ROME
National Catholic Reporter
by John L. Allen Jr. | Mar. 6, 2013
Rome
In the wake of today’s news that the Americans will no longer be doing daily press briefings in the run-up to the conclave, apparently after cardinals in the General Congregation meeting this morning expressed concern about leaks in the Italian papers, there are all sorts of good questions one might ask. Three, however, seem the most immediately intriguing.
• First, why did it happen?
• Second, what’s the PR fallout?
• Third, does this help or hurt the chances for an American pope?
The first two are easier to answer, at least without veering into the realm of the speculative.
In terms of the reason for the gag order, a statement from the U.S. bishops indicated that concerns had been expressed in the General Congregation meetings about details of their supposedly confidential discussions showing up in Italian newspapers, and as a precautionary measure, the Americans have decided not to give interviews.
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