In a lively interview on “Fox News Sunday,” former Sen. Rick Santorum attempted to defend his remarks that Pope Francis should not be weighing in on the issue of climate change but should stick to saving souls. “The Church has gotten it wrong a few times on science,” said Santorum “ and should instead focus on “theology and morality.
The Pope is expected to release a groundbreaking encyclical – a papal letter sent to all the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church – connecting climate chance to human activity. The Pope will be making the case that climate change and its effects on the poor is a serious moral and religious concern.
Host Chris Wallace pointed out to Santorum that he often talks about climate change, even though he is not a scientist. Wallace went on to note that Pope Francis is not only a religious leader but also a chemist.
After admitting that the Holy Father can talk about whatever he wants to, Santorum went on to say that the topic of climate chance might not be the best issue for the Pontiff to “use his moral authority for.”
“He would say he’s protecting the earth,” replied Wallace.
“I would say that that’s an important thing to do, but I think there are more pressing problems confronting the earth than climate change,” Santorum said. And if you look at Santorum’s rhetoric, those issues can best be summarized as… abortion, birth control, abstinence, premarital sex and gay marriage. One could say that Santorum has made a political career infringing on the Pontiff’s turf.
Earlier this year, House Speaker John Boehner invited the Pope to address a joint session of Congress in September. I am guessing the Republican leader and fellow denier of climate change wishes he could revisit that decision!
Like other douchebag politicians caught in a stupid flap, Santorum tried to walk back his criticism of the Pope by saying “He’s awesome, I can’t wait to meet him.”
So typical. At least he didn’t say “I misspoke” or “I didn’t hear the question.”