I’m shocked (shocked!) to read this account of Chicago chancery non-cooperation with ChicagoCatholicNews.
As usual, [Cardinal] George would not respond to questions. . . . . [W]e called the press secretary of the cardinal — and she hung up on us before we could even explain the article. . . . . The cardinal wouldn’t return calls. . . . .
On three matters — ex-priests being urged to get laicized, Mother Teresa‘s relics coming to Chicago, monsignor-designates refusing the honor — there was no comment, including the hang-up (slam went the phone, startling the secretary), which amazingly was a feel-good about the relics.
The other two were provocative items, dying for confirmation, explanation, or outright (indignant, if necessary) denial — standard go-get-’em reportorial stuff. It’s what newsies do, making themselves socially useful (unless mean and/or green and/or full of spleen) and perhaps of interest to their readers.
But touchy, touchy lies the head that wears the red hat and turf-protective are his aides-de-camp. Slam that phone down! Communicate your undying disapproval! Hope and pray the caller goes away! Who needs him?
Blithe Spirit 