Catholics, at least part of them (Jesuits?) were quite active in the 70's pushing for social change. As I recall, this effort was cleaned up by JP II who was conservative. The last pope and the current one seem to be in the more-active/more-liberal camp. (Liberation Theology)

Which makes sense. The preaching of the Big Guy was quite socially liberal and anti-establishment. Having "Christians" who support basically the opposite of what was preached provides examples of what the Big Guy spoke against.