By Tom Ryan, Kansas City Star Reader Advisory Panel

Periodically, the Pope reminds us that he is a head of state. In His Holiness’ recent address to the African bishops visiting the Vatican, he warned that a new kind of colonialism threatens Africa.

It seems, however, that the old type of Catholic colonialism is alive and well.

The Pope contends that old style political colonialism is no more. Debatable. The old empires of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Spain…oh yes, and the Vatican, are still engaged in their old colonies’ affairs.

The Pope contends that a new style of colonialism, in the form of materialism and religious fundamentalism, competes for the souls of Africa. The Catholic Church is doing well in this competition…17% of Africa is Catholic, around 150 million people, three times the followers as thirty years ago.

It’s difficult to listen to such a sermon amidst such silk, marble, gold, and incense. The Pope needs to dress down a bit and maybe adopt a Franciscan wardrobe. His ensemble and those of the 300 African prelates would probably feed a few villages for a few years.

What does this mean for us as American citizens? Well, despite what you may have learned in civics class, there is no separation of church and state in America. Religions are more decisively engaged in political souls, voting souls, than ever before.

It’s not diabolical. There’s no conspiracy here. Religions and denominations have lobby offices galore in Washington, DC. The country of the Vatican has a website. The Pope has Apostolic Nuncios, embassies, in most countries and even at the UN. They need a nuncio in Afghanistan by the way...

The Pope gave us a good reminder that religion, politics, and economics are woven into an intricate tapestry, braided into an elaborate silk chord like the cincture he wears around his waist.