It should be noted

That according to this article at least, not one time did Pope Francis link practicing what you preach to what political or economic philosophies you support or subscribe to.  In fact, just the opposite.  He seems to be saying our pathway to holiness depends largely on what we do, as opposed to, say, how we vote or what economic theory we prefer.  Oh, you can prefer them, don’t get me wrong.  If you think Democratic Socialism is all that and a bag of chips, have at it.  Wade into the discussion.  Let’s talk! 

But there has been a sudden leap forward, over a few vital steps, suggesting that if you don’t follow a Socialist model, or at least one centered on raising taxes to fund government programs, then you hate the poor and are likely not a good Christian – if one at all.  So unless there is a big part of his message missing, please cease and desist using the pope as a Francis shaped cudgel with which to bludgeon those who don’t vote the way you vote.  Salvation is about the cup of cold water, or, dare I say, the bake sale.  The political positions we hold come next, after the charity and good works we’ve actually done.