Amusing because …
1. The Catholic Church has absolutely no hesitation about using the "power of the pulpit" to affect public opinion in countries around the world as to elected representatives, laws being passed, etc.
But the Church, of course, is special, because it speaks on behalf of God, so how dare someone suggest that public opinion might play into a Church decision. _Vox populi vox dei?_ Pish-tosh!
2. 'The freedom of the College of Cardinals, which, by law, is responsible for providing for the election of the Roman Pontiff, has always been strongly defended by the Holy See as the guarantee of a choice based solely on deliberations directed toward the good of the Church.' Huh. You'd think the deliberations would be directed toward the glory of God and the advancement of His Will, not toward the good of the institution of the Church.
3. I don't think anyone is impinging on the freedom of the College of Cardinals. The idea that efforts to shape public opinion will actually have an effect on such an august council of holy men, none of them actually beholden to democratic institutions, strikes me as showing very little faith in their wisdom or prayerfulness.
4. 'Now as never before, Catholics are focusing on what is essential: praying for Pope Benedict, praying that the Holy Spirit might enlighten the College of Cardinals, and praying for the future Pope, confident that the future of the barque of Peter is in God's hands.' Then what are you complaining about?
Embedded Link
VIS news – Holy See Press Office: SECRETARIAT OF STATE COMMUNIQUE