Opinion columnistA young Catholic friend called me as soon as the news broke about Pope Francis. But that leaves the painful question: Is it true? The claim that Francis lifted sanctions placed on McCarrick by Benedict is, theoretically, verifiable. Yet I can’t ignore the emails and calls and letters I receive daily from vulnerable, shaken Catholics asking: Is this true? The church, in all its beauty, has historically imagined itself as a mother; Pope Francis has been especially fond of emphasizing this facet of its identity.

Source: Washington Post August 29, 2018 21:55 UTC