. And, the number of poor is big. And why do I speak of the poor? Because they’re at the heart of the Gospel. And, I always speak from the Gospel on poverty, no? Even if it’s sociological. Then, on the middle class, there are some words that I’ve said, but a little in passing. But the common people, the simple people, the worker, that is a great value, no? But, I think you’re telling me about something I need to do. I need to do delve further into this magisterium. I thank you for your help.
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And that was that. One gets the sense that the leader of the Roman Catholic Church understands neither the origins, nor the development, nor status of the middle class. He does not know who the middle class is, or what they do, or what challenges are facing them. By his own accounting, this 78-year-old man has never given this group of people—who comprise the vast majority of the developed world and are the ambition of the rest of the planet—any real thought.
It was an astonishing admission of provincialism. And in its way, it might tell us more about Francis than all the rest, combined.
saw that yesterday and it truly encapsulates the real question— is he stupid or malevolent.
I attended a funeral today and at the luncheon afterwards I sat at a table with our Deacon and our Priest. I bit my tongue and said not a word when the topic veered off to Pope Frank’s visit. Don’t need to know the local station for 24/7 coverage. I must have earned my angel wings with that effort.
Hmmmn.
The middle class. The people who work, produce, and donate in his churches.
They are not his avowed enemies (the “rich” capitalists whom he despises) nor his flock. To him, they are very obviously - merely to be taken for granted. To be sheared for their money and their pliant votes.