I, of course, knew that. As a Protestant, I believe in Sola Scriptura. Having said that, the Pope was way off base praising a mass-murderer like Arafat (to include American diplomats) no matter which way you slice it. But then again, it's not hard to figure out who the Pope is rooting for in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute is it.
Please identify where the "praise" is in the Pope's statement. I repeat it for you below.
The Pope:
In this hour of sadness at the passing of President Yasser Arafat, His Holiness Pope John Paul II is particularly close to the deceased's Family, the Authorities and the Palestinian People. While entrusting his soul into the hands of the Almighty and Merciful God, the Holy Father prays to the Prince of Peace that the star of harmony will soon shine on the Holy Land and that the two Peoples dwelling therein may live reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign States.
Where is ther praise you complain about?
Contrast with the statement from President Bush:
The death of Yasser Arafat is a significant moment in Palestinian history. We express our condolences to the Palestinian people. For the Palestinian people, we hope that the future will bring peace and the fulfillment of their aspirations for an independent, democratic Palestine that is at peace with its neighbors. During the period of transition that is ahead, we urge all in the region and throughout the world to join in helping make progress toward these goals and toward the ultimate goal of peace.
Is Bush also "praising" Arafat?
SD