What's disgusting is how the media plays politics with a great world religion. Popes are going to be critical of war because they believe in love, peace, redemption, nonviolence (not necessarily pacifism though). Ditto their opposition to abortion. These are deeply religious, spiritual beliefs that place Popes on a higher moral plain than presidents and politicians of any party. I don't know all the Dalai Lhama's beliefs but I'm sure he and all world religious leaders have a profound spiritual approach that transcends everyday secular life. The liberals go around childishly wanting the Pope to endorse drinking, adultery, drugs, abortion, promiscuity. How absurd.
I was thinking today about what it must have been like in years gone by when the only way the Italians knew there was a new pope was when they heard the bells.
And I believe in religion that respects all other religions.
After all, as Presbyterians, we pray:
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. AMEN.