Photo of a self-centered twit.
Posted on 06/04/2004 10:44:37 AM PDT by B Knotts
VATICAN CITY (AP) - In his latest blunt assessment of U.S. society, Pope John Paul II on Friday denounced the acceptance of abortion and same-sex unions as ``self-centered demands'' erroneously depicted as human rights.
The pontiff said that ``in the face of such erroneous yet pervasive thinking,'' visiting U.S. bishops should stress to congregations ``their special responsibility for evangelizing culture and promoting Christian values in society and public life.''
``Rights are at times reduced to self-centered demands: the growth of prostitution and pornography in the name of adult choice, the acceptance of abortion in the name of women's rights, the approval of same sex unions in the name of homosexual rights,'' he said.
The Catholic Church forbids abortion and considers homosexual activity a sin.
Last week, John Paul warned another group of U.S. prelates that American society is in danger of surrendering to a ``soulless vision of life.''
Greeting the latest group of bishops on the same day he held a private audience with President Bush, John Paul acknowledged the challenges to Catholic Church teaching and faith.
``Ambiguous moral positions, the distortion of reason by particular interest groups ... are just some examples of a perspective of life which fails to seek truth itself and then abandons the search for the ultimate goal and meaning of human existence,'' John Paul said.
He urged church leaders to be courageous despite detractors. ``Some today view Christianity as weighed down by structures and failing to respond to people's spiritual needs,'' he said.
Every bishop must visit the Vatican every five years for periodic consultations. This year is the turn of bishops from the United States.
Viva il Papa!
But maybe he has and I missed it.
Photo of a self-centered twit.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Pope also denounce the war in Iraq?
Well, since he's commenting on the U.S., I don't think terrorism is exactly one of our flaws. :)
He has consistently condemned terrorism in more germane situations.
FYI PING
I would like to hear the Pope announce a "re-birth" of the Crusades again so we can go and cleanse the earth of Islam.
Also on Drudge right now is a link to an article about same-sex marriage in France, which would lead me to believe that ever-enlightened Europe is just as "soulless" as the United States. Has the pope denounced all the immorality that goes on in Europe as well? Highly doubtful.
I also think Islam is a threat to the future of humanity, but...how much moral authority do we have, when we are murdering our own children?
Homosexuality is all about "perversive" thinking!
He has repeatedly done so, and is pushing for formal recognition of the contributions of Chrisitianity to Europe in the EU constitution. France and Belgium are fighting against him on that, though.
thanks for the correction.
Well this is certainly going to take him off the Christmas card list of the Kennedy's, Flip Kerry's, and other assorted socialist/liberal/communist democrats who say they are Catholic!
God Bless the Pope John Paul.
BUMP!
God bless Pope John Paul II.
I think we derive moral authority from God, not from our own worth or unworth .... the "no moral authority" charge is often made, and in many situations, but I don't buy it.
I don't think he totally denounced it, I'd say that he tried to prevent it. But he did totally denounce the barbaric acts perpetrated against the U.S. on 9-11.
No offense... but how is this "breaking news?"
The Pope really nailed this issue. A clear, concise and perceptive statement of the truth.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.