McGowan has confirmed that he was a (unscriptural ) Catholic priest, at least a long time ago. It is up to him to confirm that that he claims that status today, which is relevant to the issues here since his statements would be expected to carry more weight with Catholics, at least with those who believe they are to basically be docile sheep who submit to their pastors, and do not engage in public dispute or contradiction of teaching which requires religious (at least) assent, which includes encyclicals. Of course, if a priest engages in such himself...
Actually, being a priest, his would be the only “authorized” voice of Catholics on these forums...if he’s a priest...or ever was.