The words of the title were once told to me by a priest.  A very liberal priest (theologically speaking) who did not agree with all the statements made by the Pope, but who was and is a good priest.

Many people have issues with the Catholic Church.   Some are theological, some personal and some political.  But the simple fact is that Catholicism (and I suspect most if not all faiths) is not a faith by consensus.  We have a set of beliefs, tenets, that we profess and that is what separates us from Anglican, Lutheran, or any other faith.  Most who profess the faith accept those tenets and many live by them. 

As in most religions, we do not have to accept every word that issues forth from the mouth of the leaders of our faith as a tenet, but we accept their leadership.  Or we find another faith.

There are 2 truism in the modern day Catholic Church.  One is stated in the title.  The other should be apparent to all Catholics since at least 1960, but sadly it seems to be overlooked all too often.  The Church is not American.  It never has been, and in all probability never will be.  I know that, and most of you readers know that.  And most of you are probably giving me a great big "DUHHHH!".

That we know it does not extend to all people, not even all in America.  Recently the Pope made some statements about abortion.  He used some strong language.  That is his role, his job, his function.  But that has gotten some politicians up in arms.  OK, even as a practicing Catholic, we can disagree with the Pope's statements (except when he goes Ex-Cathedra).  But it was the way they disagreed with him that makes me question their own knowledge of what they "say" they profess to believe.

"The fact is that religious sanction in the political arena directly conflicts with our fundamental beliefs about the role and responsibility of democratic representatives in a pluralistic America — it also clashes with freedoms guaranteed in our Constitution," a statement from the 18 lawmakers said.

18 politicians that do not know the Pope is not American, the Church is not American, and the neither the Church nor the Pope have ever been American. 

Many disagree with the Pope on Abortion.  Some Catholics do as well.  But at least most have the sense to understand that he is not speaking as an American or on American Principals.  American beliefs and Catholic Beliefs can be the same, but they are not always, by definition, practice, or in reality, the same. Perhaps before trying to "lead" Americans, these politicians should learn that truism.