What does matter is an understanding of this encyclical. The parts I have read make it nothing but an exceptionally long winded editorial. By zero means is it an ex cathedra statement in support of or altering any theological tenet.
I wonder if every translation of what I hear on pronouncements on Francis' utterings and mutterings have been literal, true and in context. If they have been the guy is more than an educated simpleton. If they are, Pope Francis is a nit wit.
The parts of this encyclical I have read make it a semi serious news piece or a script for Saturday Night Live.
Regardless, Pope Francis has said zip since he has moved to Rome that anyone needs to follow as gospel. He has said much, apparently, that folks capable of completing thoughts must argue against and oppose as moral beings.
I think Catholic Republicans AND Republican Catholics can be moral beings.
I see what your saying, If we were to take this pope’s ideological pronouncements as tenets of the Catholic faith then being Catholic would be incompatible with being Republican or Democrat or really much of anything but a subject of the imperial Pope.
That said as a Southern Baptist I don’t really understand what Catholics see in their Pope beyond that he seems to be a crazy old man that claims to speak for God dispute the fact that we already have God’s word written down for us in the Bible.
Beyond that I for one believe God speaks to each and everyone of us, to Catholics not share this believe?
Why do you need one man in Rome to run everything on earth for you?