Improper Use Of Funds By A Catholic Bishop And Excessive Consumption Of Alcohol

Quoted from a June 6, 2019, article entitled Detailed report shows financial, sexual misconduct by retired West Virginia bishop  published by CatholicCulture.org [1]:

In a detailed report to the faithful of the Diocese of Charleston-Wheeling, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore has revealed that an investigation into the leadership of Bishop Michael Bransfield uncovered some clear evidence of sexual impropriety, along with a pattern of lavish spending for the bishop’s personal benefit.

Bishop Bransfield offered his retirement last September, upon reaching his 75th birthday. The Vatican quickly accepted his resignation, and appointed Archbishop Lori to lead an investigation into charges of corruption.

That investigation found a pattern of unchecked spending by Bishop Bransfield, including enormous outlays for travel ($2.4 million) and renovations on the bishop’s residence ($4.6 million). Archbishop Lori’s report included regular spending items such as about $1,000 monthly for alcohol served in the bishop’s residence and $100 daily for flowers delivered to the chancery.

Bishop Bransfield also used his considerable fundraising prowess to lavish cash gifts on other prelates. His gifts to the apostolic nuncios serving in Washington totaled $38,000.

The investigation did not find conclusive evidence that Bishop Bransfield had been guilty of sexual abuse of minors, but did report “a consistent pattern of sexual innuendo, and overt suggestions and actions toward those over whom the former bishop exercised authority.”

Why not make excessive alcohol consumption a grave mortal sin even when it occurs at home?  Catechism of the Catholic Church  section 2290 (on alcohol) and 2291 (on drugs) respectively states as follows, quoted without underscore/hyperlink [2]:

2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air.

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law.

Why should there be a difference in the wording between the abuse of alcohol and the abuse of drugs, in partucular the first two sentences? 



[1] https://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=42102
[2] http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P80.HTM