Interesting

H.I.F.

Cardinal George interview. Lengthy. Excerpt:

Q. Until the Synod of Bishops in October, most mainstream folks in what we might loosely call the 'conservative' camp seemed inclined to give Francis the benefit of the doubt. Afterwards that seems less the case, with some people now seeing the pope in a more critical light. Is that your sense as well?

A. I think that's probably true. The question is raised, why doesn't he himself clarify these things? Why is it necessary that apologists have to bear that burden of trying to put the best possible face on it? Does he not realize the consequences of some of his statements, or even some of his actions? Does he not realize the repercussions? Perhaps he doesn't. I don't know whether he's conscious of all the consequences of some of the things he's said and done that raise these doubts in people's minds.

That's one of the things I'd like to have the chance to ask him, if I ever get over there. Do you realize what has happened, just by that very phrase 'Who am I to judge?' How it's been used and misused? It's very misused, because he was talking about someone who has already asked for mercy and been given absolution whom he knows well. That's entirely different than talking to somebody who demands acceptance rather than asking for forgiveness. It's constantly misused.