"If the Vatican attempts to replace Biord, the concordat could lead to another standoff, with the government refusing to approve a new archbishop, or insisting on a candidate even more problematic than Biord."
To the extent that Washington is wielding leverage over Caracas, could there also be an opportunity for the Vatican and U.S. to team up on appointments in Venezuela? I'm thinking Cardinal Parolin calls Secretary Rubio and says, "We'd like to see Rodriguez accept our guy", and Rubio tells Rodriguez that's how it's going to be via stick or carrot. If +Biord is being replaced and the Pope has someone more in the mold of Cardinal Porras, that would be appealing to Rubio as he ultimately wants to see the country transition to democracy.
On the other hand, bolstering an institution that could help lead to democracy (as in the Philippines and South Korea) doesn't appear to be a priority for the White House at the moment. Further, I could see this Administration having no interest in doing the Vatican any favors in light of criticism over immigration.
Nevertheless, there seems an alignment in Venezuela that could lead to some trust, for lack of a better word, between the two states.
The point I'm trying to make, and I probably did it poorly, is the Pope may be able to use the U.S. to apply some muscle to get the episcopal appointments he wants if Rodriguez isn't playing ball.
"If the Vatican attempts to replace Biord, the concordat could lead to another standoff, with the government refusing to approve a new archbishop, or insisting on a candidate even more problematic than Biord."
To the extent that Washington is wielding leverage over Caracas, could there also be an opportunity for the Vatican and U.S. to team up on appointments in Venezuela? I'm thinking Cardinal Parolin calls Secretary Rubio and says, "We'd like to see Rodriguez accept our guy", and Rubio tells Rodriguez that's how it's going to be via stick or carrot. If +Biord is being replaced and the Pope has someone more in the mold of Cardinal Porras, that would be appealing to Rubio as he ultimately wants to see the country transition to democracy.
On the other hand, bolstering an institution that could help lead to democracy (as in the Philippines and South Korea) doesn't appear to be a priority for the White House at the moment. Further, I could see this Administration having no interest in doing the Vatican any favors in light of criticism over immigration.
Nevertheless, there seems an alignment in Venezuela that could lead to some trust, for lack of a better word, between the two states.
I’m not sure why Pope Leo should worry about the US’s opinion. This is a Church matter.
The point I'm trying to make, and I probably did it poorly, is the Pope may be able to use the U.S. to apply some muscle to get the episcopal appointments he wants if Rodriguez isn't playing ball.