No, I don’t think it’s turning out to be a problem at all that we have, so to speak, two popes. But media love a sensationalist headline such as this at the LA Times: “Vatican infighting: We told you two popes could be a problem.” Pray Tell readers will enjoy the disucssion around the rumor (as yet very much unconfirmed) that the first Marini might become prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship.
One has to wonder why this rumor appeared. Did traditionalists spread it about in order to provoke an outcry and prevent it from coming to be? It’s been known to happen before.
It’s hard to imagine Pope Francis making such a shocking move. But then again, not so long ago it was hard to imagine that the new pope would celebrate Holy Thursday in a prison, as he had done down in Argentina. And when it was announced that he would, it was hard to imagine that he would wash the feet of females, including non-Christians. And he did. So… who knows?
Francis is his own man and seems not to be afraid of making his own decisions. He hasn’t been shy about tossing overboard the monarchical trappings of vesture and ceremonial that Benedict cultivated. But as I say, it’s hard to imagine Francis appointing Marini-1 to such a delicate position.
Maybe Piero could become archpriest of the basilica, a cardinalatial position. I’ve heard that rumor too.
It will be interesting to see.
awr
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