Jim Carroll says: A leading churchman at a religious conference has just announced that "Ireland has gone beyond Paganism and is disobeying the will of God".

That would be Cardinal Burke, who has been sabre-rattling and making hints of insurrection ever since Pope Francis was elected. He is reputed to wear the fanciest clothes in the Vatican, out-dressing most recent popes. He recently made news by being demoted by the pope to a sinecure position as "patron" of the Knights of Malta, an organization of rich, conservative, old guys.

Within the Catholic Church, Cardinal Burke is generally considered to be a buffoon, but he is a darling of the ultraconservatives.

Not a good person to quote as an example of mainstream Catholicism.

But yes, we have a number of buffoons. I saw one up on the altar this morning. I'm sure glad he's moved to Colorado and just back to visit relatives..

-Joe-