Smells, bells, smoky incense, chapel veils, pipe organs, decorated altars, Sanctus bells, vestments, Traditional Latin Mass, the Ordinariate  ………          I love beauty of a traditional Catholic worship service as much as I love our three dogs.

But then our Beloved Pope Francis throughout his papacy speaks against “the sin of clericalism.” Webster’s Dictionary defines clericalism as a policy of supporting the influence and power of the clergy in secular or political matters.   

Pope Francis further expressed his disliking of clericalism and issued an Apostolic Letter called “Traditiones Costodes.”                                                         Apostolic Letter issued “Motu proprio” by the Supreme Pontiff Francis “Traditionis custodes” on the use of the Roman Liturgy prior to the Reform of 1970, 16 July 2021 | Francis (vatican.va)

As a politically-progressive American Catholic who loves traditional worship, I experience deep frustrations in several areas.  Many of these

traditional American Catholic parishes don’t appear to love vulnerable people or people in general very much. I’ve witnessed a deliberate devaluing
of Catholic Social Teaching, a flagrant disrespect and even hatred towards Pope Francis, and an attitude of leadership privilege steeped in clericalism.

Although, I know there are some humble exceptions, like the downtown San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, TX where we attend Mass.

The San Fernando Cathedral

I think that many American traditional Catholic parishes are heavily tied to the attitudes of racially-Caucasian right-winged politics verses the
entirety of Catholic Teaching which magnify a radical love of God and neighbor.  This is partly, but not entirely why Pope Francis issued
“Traditiones Custodes.”   As Pope Francis also stated in one of his first interviews, “Many Catholics seem to be obsessed with abortion,
contraception, and same-sex marriage.” I think the same is true for parts of the broader conservative American Church.  Although these are three
Catholic doctrines I listed, they are NOT the only doctrinal teachings of the Catholic Church.  Sadly, they have become hot-button political issues
in fascist-like sectors of Catholicism.  Many alt-right conservative American Catholic clergymen and many alt-right conservative white ministerial
laities can isolate and elevate these three doctrines way above all other doctrines. They can do this to the point of excluding many other Catholic
teachings while even harming people through political weaponization. I mention the word “white” frequently because the racial component to alt-right
Catholicism is glaringly white in America and in different parts of the world.

Catholic Social Teaching–roots in the Gospel

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) lists the Seven tenants of Catholic Social Teaching below. The summaries are my own paraphrases
through the verbal permission of USCCB. Here is the USCCB link if you wish to read further about Catholic Social Teaching.

Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching | USCCB

I think that Catholic Social Teaching more closely aligns with the Democratic party and the Gospel although some teachings would not align with the
Democratic party, like abortion.  Still, we cannot ignore and even dismiss the other 46 life issues which the Church teaches.

Faithful Citizenship – Justice Peace and Human Development | USCCB

Catholic Voter Guide – The Issues