The Pope spooks Conservatives
Pope Francis’s candour regarding the shortcomings of market capitalism and his pronouncements on many divisive social issues has people paying attention, and many Conservatives don’t like it, says our US Correspondent Tomas Mega, from Nevada
New York City’s landmark St. Patrick’s Cathedral has become an unexpected venue for a circuitous battle over economic philosophy. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, which opened its doors 135 years ago, is in need of restoration and a campaign to raise millions for the effort is underway. Led by billionaire Ken Langone, one of the founders of America’s favourite home improvement retailer, The Home Depot, he is courting wealthy donors to make big contributions. But Pope Francis’ recent critical remarks regarding the wealthy and the exclusionary nature of market capitalism apparently has some affluent donors thinking twice. So concerned is Mr. Langone that he has reportedly met with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, telling the Archbishop: “this is one more hurdle I hope we don’t have to deal with. You want to be careful about generalities.”
