[livius]

Lawler is trying to put the best spin possible on Francis’ latest menacing words. This was meant to shut down Cdl Sarah and Cdl Burke, and was NOT meant to plead for better celebration of the Novus Ordo, as Lawler implies.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I don't think Lawler is saying that returning some decorum to the Novus Oro as suggested by--- for instance --- Cardinal Sarah, is Francis' intent. He's saying Francis' words, because of their customary equivocation and fluffiness, can be construed that way.

Another case of weasels talking weaselly. And I'm referring to the Pope (alas), not Lawler.

[faithhopecharity]

O I see. O my! That makes it even worse. Thanks for the info tho.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Re-reading Lawler's article, I don't think he's making the absurd claim that Pope Francis is pleading for a better celebration of the Novus Ordo, along lines that would be acceptable or even recognizable by Pius XII or Benedict XVI.

Lawler says Pope Francis' latest statement is "confusing" and that he is "is notoriously unsympathetic to calls for the 'reform of the reform.'"

Does that really sound, to you, like a defense of Pope Francis?

Lawler is noting that, despite Pope Francis' "NewChurch/Sc***theTradition" orientation, he's constrained to be ambiguous because he knows he's out of step with his holy predecessors, and thus his huffy "magisterial" tone is a cover for internal incoherence.

Sad. We really do need a new pope..