Vatican believes that Prudence is a virtue and imprudence (folly) is sinful ... concerns practical matters such as political primaries.
So whatever y’all are bantering about I suspect the Vatican will join in with altura’s arguments. I would, but I am busy with the blizzard of ‘12.
another thought: scandal of Magdelene. Some don’t like to be in a church with such folks. scandal of Judas scares ‘em worse. Discussed under humility section of the guide book.
I’m just saying - repentence means turning away from sin. Marrying your mistress is not the same thing as repentence - you are doubling down.
You wouldn’t give Mark Sanford a pass if only he married his mistress it would make it all right - no. You’d side, and rightfully so, with his lawful wife.
Nobody forced Newt to marry. Newt chose, of his own free will to get married. Newt may have regretted his choice of a wife, but the time to discern that is before, not after you get married.
The Catholic church has a radical understanding of marriage, unlike most. Marriage, all marriage is for life.