Cardinal Roger Mahony

Re "Mahony vs. Olivares," Opinion, March 10 Good journalism always contains a healthy dose of cynicism. But when cynicism becomes an end in itself, it says more about the journalist than his subject matter. Cardinal Roger Mahony deserves heavy criticism for his dealings with the victims of clergy sexual abuse. But when he defends immigrants against mean-spirited legislators, why question his motives as unsavory? There is plenty of evil around for Gustavo Arellano to investigate.

In response to the interview with Cardinal Roger Mahony, Feb. 27: The cardinal has on several occasions shown an inclination toward redefining a Catholic as someone who fits certain criteria and who generally agrees with his position on a variety of issues. He is, of course, free to define a Catholic as he pleases. He should, however, adhere to his definition of a Catholic when speaking to the public. If he specifies, for example, that he speaks for the 13% of the general Catholic population who agree with his position on abortion (Gallup poll in 1992)

Re "A cardinal truth," editorial, March 3 Is it time for the Internal Revenue Service to look into the Catholic Church's tax-exempt status? It seems as though Cardinal Roger Mahony is getting involved in politics, and I thought that was a no-no. Give me your hungry, poor, etc., and send them to Mahony. He will welcome them with open arms, paying for their health and welfare, thereby relieving the overcrowded rolls that we taxpayers are paying through the teeth for. What do you not understand about the word "illegal," Mahony?

Re "New Cathedral Won't Be on St. Vibiana's Site," July 23: In regard to Cardinal Roger Mahony's decision to relocate the new cathedral for Los Angeles from its present site, the consideration of property "just west of downtown" (west of the Harbor Freeway, between 4th and 6th streets) will not be "a crucial boost to downtown" at all. The preliminary ideas for an "urban plaza" and a "cultural/ religious center" planned at (or near) the current location would indeed revitalize the heart of downtown.

As evidenced by your June 25 article ("St. Vibiana's Could Be Razed Next Month"), the archdiocesan juggernaut inexorably steamrolls toward achievement of its goal: complete demolition of St. Vibiana's, whatever the means. Mayor Richard Riordan, the City Council and many other impressionable local politicians appear to be willing pawns in Cardinal Roger Mahony's scheme. No doubt they will all count on the cardinal's support for their next pet project. With all the problems beleaguering the American Catholic Church these days, it is surprising that Pope John Paul II would permit one of its most visible leaders, Mahony, to behave as though he were some sort of underworld boss, threatening and muscling to get his way. As a Catholic and a lawyer I find the cardinal's conduct most unfortunate.

Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday named a Texas archbishop to take over the archdiocese of Los Angeles after Cardinal Roger Mahony's expected retirement next year. The pontiff appointed Jose Gomez as co-adjutor archbishop of Los Angeles, an assisting position that essentially puts him first in line to succeed Mahony, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 75 for bishops next February. Gomez is currently archbishop of San Antonio, a post he took up five years ago, during the last few months of John Paul II's papacy.

Re "Cardinal Law Steps Down, Apologizes for 'Mistakes,' " Dec. 14: It is appropriate that Cardinal Bernard Law has resigned. He actively sought to cover up felonies carried out by priests within his diocese and enabled these same felons to relocate their activities to another parish. He did not tell the truth, he did not take his knowledge of these felonies to the police, he did not protect the children, and this cover-up continued over a period of years. In short, he was an effective accomplice to a great many child molesters.

People are prostrate in the streets of Los Angeles due to poverty. Cardinal Roger Mahony wants to spend some $50 million (or more) on an edifice. Mahony says that this is a "meaningful presence." Will the poor and homeless come over from the Music Center or the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters to be "nourished" by the Roman Catholic Church? In my view, the vast sum designated for the construction of this new cathedral is an obscenity. The cardinal should reevaluate his position and do some soul-searching.

Cardinal Roger Mahony was smiling widely Saturday as he navigated the crush of immigrant rights supporters rallying in downtown Los Angeles, enlivened by the throngs of adoring supporters who kissed his hand and asked to be blessed. "Thank you, Arizona," he said, to no one in particular. "Thank you, Arizona." For the cardinal, the thank-you was two-pronged. Mahony compared Arizona to Nazi Germany after the state passed a strict new law that allows police to check the legal status of anyone suspected of being an illegal immigrant.