There has, without doubt, been a a truly “Papal glow” hovering and permeating the cities visited by Pope Francis. His magnetic and charismatic presence of authentic devotion, humility and service have astounded the cynic, inspired the faithful and brought hope to the doubtful.
His words have been congruent with his person, truly “he has taught not them like the scribes, but as one with authority”.
And yet I have quietly, though persistently, opined that his words would never become policies, his hopes never be enfleshed in attitudes.
Abp. Vigano shows the establishment, the institution at work ferociously against the new papal winds of change.
It was once said in England that evangelicals were no longer burned at the stake, they were made bishops – the result was the same. Maybe election to the papacy still has the same enervating and emasculating effect conjured up by “the institution”.
I truly hope I’m wrong.