Pulpit Politics has a very long history where clergy have openly supported a certain candidate and then "recommended" that the members of the church do the same.
(and that's not isolated to the Catholic Church by any means).
As for the Pope himself, (unlike you or me) he's is in a position to have an effect on millions of followers world wide (where as you and I don't). He needs to temper his comments about what a "Good Christian is", and it's not his job by any means, he is a human just like any other person.
To my knowledge the US Government has never tried to influence the College of Cardinals in the selection of a pope (however, pulpit politics have always had their voice in our political structure).
As for "my vile" comments of pedophile priest (yes they might be vile and ugly)but they happen to be true and a part of history.......Check with the newspapers (Boston Globe) of the scandals of Boston and the Church. Remember, Archbishop Bernard Law stepped down from his position because of it.
Love,
Liz