One Word

Sometime words matter to a point where there is news if one uses one or not. This is the predicament the Pope has put himself in. Western media expected him to tell authorities in Myanmar to stop persecuting the Rohingya, but he didn’t. He instead called for general peace and reconciliation. His critics are battering him for it. It makes no difference that he is visiting the Muslims’ refugee camps and spotlighting their dire needs. He kowtowed to the sensitivity of Myanmar power brokers, they say. The Pope did not need to get himself into this vise. He could have stayed away. However, he is not one to back down in the face of poverty and distress. He called for solutions to the migrant crisis in Europe and he led the way in spotlighting their terrible situation. He is known for his concern for the poor. So, he didn’t use the word Rohingya. He still got his point across, but he has taken a reputational hit for not saying it.