>>>It is very naive of him to think that his rhetorical question in lieu of an answer will have any positive effect.
I'm beginning to wonder. Has he stated it clearly elsewhere? Isn't this the second time he's given this indirect response? I'm wondering if he is simply hesitant to speak directly about American politics, as he fears that screeches about the Vatican interferring in politics?
If not, why won't he state it clearly.
patent
Exactly. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the problem with his statement is that few, if any, politicians will take the position that they want abortions to occur.
They will take the weasely position of personally opposing abortion, but also opposing the legal prohibition thereof.
So, His Eminence would do us all a great favor by answering the question in a way that addresses that.
Not to my knowledge. On the other hand, it is at least the second time he answers with an evasion like this. The other time I remember was in his interview with World Over Live with Raymond Arroyo earlier this year.
He should know better. In particular, given the all-out assault on the freedom of religion in America, it would help if he were not acting intimidated in stating clearly what is an internal church matter.
"During the press conference Cardinal Arinze was asked about U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry, a Catholic, who causes scandal by receiving Communion despite his pro-abortion stand. Asked if Kerry should be refused Communion, Arinze responded, "The norm of the church is clear. The Catholic Church exists in the United States and there are bishops there. Let them interpret it."
When pressed on such "unambigiously pro-abortion" Catholic politicians, Arinze said such a politician "is not fit" to receive communion. "If they should not receive, then they should not be given," he said.
Vatican Cardinal Arinze Says Pro-Abortion Politicians Must be Denied Holy Communion
----If not, why won't he state it clearly.----
Perhaps he knows precisely what time the hammer is going to fall. The Synod, perhaps?
Frank