In Britain we are no strangers to political scandals, all of which have certain features in common. One such is the statement that the Prime Minister has “full confidence” in whoever the minister or MP might be who is in the eye of the storm. When the embattled politician hears that, he knows his days are numbered.
Now something that sounds similar is happening in the Vatican. The council of cardinals have said that they give Pope Francis their "full support". This public expression of support is quite unprecedented. One is left with the impression that someone is protesting too much. After all, Cardinals support the Pope in all things, don’t they? That is their default setting. So why the public expression?
