Pope choice could destabilise progressive Latin America
Friday 22 March 2013
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EmailIt should not be argued that the recent conclave of cardinals in Rome, and its choice of a Latin American Pope, reflects an organised anti- progressive conspiracy at the highest levels of Catholicism.
However as your article Pope tied to junta (M Star March 14) makes clear, this Pope may like to project himself as an ally of the poor but is unlikely to act against those responsible for poverty and oppression.
The cardinals would have been aware of Pope Francis's record and collectively aware of revolutionary and democratic advances in Latin America, which may pose a continental challenge to the wealth, privileges and political influence of the church.
Having successfully and significantly contributed to the defeat of socialism in eastern Europe through their anti-communist saint Pope John Paul II, they see an opportunity to repeat their destabilising strategy through the hearts and minds of the South America masses - millions of whom share an honest belief in the divinity of the church of Rome.
This is the real challenge represented by the selection of the new Pope.
An ideological struggle to expose the hypocricy of the Vatican and maintaining active solidarity with Latin America's progressive movements.
Brian Topping
North Shields
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