He really has his rose colored glasses on when he evaluates the Church in America. Just because it is a little further away from being pronounced dead than in Western Europe, it is not any sort of exemplar for what a successful Vatican II Church could look like. Still, it’s good to see that Weigel recognizes that things aren’t great, even if he represents hardly anyone, besides neo-con seminary faculty members, if there are any left at this late date.
The Pope does not owe any explanation for his decision not to read a speech. But by offering an implausible explanation, when no explanation was necessary, the Vatican press office created a problem.