new red hats

McCarrick crossed the pontiff's palm with gold
took no receipt, but gave a knowing wink
To keep investigations stuck on 'hold'
regardless what the prosecutors think.
Recurring scandals make the news again
as statutory limits get peeled back.
New testimony from the damaged men
attests long years of sexual attacks.
But Francis doesn't play Ratzinger's game;
he's unimpressed with wealth, and pomp, and stuff.
What's most important is to spare kids shame.
Lord knows, the Vatican has cash enough.
An institution married to the past
may face an honest reckoning at last.