Peter Steinfels on Archbishop Levada as prefect for the CDF

He asks, "As an American Heads to the Vatican, What Might His Impact Be?"

Make no mistake: At the heart of Archbishop Levada's "Reflections on Catholics in Political Life and the Reception of Holy Communion" was a precise and rigorous affirmation of Catholic teaching, as solemnly restated by John Paul II, on abortion and the obligations of church members to oppose and not abet it.

But applying moral principles in concrete situations can also be "at times a complex and difficult task," Archbishop Levada wrote, because of "the political process, conflicting points of view in society, and the recognition that laws may have to take into account prevailing societal attitudes and customs."

He also took note of "the longstanding recognition in Catholic moral teaching that those who make and interpret the law are not always able to deal with ideal or perfect solutions" and must thus distinguish between morally acceptable and unacceptable compromises.

If I understand him correctly, Mr. Steinfels says that Archbishop Levada understands how to dogmatically teach in a pastoral way. He holds to the truth while guiding others to it through listening and persuasion. This shouldn't be a surprise. Benedict XVI himself declared in his homily that his role as pastor of the Universal Church was to listen to the Savior. Teachers teach best when they model.

Loose Cannon wasn't nearly as pleased with Levada's elevation:

I heard Levada say on TV that his job would be to represent the American church in Rome. Gee, I thought it was to uphold doctrine, which is often quite the opposite of representing the Church in the U.S.

I think she's off-base here. First of all, I haven't heard the Archbishop say anything like that. Granted, I haven't watched a lot of TV. A statement like this, however, would appear in other news media, right?

Secondly, It's crucial to have the Popes gurantor of Doctrine be an experienced Archbishop that is faithful to doctrine and can administer it in a sound pastoral manner. If LC really believes that doctrine could "go hell in a handbag" on the basis of one appointment, I would suggest that over 2,000 of Roman Catholic Church History prove her wrong.