“the Vatican Lobby Threat Goes beyond Sexual Orientation”

By Paolo Mastrolilli
Vatican Insider
June 12, 2013

http://vaticaninsider.lastampa.it/en/inquiries-and-interviews/detail/articolo/gay-lobby-john-allen-25634/

Vulnerability In The Vatican

What do you think the Pope meant?

“It’s important to remember that the "gay lobby" phrase came up in the context of the Vatileaks scandal, when the big question was who’s behind it. The theory was that maybe gays were involved, not because they’re gay, but because somebody with a secret to keep could be vulnerable to pressure and blackmail. The concern isn’t really sexual orientation, but whether somebody is working against the pope’s interests.”

How is this lobby functioning inside the Vatican?

“I’m not sure it’s really a "lobby" … I doubt they have meetings or a secret handshake. However, people leading a double life - whether it’s about sex, money or anything else - often feel a natural affinity with one another.”

Is this comment related to the Pope’s effort to reform the Curia, to the sexual abuses, or both?

“It’s related to reform of the Roman Curia, in that Francis wants to make sure decisions are being made for the right reasons and not because of hidden pressures.”

When do you expect him to implement his reform and what is the key for the reform?

“He’s obviously talking his time, but he clearly understands that he was elected on a reform mandate by Cardinals from around the world who were fed up with what they saw as bad management in the Vatican.”

How are his actions so far perceived in the United States?

“To date, Francis has very high approval ratings in America. One recent poll found that 82 percent of American Catholics like the Pope, and given how divided American Catholics usually are, that’s a minor miracle.”