[MineralMan]

No, he's not going to be excommunicated, and neither will the other politicians named in the document. It's not going to happen.

You may wish that it would happen, but that will not make it so.

The Pope and the Church, like all political bodies, make decisions based on current needs. Indeed, if they did excommunicate these people, the impact on the RCC would be enormous.

As you know, many Catholics simply ignore the Church's ban on abortion and birth control. They do this, because the Church has tacitly allowed them to. Local priests are the ones who really make these decisions for their parishioners.

Excommunication is a last resort measure, and will not be used in this case.

[mike182d]

Excommunication is a last resort measure, and will not be used in this case.

You forget that Canon Law dictates that his "excommunication" is automatic for the heresy that he ascribes too. This should not require an "investigation" or a Church court order of some sort. Bishop O'Malley need only affirm that he is, officially, recognized as being excommunicated. At least this is my understanding of it.

[Aquinasfan]

They do this, because the Church has tacitly allowed them to.

Meaning individual priests, right? Priests do not determine Church doctrine. Priests that knowingly promote heretical doctrines are formal heretics.

[Protagoras]

Probably best to stick top your own religion.