Is this the organization we are talking about?
Reading this I think it is completely fair to say they speak for the Vatican on these matters. They were given this authority by two Popes.
It may be fair. It's just not accurate. Nobody speaks for the Vatican on these matters any more than anyone else. Two Cardinals can (and do) hold press conferences on different days promoting opposite points of view.
Ironically, you haven't gotten your mind around the fact that, when you go outside of faith and morals, the Vatican is more of a philosophical free-for-all than any organization or corporation we Americans are used to. They don't speak for the Vatican on these subjects; they are allowed to speak by the Vatican. The Vatican doesn't back up what they say, or deride it. (You or I would deride it.)
You may find it infuriating. I think Justice & Peace is a waste of oxygen. But it is talk that is not binding on anyone with respect to his salvation. Just opinions. I agree that a lot of Marxist assumptions come out of these commissions, but that's Europe for you. Younger priests are much more conservative these days.
The story that ran on Neuters was what they wish it was. They do this sort of thing all the time. Drudge knows a good headline when he sees it, but the Pope said no such thing; you'll see more about that in the next day or two.
Talisker:
Including the mega-billions in the Vatican Bank and its controlling links with The City and Wall Street, which should not in any way be considered "authoritative."
Don't know what you're smokin', dude, but it's too strong.
DmanA....I just visited the Vatican site today on reading about this...you are correct they do indeed speak for the Pope...and He appoints each individual to that council.
I also found that link interesting even into it’s formation and the authority it’s given.
However I do think we’re going to see many catholics excusing or defending the Pope and this council as well...they will most assurredly claim “victimhood” and the world is out to ge them. Unfortunately doing so because it is sooo difficult for them to see what they’re church is actually doing.