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Nice start, but does the Press Office of the Holy See speak for the church? Seems I recall some apologists attempting to make the claim that it does not, regarding a statement in support of recent gun restriction and control efforts by the Obama administration. So, does the Press Office of the Holy See speak for the church, or not? If not, should it too cease being called Catholic?

Ahh yes....that word "speak" again (see post 22).

Yes, it's supposed to "speak" for the Church. It handles press releases and interacts with the press, in a somewhat similar manner to the way the White House Press Secretary handles relations with the media. However, sometimes things go wrong and the guy out front will say something which hasn't been cleared with the Chief. A "clarification" will then be issued and damage control will ensue. I think folks understand this situation.

With regard to the subject of this thread, readers will doubtless understand the difference between a decades long, deliberate campaign of dissent and revolt against essential and non negotiable aspects of Catholic faith and teaching (The Reporter) and a single, off-the-cuff remark on an issue not central to the deposit of faith by a Press Officer (Lombardi).

Thank you for dealing with the question directly.

It is certainly understandable, if a spokesman has freelanced and interjected his own opinion, requiring correction. It happens frequently in government, less frequently in the private sector, and on rare occasion in the religious sphere.

But, I missed this clarification somehow. Can you be so kind as to direct me to it?

It would be a relief, to know that our Catholic brothers and sisters have the support of their church here on FR, being such a pro-2A site and all.

Don't you agree?