by Anura Guruge
on November 12, 2023
Yes, he was well within his rights BUT this does not strike me as a particularly clever & calculated move.
Makes the pope look like what he is — an crotchety old man.
It sends a message but I think it is the wrong kind of message. The pope should be able to handle & tolerate some dissent.
I have said it before & to I this is another example. Francis is so much like Trump (& vice versa). This is so Trumpian.
Other, more savvy popes, disciplined bishops in cute, clever creative ways. He could have sent him as the Papal Legate to Sri Lanka. That would have been suitable enough punishment. If he wanted to inflict MORE he could have stipulated that he stay with Sri Lanka’s most esteemed cardinal, the wanna-be ‘Next Pope‘.
I have for some time now have believed that the ultra-rich, ultra-committed & ultra-motivated U.S. Catholics will pour MILLIONS into the next conclave to get an outcome to their liking. After this ‘fiasco’ I think they will quadruple their efforts & money.
It will now be an OUTRIGHT battle.
Wow.
Hail Pope Francis the NEW ‘Warrior Pope’.
Good one Anura- yes kick him upstairs, better for the Pope to have his enemies close to him than far away!Make the Bishop his own private secretary for a good start,so they can sort out their problems together, privately!