Posted on 07/31/2005 10:50:00 AM PDT by BenLurkin
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - An outspoken Catholic cardinal took his war of words with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to a new level in an interview published Sunday, calling him "a paranoid dictator" who needs "an exorcism." Rosalio Castillo, Venezuela's only cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, also accused Chavez of rounding up more than 100 political prisoners and torturing some captives.
"There is no democracy here (in Venezuela)," Castillo told Colombia's main newspaper, El Tiempo. "This is a despotic government."
Chavez, who insists he supports democracy, is up for re-election next year, and recent polls suggest he is strongly favored to win.
Earlier this month, Castillo warned that Chavez was gaining too much power and becoming a dictator. Chavez, in turn, called Castillo "a bandit" who "has the devil inside him."
In Sunday's interview, Castillo said his comments on Chavez are not personal, and said they fall in line with the opinions of other church leaders in Venezuela.
"The difference is in the way it's said. There are those who speak diplomatically, and others like me who speak clearly so that everyone understands," the 82-year-old cardinal said.
The Roman Catholic Church has been one of the most critical voices of Chavez, a former paratroop commander and self-styled "revolutionary."
The church is also one of the most trusted institutions in the poverty-stricken South American nation. More than 90 percent of Venezuela's population is Roman Catholic, and church leaders and local priests wield tremendous influence over many of its citizens.
Asked whether he would send a blessing to Chavez, Castillo said: "More than a blessing, I'd give him an exorcism."
The Cardinal has nailed it: Chavez is a tinpot Stalin.
Might I suggest that a .45 caliber 'exorcism' would be the most effective for Chavez.
If they exorcise this communist devil there won't be anything left but his skin.
It is interesting to watch a national leader turn paranoid right in front of everyone's eyes.
Then how about a "Spiritual Enema"
I was going to suggest a rather sustained reenactment of his baptismal rite.
A rare person.
Dear Cardinal:
While your at it perform the rite for Castro and Hillary.
I would think twisting his head around a few times whiles he's spewing pea soup would work.
ala Teddy
Hugo ain't gonna like to see that in print...
I heard essentially the same diagnosis about the man from a Venezuelan doctor about 6 months ago.
May Cardinal Castillo have the strength to endure the thugs and the attacks that come next. Chavez has already demonstrated that the Castro playbook is his to run. The Church, along with whatever remains of the CIA after decades of weakening is the main bulwark against such as Chavez.
May the Lord bless the Cardinal and the Church. And help stiffen their backbones; as those on the left seek to weaken them.
Love it!
God bless and protect Cardinal Castillo.
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.