[Dog Gone]

It wasn't his coming out against the war. It was how he did it, and his fondness for the UN. It was a fairly active campaign in giving interviews to newspapers.

Personally, I don't care because I don't think the Vatican's stance on geopolitical matters is relevant. It is supreme within that church on religious matters and church politics, but I think its opinion on US foreign policy or land reform in Paraguay is outside its area of legitimate comment.

The Vatican obviously disagrees, and I expect more criticism from them even under this pope. It could have been far worse, though. There are plenty of cardinals who advocate the forced redistribution of wealth worldwide. I don't expect Pope Benedict to go that far.

[Hi Heels]

I agree with you on all points. And frankly, as a minister myself, I don't think the church has any business directing or trying to influence politics. But I do think that this wouldn't be an issue if the MSM didn't stand outside the vatican waiting for the Pope's opinion. Then they use only the parts of that opinion that serve their agenda and broadcast it all over the world. They are not just adding to the problem.... they are promoting it.

Until a Pope arrives that doesn't support the opinion of the liberal press, this will continue. At that point we may have the quietest Pope ever. It reminds me of that headline, "Bianca Jagger supports John Kerry." With all due respect to the Pope, I don't CARE what his opinion is of US politics and just don't understand why it's an issue. There is so much work to do as a church leader these days. That should be the priority.