[bpjam]

Actually, I don't know that the Vatican has said anything. Apparently, being agnostic isn't heretical on this issue. But the Cardinals here in the US have pre-empted the Vatican on this issue. They ARE the ones making policy for the Holy Sea because nobody else is doing it.

None of these Bishops wants to move to Mexico and help the poor people there but they expect that Americans should want to do it here. I'd vote for sending Cardinal Mahoney to Mexico City or San Salvador where he can help the poor where they live instead of importing them to Los Angeles where taxpayers get to support them.

And if the Vatican does have some policy on this, I'd like to hear it myself. At this point, the actions ARE the policy in agreement with or absence of any guidance from Rome.

[Antoninus]

And if the Vatican does have some policy on this, I'd like to hear it myself. At this point, the actions ARE the policy in agreement with or absence of any guidance from Rome.

You want the Vatican's policy? Here it is:

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

Seems fairly clear to me. It's a shame some of our rogue bishops here in the US don't pay the Vatican much heed.