There are clearly some communication problems between the Vatican and Catholics in the United States. The way in which information comes out from the Vatican shows that there is not bad will, but an incredible ignorance of the fact that, in the United States, we get new and share information on a 24/7 news cycle. What does this mean?
A pope cannot say in response to a critical question that he will leave it to the media to figure it out. The Church in the United States cannot get an important draft document to the Vatican and expect instant analysis and information. People in the Vatican who deal with information should be ashamed of themselves for letting the pope get in this mess. People in the higher levels of the Church in the United States should be ashamed of themselves for not realizing what it means to live in this 24/7 news cycle. People are informed quickly. We must do the same. If a complete answer cannot be given, then at least let people know that the questions raised are important and we're going to come up with the best possible way to address them. Anything other than this comes across to our people as incompetence and irrelevance. And, sadly, I add that it makes bishops and the Vatican come across as irrelevant. It is so unnecessary.
End of story. (I'm right, by the way! How's that for arrogance?)
TODAY'S GRATITUDE: For the very few communicators in the Church who understand the implications of a 24/7 news cycle.