A Red Hat for San Diego, by Stephen P. White

Note: Many Catholics are dismayed that the pope chose to name Bishop Robert McElroy as a Cardinal, both because he is an advocate of the status quo on abortion and because of the slight to other prelates – notably LA’s Archbishop Jose Gomez. As Steven White points out today, however, a large majority of America’s bishops, who understand this country better than the current Vatican, are not going to be much moved by McElroy’s elevation. But the whole crop of Bergoglio cardinals are going to be an influence in America for the foreseeable future. The Catholic Thing intends to be here to analyze and shape that future. The stakes now are only higher which is why we ask you to please do what you can to help us remain a strong voice for the Faith in America. And be sure to tune in at 8PM EDT tonight to The World Over on EWTN. The Papal Posse (TCT Editor-in-Chief Robert Royal, Fr. Gerald E. Murray, and host Raymond Arroyo) will discuss the topic of Mr. White’s column and what the elevation of new cardinals may mean for the future of the Church and the election of the next pope. (The World Over may also be viewed on EWTN’s YouTube channel shortly after the live broadcast.)