Okay.....do you think there's any real chance that Pope Francis removes or does not renew the seats of Cupich and Tobin on the Dicastery for Bishops with this huge mess they're causing? I really have to think they're falling out of his graces now.
Almost certainly true. I do think it's obvious the pope finally realizes that taking the advice of McCarricks top US allies has just alienated the pope from anyone in authority, but he's also really old, in terrible health, and will go to extreme lengths to avoid admitting a mistake.
And dismissing any of those 3 from his confidence would be a pretty big admission of a mistake
I get the prestige of New York, and having only one cardinal in the metro area makes sense (of course there's no guarantee a non-cardinal would get a red hat under this pontiff), but I'm not sure what else you get out of it at +Tobin's age--73 in May. Even if he got a full seven years, what lasting mark can be made in that timeframe? Also, NYC is closing parishes, seminarian numbers are rather embarrassing for its size, etc. Seems like a lot of headache for what, exactly? Rome should be looking for someone who can tend to the flock (and the challenges) for at least ten years.
Appreciate your initial reporting and this update on the Archdiocese. But I cannot figure out why the story started began with commentary on Pres (Elect) Trump.
Perhaps because the next bishop of Washington will have to work with the incoming administration, and that might be a motivating factor for Gregory to head out, so that someone else better suited to deal with this administration can come in. I think that's something they flagged on the podcast a while back.
The incoming Administration does not have a work style that would allow for any role or collaboration with the Archdiocese of Washington or even a Cardinal-Archbishop.
No one with sense is going to contribute to the Archdiocese until the cover up is over. When they're no longer able to make ends meet perhaps they will deal with the problems.
The most striking element of this article is the Pope turning to +Wuerl to guide this appointment process to an end. He has a vested interest in ensuring the next archbishop keeps files under wraps. This would've been a good task for +O'Malley. Or, you know, just follow the cardinal nuncio's lead.
And Wuerl uses a similar slush fund as McCarrick - which no one can investigate - that enables him to continue as the Vatican’s international man of mystery. Each level of this narrative is more pathetic than the one above.
It makes me angry and a little sick to my stomach that Wuerl is involved in choosing Gregory’s successor. He should not be able to exercise any influence in the Church today.
There is a reason that witnesses swear to tell the truth AND the whole truth AND nothing but the truth. Just saying you'll tell the truth leaves open the option of keeping your mouth shut when it suits you.
I'm interested in where the various "slush funds" come from. Are they simply taken from diocesan coffers? I have the impression that they come from people with money that want to influence events. Is there an article on this that I have missed?
Is there solid evidence for these secret cash stashes?
but while I'm here (not strong enough to dig and ashamed to beg) I want to remind everyone to reread the very generous list of what counts for a jubilee indulgence and let's see how many souls we can jailbreak from purgatory in 2025. "The life you save may be your own" (oh shoot that's probably a Flannery OConnor title and I can't recall whether it is something I want to evoke but almost certainly not.)
The Life You Save May Be Your Own is a pretty good reference. At the end of that story, I think the road sign appears as a tongue-in-cheek reminder of interpersonal responsibility. I ought to treat you right because my own salvation is at stake. Thereby, selfishness ultimately leads to the loss of our lives.
So, yes, by praying for the souls in purgatory, we can gain new intercessors in heaven, who in turn can help us towards heaven!
Future headline: "In an unexpected turn of events, an entirely unforeseen prelate has been chosen to succeed +Gregory"
Curtains part, and within the foggy darkness, footsteps can be heard before a pair of eyes glows red... the eyes of a certain man from the Lone Star State...
And with a smirk, he remarks: "Oh dear me, it's been... far too long, hasn't it?"
Cardinal Wilton never promised transparency. He promised to tell the truth, not give everyone all the information they think they deserve.
Also it is not a crime canonically or civilly to have received gifts from McCarrick which could have occurred for a variety of reasons, either benign or sinful, so there should be no presumption of guilt for those who have received gifts from McCarrick nor are they under any obligation to explain themselves for doing so. So I side with the Cardinal on respecting the privacy of the recipients.
Seems to me he explicity promised transparency. Below is what he said (per CNA):
"Transparency includes sharing what you do know, and it also acknowledges that 'that's not something that I'm sure of' or 'I simply don't know,'" he said. But, Gregory noted, "I will always tell you the truth as I understand it."
I would have enjoyed an even nuanced nod to his declaration that Trump is reprehensible.
Not his finest hour.
I figured he'd hang around four more years just so he could continue to rant about Trump doing things like visiting the St Pope JPII Shrine.
He certainly told the truth there.
Okay.....do you think there's any real chance that Pope Francis removes or does not renew the seats of Cupich and Tobin on the Dicastery for Bishops with this huge mess they're causing? I really have to think they're falling out of his graces now.
Hagan lio!
Cleaning up is the job of the next Pontiff.
Almost certainly true. I do think it's obvious the pope finally realizes that taking the advice of McCarricks top US allies has just alienated the pope from anyone in authority, but he's also really old, in terrible health, and will go to extreme lengths to avoid admitting a mistake.
And dismissing any of those 3 from his confidence would be a pretty big admission of a mistake
Timothy Cardinal Michael Dolan turns 75 on 6 February 2025. Are there any rumors or hints that Joseph Cardinal Tobin succeeds him?
The guys said a couple podcasts ago that Tobin trying for New York is the current rumor.
I get the prestige of New York, and having only one cardinal in the metro area makes sense (of course there's no guarantee a non-cardinal would get a red hat under this pontiff), but I'm not sure what else you get out of it at +Tobin's age--73 in May. Even if he got a full seven years, what lasting mark can be made in that timeframe? Also, NYC is closing parishes, seminarian numbers are rather embarrassing for its size, etc. Seems like a lot of headache for what, exactly? Rome should be looking for someone who can tend to the flock (and the challenges) for at least ten years.
The pope just renewed +Cupich's 5 year appt to the congregation within the last year. It isn't likely he'll revoke that.
Before the ink is dry on Dolan’s resignation letter, Francis will show him the door and Bobby McElroy will come to New York.
The Diocese of Washington is still screening the Pillar's phone calls and emails like they are a debt collector.
Appreciate your initial reporting and this update on the Archdiocese. But I cannot figure out why the story started began with commentary on Pres (Elect) Trump.
I think it was meant as a lead-in, to get attention, but don't think it fit particularly well.
Perhaps because the next bishop of Washington will have to work with the incoming administration, and that might be a motivating factor for Gregory to head out, so that someone else better suited to deal with this administration can come in. I think that's something they flagged on the podcast a while back.
That was my assumption as well but if I hadn't had the podcast background the connection to the topic would have been a headscratcher.
The incoming Administration does not have a work style that would allow for any role or collaboration with the Archdiocese of Washington or even a Cardinal-Archbishop.
No one with sense is going to contribute to the Archdiocese until the cover up is over. When they're no longer able to make ends meet perhaps they will deal with the problems.
True and probably true for most dioceses and parishes in the US. I don't give a dime.
The most striking element of this article is the Pope turning to +Wuerl to guide this appointment process to an end. He has a vested interest in ensuring the next archbishop keeps files under wraps. This would've been a good task for +O'Malley. Or, you know, just follow the cardinal nuncio's lead.
And Wuerl uses a similar slush fund as McCarrick - which no one can investigate - that enables him to continue as the Vatican’s international man of mystery. Each level of this narrative is more pathetic than the one above.
It makes me angry and a little sick to my stomach that Wuerl is involved in choosing Gregory’s successor. He should not be able to exercise any influence in the Church today.
Wuerl is earning his $2 million slush fund that McCarrick had and Gregory will have.
There is a reason that witnesses swear to tell the truth AND the whole truth AND nothing but the truth. Just saying you'll tell the truth leaves open the option of keeping your mouth shut when it suits you.
JD the offices are closed until the new year, why are you posting
He's giving me one more shot to invite you over for NYE cocktails in the replies.
I'm interested in where the various "slush funds" come from. Are they simply taken from diocesan coffers? I have the impression that they come from people with money that want to influence events. Is there an article on this that I have missed?
Is there solid evidence for these secret cash stashes?
Narrator: There are a hundred different ways to skim off the top. Men, materials, you name it. And, oh my Lord, how the money rolled in...
Just a whim on my part, but you may want to start with the surnames on some of the schools (graduate business, nursing) on this campus:
https://map.concept3d.com/?id=102#!ct/1020?s/
https://open.substack.com/pub/thepillar/p/washington-archdiocese-allocates?r=wflz8&utm_medium=ios
Thanks for re-upping that article. Yowza.
Anyone who asks priests in ArchATL when he was archbishop could tell you this was going to be the result.
He was especially popular when he built a large home for himself...parishioners were outraged and it was sold.
τί ἐστιν ἀλήθεια ;
but while I'm here (not strong enough to dig and ashamed to beg) I want to remind everyone to reread the very generous list of what counts for a jubilee indulgence and let's see how many souls we can jailbreak from purgatory in 2025. "The life you save may be your own" (oh shoot that's probably a Flannery OConnor title and I can't recall whether it is something I want to evoke but almost certainly not.)
Indulgence available 12/31 for praying the Te Deum
Indulgence available 1/1 for praying the Veni Creator Spiritus
Indulgence available every day through 2/1 for praying before a Nativity Scene in a Franciscan Church
The Life You Save May Be Your Own is a pretty good reference. At the end of that story, I think the road sign appears as a tongue-in-cheek reminder of interpersonal responsibility. I ought to treat you right because my own salvation is at stake. Thereby, selfishness ultimately leads to the loss of our lives.
So, yes, by praying for the souls in purgatory, we can gain new intercessors in heaven, who in turn can help us towards heaven!
Future headline: "In an unexpected turn of events, an entirely unforeseen prelate has been chosen to succeed +Gregory"
Curtains part, and within the foggy darkness, footsteps can be heard before a pair of eyes glows red... the eyes of a certain man from the Lone Star State...
And with a smirk, he remarks: "Oh dear me, it's been... far too long, hasn't it?"
Hopefully that episcopal dark horse from the Lone Star State is not Archbishop Gustavo Garcia Siller.
He would be warmly welcomed by the people here.
I sincerely hope McElroy is not sent to DC. Would be a sheer disaster.
“I will always tell you the truth” is not broken if he never says anything! Just sayin’
I suppose I will be the contrarian.
Cardinal Wilton never promised transparency. He promised to tell the truth, not give everyone all the information they think they deserve.
Also it is not a crime canonically or civilly to have received gifts from McCarrick which could have occurred for a variety of reasons, either benign or sinful, so there should be no presumption of guilt for those who have received gifts from McCarrick nor are they under any obligation to explain themselves for doing so. So I side with the Cardinal on respecting the privacy of the recipients.
Seems to me he explicity promised transparency. Below is what he said (per CNA):
"Transparency includes sharing what you do know, and it also acknowledges that 'that's not something that I'm sure of' or 'I simply don't know,'" he said. But, Gregory noted, "I will always tell you the truth as I understand it."
Did not see this. Thank you.