The majority of these are not wildly leftist, but they all have one thing in common: they are all mediocre. They’re the typical Vatican II enforcers, that is, not very bright, suspicious of intelligence or learning, and very uneasy with anything prior to 1965, which they regard as a different, “bad” Church.
The Spaniard is actually considered fairly conservative theologically, but he was an ineffectual bishop who unfortunately had little success in fighting against the leftwing Basque-nationalist element that had run the diocese under its prior bishop. So I wouldn’t say he’s the worst one Francis could have picked, but he’s far from the best.
He didn’t pick any Americans because Chicago’s retired cardinal is still of voting age, and Francis certainly was not about to pick the conservative Gomez or Chaput.
It may come as a surprise to most people here, but the American hierarchy is now regarded as probably the most conservative internationally, and the ones that Francis likes the least.
“and the ones that Francis likes the least”.
Cardinal Burke’s demotion is living proof of that. I lost what little respect I had for Francis will be hogtied Burke for speaking the truth of the Gospel, something Francis does not want to hear. My prediction is the next thing Francis will shoot for is Holy Communion for anyone that wants it, irregardless of whatever faith they might hold. And without a doubt he will start letting divorced and remarried without an annulment receive communion. In Argentina he gave communion to the shacked up.