[NYer]

Modern media, especially the modern Catholic media, has brought the pope into our homes, across the radio, in television, and into our niche media world. He's in the browser of many Catholics every day. And conservative Catholic media relies heavily on the inflated imaginative role of the papacy, just like British tabloids rely on the royals. The pageantry, mystery, and fame attached to the office are a great way of selling magazines, getting clicks, or raising funds. He is the worldwide celebrity that represents "us." He's the reason the Faith gets talked about by others.
From Michael Brendan Dougherty's article link

Good point. Up until recently, few followed the pope. Now, every move and word is analyzed.

[trebb]

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill [the disciples]. But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them, “Fellow Israelites,[ consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”

More good advice to those who go bonkers about everything that attacks their sensibilities. We don't need to try to fight every front that seems unholy/immoral to us. As a departed, but prescient old friend used to to say (probably a paraphrase of the paragraph from Acts, "If God ain't in it, it cannot stand; If God is in it, it cannot fail."

What a nice reminder of Who is really in charge and in control.

[Vermont Lt]

You guys sound like jihadists.

When’s the meeting?

[riri]

This pope is clearly some sort of Marxist agent.