In a decision that surprised Catholic lay people around the world, church officials invited hip-hop singer Lauryn Hill to perform at a Vatican Christmas concert a week ago, during which she said some appalling things about the hierarchy. That the most powerful leaders in the Catholic Church would sponsor and attend a hip-hop concert speaks volumes about the tendencies of those who will choose the next pope. (CCI NOTES: For those of you not familiar with hip-hop, this is not good news…)