[defconw]

So he should have added to the mothers burdens by telling her her son is going to Hell? She already fears that. He gave a pastoral response to ease her mind. After all either of them can do is pray the son turns it around. I am sure the Father Jorge prayed for him.

Nitpick alley!

[jobim]

I agree. We don't know what the follow-up words were, such as: He's a good kid and he'll find his way back to the faith and Holy Mass, especially with your prayers and encouragement.

Headlines such as this, based upon a flimsy anecdotal "report", muddy all waters.

[ConservingFreedom]

So he should have added to the mothers burdens by telling her her son is going to Hell?

No.

He gave a pastoral response to ease her mind.

Minimizing the importance of the Mass is not pastoral.

After all either of them can do is pray the son turns it around.

He could have said that.

Increasingly it looks like Catholics must again rely on God to save His Church from a pope.