[Desdemona]

Wonder if you have any indignation towards that Pope of that time who contributed to this schism, the same one who was guilty of selling indulgences which we know now you reject as a Catholic today?

Let's straighten out this error that seems to persist.

Indulgences have NEVER been sold. Never. It has never been the teaching of the church that they are to be, either. No bishop has ever said that. The whole confussion came when a single priest, who was a Dominican, was giving a homily in a part of what is now Germany where a new Cathedral was being financed. He told the congregation that their ancestors in purgatory would be helped by their contributions. Somehow it was construed that the church validated the selling of indulgences, which was not true. The only way souls in purgatory can be helped is with prayer, and those cannot be sold.

[redgolum]

Check ou the thread

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1098898/posts

Granted, it came from a Protestant source that isn't to fond of the pope. Yes they were sold, and yes the sale of indulgences was abused. It is in the Council of Trent.

[OLD REGGIE]

Indulgences have NEVER been sold. Never.

Indulgences were sold and, among other things, the proceeds were used for the renovation of St. Peter's Cathedral.

The "official" position of the RCC is made moot by the facts. Indulgences sold. Money collected. St. Peters Cathedral renovated with part of the proceeds. Where the rest of the money went is another story.