The Catholic Bishops’ statement of April 2012, “Our First, Most Cherished Liberty,” is an ambitious undertaking with much to recommend it. Based on what people in the pews are saying, however, I think it is dead on arrival.

Pope Benedict’s visit to Latin America in 2012 will take him to two countries: one where the Catholic Church is under attack and the other where the church is growing in influence. If you think Cuba was where the church was being attacked and Mexico where it was growing, you are wrong. It’s the other way around.

The confrontation between the bishops and the White House over coverage contraception in all health plans has not ended with the president’s announced resolution of the conflict on February 10th. The issue is both theological and political, but neither bishops nor politicians are usually adept at both. It is possible to be a great bishop in theological terms but also a lousy politician, just as good politicians can lack the basics of theology.

     Super Bowl XLVI will likely escape a God connection this year.  While references to a “Hail Mary pass” always crop up in football jargon, this year the contest will be played without Tim Tebow. Tebow’s Denver Broncos went further than expected, largely because of last-minute heroics from their leader.