There’s just no way to make this story ok.

Catholic World Report: One of the newest members of the Pontifical Academy for Life appointed by Pope Francis is an outspoken advocate of abortion rights, having recently shared her opposition to the overturning of Roe v. Wade on Twitter.

Italian-American economist Mariana Mazzucato, known for her work promoting the public sector’s role in encouraging innovation, was among seven academics appointed by the pope on Oct. 15 to serve five-year terms with the academy.

In his 2020 book “Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future,” Pope Francis described Mazzucato’s work as “thinking that is not ideological, which moves beyond the polarization of free market capitalism and state socialism, and which has at its heart a concern that all of humanity have access to land, lodging, and labor.”…

Robert P. George, professor of jurisprudence at Princeton University, a Catholic and outspoken advocate for the right to life, told CNA that he is disturbed by the news of the appointment.

“The Pontifical Academy for Life exists to advance the Church’s mission to foster respect for the profound, inherent, and equal dignity of each and every member of the human family, beginning with the precious child in the womb. Either one believes in this mission or one does not. If one does not, then why would one wish to be part of the Pontifical Academy?” George asked.

“And why would someone with appointment authority appoint someone to the academy? I can think of no explanation that is not shocking and scandalous,” George told CNA.

Is it shocking? I mean, I’m seriously trying to think if I was shocked when I first read this story. I don’t think I was. It’s obviously scandalous and dispiriting but shocking? No.

We’ve come too far to be shocked by decisions like this which clearly undercut the Church’s mission. I’m so fed up with it. I’ve shaken my head for a decade now. I’m tired of it. But that’s what they want, right? They want us to tire of fighting over every inch of ground. They want us to cede this or that and when they gain that foothold, they’ll press for more. It is a constant war that we must resist.

Pray for the Church. It is in the hands of those who wish to cut it loose from Christ. Resist them and pray.