[marshmallow]

When Francis gives pre-prepared speeches, the words they contain are usually written by others, e.g. Angelus addresses on Sunday ad limina visits, talks at General Audiences on Wednesday. These speeches usually express orthodox catholic theology, in part or in toto and on these occasions, Francis often appears almost Catholic.

When he speaks spontaneoulsy, however, the real Francis appears, e.g. daily Mass homilies in Casa Santa Marta and airborne press conferences. That's usually when things go off the rails, big time. So it's interesting that he now appears to be ditching more of the pre-prepared speeches in favor of his own improvised, spur-of-the-moment thoughts. A natural progression for El Lider Maximo.

[ebb tide]

What's even more disturbing about this stealth pope is that the Vatican is not even releasing transcripts of what he actually does tell the visiting bishops:

He (Pope Francis) preferred to relate with them spontaneously, behind closed doors and on the condition that what was spoken remain confidential.

He's a sneak.