But, really, though?

I have a ridiculous Google News alert for papal matters related to the Jewish people for my thesis that, you know, I intend to write in 2011. Nevertheless, I like to stay abreast of Catholic/Jewish relations, so I keep my eyes peeled for interesting news stories. Somehow, this popped up the other day, and it really makes me wonder why our time (or, in this case, the Vatican's time) isn't being better spent...

"Pope Urges Priests to Wear Smarter Outfits"

Really? Apparently the Pope, when not causing stampedes that kill young girls or controversy over condoms, has been urging Catholic clergy to better identify themselves and stand out from lay folk as much as humanly possible. How dare you wear trousers when you could be wearing ankle-length cassocks that, in fact, look like dresses. The Pope seems outraged that only thirty percent of clergy wears said robe-dresses.

Look, I'm not trying to mock the Catholic Church here. Every religious tradition has its quirks. I just can't understand how, with issues of poverty, disease, war, inter-religious tensions, and other rather important problems plaguing the world, the Pope has the time to be concerned with the attire of clergy. I know you like your bright red shoes, buddy, and I like me some red shoes myself, but let the clergy focus on helping people. Don't turn the Catholic Church into an episode of What Not to Wear.