Pope Francis ‘is not Catholic enough to be Pope’ says Dennis Ladel, Republican congressman from central Arkansas. The freshman member of congress objected to a number of positions the Pope took softening the Church’s opposition on gay civil unions, contraception and divorce.
Mr. Ladel’s comments, aside from sparking a backlash from Catholics worldwide, may have greater implications by throwing into question millions of decisions that were confirmed by the phrase ‘Is the Pope Catholic?’
The congressman further muddled the waters with his answer to a reporters’ question of, “Does a bear shit in the woods?”
Mr. Ladels response of “Of course, but who and what doesn’t?” threw the press conference into pandemonium.
Professor Albert Souse, a law professor at Harvard University said, “From a legal standpoint answers to questions relating to the Holy Father or where an animal drops his load don’t have much bearing. However, given the public’s long held belief that the Pope is indeed Catholic and the weight that phrase has had it could result in a de facto voiding of agreements between parties if that reference is not proven unequivocally.”
The Republican Party initially did not back Mr. Ladel in the primary election, choosing instead a party regular. Only when Mr. Ladel unexpectedly won the primary did the GOP support him in the general election with volunteers and money.
Said a local Republican party member, who asked not to be identified, “Dennis’ stand on arming and issuing carry permits to practically anyone who cast a shadow would probably pass here. Likewise, his idea to require voters to prove residency, when asked, with not just a state issued ID but a major credit card and a ride home. But Dennis wasn’t our first choice and you can see why.”
His Democratic opponent was painted by Republicans as a former sex offender and member of the ACLU although neither was true.
Gil Prowler writes political and social commentary.