Russell Kirk once wrote that we're currently living in the "Age of Sentiment", or the "Age of Sentimentality" as Pope Benedict or Richard Weaver would probably put it. Kirk called the preceding era the "Age of Discussion" reflecting liberalism, and the subsequent current age of sentimentality reflecting modernism/relativism.
I was impressed by Michelle Obama at the meeting with the Pope. She actually dressed as if she cared.
I’m still reading about is all. So obviously this is just a first impression.