I think this letter to Nancy Pelosi in 2004 should end your wondering. He wrote:
You have lost your faith. Just admit it. One either accepts the hierarchy of truths and the hierarchy of authority, or she doesnt. You obviously dont. In such case by continuing to call yourself Catholic you are gambling with the most precious of all birthrights, your own soul; and its yours to lose. I can understand that it is not politically correct to care about your immortal soulprescription drug benefits are more popular in Washingtonbut at least have the decency not to make the souls of others twice as fit for hell as you. Have you forgotten about the millstone? The Lord delivered that image to another group of sophisticated public officials who scandalized the weak in faith.
Thank you, thank you, my FRiend, for introducing me to FR. E. And, now, the excerpt you posted from the letter to Pelosi makes me respect him all the more.