Morales crucifix gift to Pope Francis causes stir (Our Lord on the Hammer and Sickle)

BBC ^ | 7/10/2015 | Unattributed

[mojito]

A crucifix sculpted in the shape of a hammer and sickle presented to Pope Francis in Bolivia has caused a stir among Catholic commentators.

The Pope was given the item, combining Catholic and communist symbols, by left-wing Bolivian President Evo Morales.

One Catholic bishop suggested that Mr Morales had sought to "manipulate God".

But while some reports said the Pope was taken aback by the present, the Vatican has played down any row.

The crucifix was based on a design by Luis Espinal, a Jesuit Priest assassinated in 1980 by right-wing militia to whom Pope Francis paid tribute during his trip.

Bolivia's communications minister, Marianela Paco, told Bolivian radio: "The sickle evokes the peasant, the hammer the carpenter, representing humble workers, God's people," adding there was "no other" motive behind the gift.

[mojito]

Why has the Vatican not denounced this?

[Jeff Chandler]

Pope Francis paid tribute to right-wing militia?

[BenLurkin]

The crucifix was based on a design by Luis Espinal, a Jesuit Priest assassinated in 1980 by right-wing militia to whom Pope Francis paid tribute during his trip.

At least the Pope is paying tribute to the militia group that waxed the stinking Pinko that came up with this abomination

[mojito]

No, he accepted a large crucifix in the shape of a blatantly marxist hammer and sickle while visiting Bolivia today.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Meanwhile, Bolivia and The Vatican continue to elect stalwarts of honesty, integrity, competence, and freedoms

Dumb and Dumber

[mojito]

The BBC has some editorial problems.

Nothing new there.

[Eddie01]

Latest Papal Headline:
“Pope Takes Dump, Wipes Ass, Gets a Little on Thumb”

Alt:
“Pope Hands Act Like Divining Rod, Inadvertantly Tips Hands Toward Hell During Mass”

Alt2:
“God Hates Pope”

[sparklite2]

Soviet art depicted the hammer as more of a sledge hammer in the hands usually of an industrial worker. Carpentry had little to do with it.

[Longbow1969]

Why has the Vatican not denounced this?

Because this Pope shares common cause with marxists and spends a good deal of his time condemning capitalism and free markets (you know, the very things that actually pulls people out of poverty)

As to the murder of some communist Jesuit priest years ago, I have no sympathy whatsoever. These priests were allies of the Soviet Union and enemies of individual freedom, free markets, etc. It is actually too bad more weren't knocked off. Not surprised this Pope would support these rogue priests - considering he is essentially one of them.

[Jeff Chandler]

I’ll take an em-dash for $100 please, Alex.

[lee martell]

Whoever offered this ‘gift’ to the Pope, must have known that he would likely be open to accepting it. I can’t think of anyone daring to publicly offer that Commie Cross to any other Pope in my lifetime,

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Could be showing that the Communists are the same as the Romans in that both killed Christians.

Yes, I know what the liberation theology pusher was trying to say but as I had to deal with these demon spawn in South America I enjoy kicking them in the shins every chance I get.

[freeangel]

I’m sure Francis loves it. ‘Right up his socialist road.

[Navy Patriot]

Acceptance of this symbol is the perception I get from this Pope.

[Buckeye McFrog]

I believe in the same event where Morales presented that to him he described “unfettered capitalism” as “the dung of Satan”.

[fieldmarshaldj]

I know where I’d like to shove it.

[Mrs. Don-o]

(1) Actually, he didn't say "unfettered capitalism." He said "unfettered pursuit of money," and he was quoting St. John Chrysostom, in Chrysostom's commentary on this verse "For the love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Tim 6:10 KJV)

(2) When presented with the cross-and-sickle, Pope Francis frowned and said "This is not good" or "This is not OK."

Check out how different news sources headlined it:

"Pope not Pleased With Communist Crucifix" was one.

[painter]

There is a video on youtube of this. As near as can tell he said it was WRONG and acted like he didn’t want it.

[Longbow1969]

I believe in the same event where Morales presented that to him he described “unfettered capitalism” as “the dung of Satan”.

Yeah, he did say something like that recently.

I have to bite my tongue when it comes to this marxist Pope because one, I can't stand him and there is not much use in repeating it over and over and two, I know a lot of conservative Catholics that are trying to keep the faith and I don't want to endlessly rub this guy in their face.

So tactfully I will just say, the sooner this Pope exits the world stage the better. We can only hope that the RCC realizes their mistake and forces Francis out and replaces him with someone who wouldn't make Karl Marx grin from ear to ear.

[I want the USA back]

He accepted it. That is enough to prove that he’s a Marxist first, then pope.