Pope Benedict XVI’s right arm strikes again [updated II]

Pope Benedict XVI’s has set off another furor, not by revoking excommunications this time, but by promoting an apparent theological extremist.

The Rev. Gerhard Maria Wagner, was elevated to auxiliary bishop in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria province. In 2005 he said that Hurricane Katrina was “divine retribution” on New Orleans for tolerance of homosexuals and laid-back sexual attitudes.

The same cleric who according to BBC has said Harry Potter novels spread “satanism.”

The London Telegraph wrote:

Upper Austrian priest and church dean Franz Wild said he was “appalled” by the decision and that he found it astonishing that someone with such extreme positions could be appointed to a post that was meant to unify.
“I hope it’s clear to the church that we’re living in the 21st century and that it also has to live there,” the newspaper quoted Wild as saying on its web site.
Franz Guetlbauer, head of a Catholic men’s movement, described the appointment as a “extremely conservative sign.” The organization “We are Church” predicted that the appointment would push people to leave the church.

It not only seems less accidental this time, but also the appointee plans “to keep expressing myself” as before.

Addendum:

Catholic Church Conservation blog reports (BF ours):

The future bishop is so far noted mainly for controversial statements and absolute fidelity to Rome. He has said that environmental disasters are close to divine punishment. The diocese was forced to distance itself from Wagner. (Cathcon- nothing comes except God permits it- an understanding of Catholics in all ages but our own.)
Within the Diocese, Wagner stands for a very controversial minority. According to a church insider, the weight of Wagner’s future office is less important than the fact of his appointment. Rome wanted to signal to Linz that the era of liberal and moderate courses are gone.

This Pope is apparently as conservative as he seems when not calming the waters after he takes a controversial action.

Addendum II:

The British Guardian reported:

Liberal Catholics have said they fear the Pope is steering the church in an ultra-conservative direction. In a commentary in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the Swiss theologian and Catholic priest Hans Küng, who has been at loggerheads with the Vatican for years, wrote: “The Pope risks losing the trust of millions of Catholics across the world.”