My reaction to Gregory's "May God have mercy on her soul" was a negative one. Now, of course, all of us need mercy and so in one sense it is hard to speak against. It is what was left out that is so offensive.

In light of Barbara's life struggle for justice and her extraordinary accomplishments, all Gregory could think of was Barbara's need for mercy? What pray tell was so objectionable/damning about her that he could not even acknowledge her courage, love and outreach to survivors? We should be grateful I suppose that he acknowledged her as a woman of faith. She ran a Catholic Worker shelter for the homeless when he knew her, so a nod in that direction was perhaps an appropriate balance.

Gregory gave a carefully worded statement, perhaps approved by PR and legal counsel, that is remarkable for its safe language. Who would have any idea of Barbara's passion for justice, her pastoral care to thousands, her journey of pain toward healing? Not a word...spare me supposed sympathy.