Pope worries about US, elevates Law
• Catholic
The Heir of St. Peter frets about American spiritual poverty.
Pope John Paul II warned several U.S. bishops Friday that American society is in danger of turning against spirituality in favor of materialistic desires, giving way to a "soulless vision of life."
Pope Worries About 'Soulless' U.S. Life
What could displease the Bishop of Rome more than this:
71 percent of American voters say bishops should not publicly pressure Catholic politicians on abortion
Survey: Bishops Shouldn't Pressure Politicians
And his shielding of a man denounced by many of his former clergy and flock shows his deep moral insight and understanding of America:
The former Archbishop of Boston, accused of covering up the activities of paedophile priests and forced to resign, was given a prestigious sinecure by the Pope yesterday.
The appointment of Cardinal Bernard Law as Archpriest of the St Mary Major basilica, the third most illustrious place of worship in Rome, outraged his former archdiocese.
It is likely to reinforce the opinion of many that the pontiff does not grasp the seriousness of the issue.