Is our new pope losing it?

You would think so, looking at the above-linked list of stories. Note, however, what one of them has, about free-market capitalsm:

Since taking over as head of the Roman Catholic Church in March, Pope Francis has made several stark comments on world economic issues: He’s cited the pitfalls of capitalism, decried global income inequality and equated low-wage labor to a form of “slavery.”

He’s even described the financial corruption in the church he leads as a “spiritual sickness.”

Analysts say Pope Francis—leader of some 1.2 billion Catholics—is not necessarily calling for the demise of free market theory. Instead, he’s issuing a very strong warning to economic leaders over its future.

Etc. This CNBC piece is well constructed. But the problem remains: Pope F. shoots from the hip at times, and what came across as fresh air in his early dispensing with paraphernalia and folderol is beginning to look like erratic behavior, leading to headlines like:

* Can savage capitalism be humanized?

* A blunt Pope Francis targets free market economics (excerpted above)

* Unbridled capitalism has taught people that money is more important than anything else . . .

[Please. People didn’t know that already?]

* Is Jorge Bergoglio, The New Pope Francis, A Capitalist?

In any case, the looser he is with his condemnations, the more easily is he disregarded. Finger-wagging is bad in dealing with gays and abortionists but not with captains of industry? or lieutenants or sergeants? For whom he has thunderbolts?

Plus, he might compare wealth creation and distribution in free-market vs. socialistic economies before condemning one of them. Wild talk will get him nowhere in his evangelical enterprises.

Reading Vatican 2 on the church and the world, “Gaudium et Spes” (Joy and hope), before hearing Rev. Robert Barron on that document at St. Procopius Monastery, Lisle, I am reminded of Jack Handy, who wrote “Deep Thoughts” (1992), “Fuzzy Memories” (1996), and other memorable spoofs.

I mean, consider this from G&S:

“Our era needs wisdom more than bygone ages if the discoveries made by man are to be further humanised” (15).

“The future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping” (31).

“The enormous progress of science and technology must be harmonised with a culture nourished by classical studies according to various traditions” (56).

“It remains each man’s duty to retain an understanding of the whole human person … a profound inquiry into the meaning of culture and science for the human person” (61).

What half-aware individual would contradict these deep thoughts?