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"Woman is defective and misbegotten, for the active force in the male seed tends to the production of a perfect likeness in the masculine sex; while the production of woman comes from defect in the active force or from some material indisposition, or even from some external influence; such as that of a south wind, which is moist, as the Philosopher observes." (Prima pars, q. 92, a.1)
Sadly, there seems to be little hope for equality for women in the Catholic Church anytime soon. At the same time, it is not impossible to hope that Francis will reaffirm Cardinal Bernadin's inclusive approach on the sanctity of life.
How good it would be to remind American Catholics that ALL have a right to a decent life -- including not only those in utero, but also babies, young people exposed to predators, and adults with no economic or educational options but a poverty draft into the armed forces.
In addition, we Catholics, and most Americans, do need reminding that Bernadin's "seamless garment" and "consistent ethic of life" applies to people of all nations; that intrinsic evil should not be given a facelift; and that Thou Shalt Not Kill still applies -- even to a country claiming special privileges as the "sole indispensable country in the world."
Ironically, it was Russian President Vladimir Putin who, in an op-ed in the New York Times on Sept. 11, 2013, took issue with Obama's oft-proclaimed claim of American exceptionalism. Putin wrote:
"It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."
For more on the last papal visit, see: Consortiumnews.com's "What About the War, Benedict?" For an op-ed appearing in Sunday's Baltimore Sun, see: "Will Pope Francis Be Polite or Prophetic?"
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