It isn't about Catholic bashing but it is about perception by non Catholics. That statement made in the name of the Pope last week definitely left the perception that the Catholic Church does not care about the Jewish people and thinks Hizbollah are the victims. I read the discussion thread where people were trying to explain that the Pope was speaking to the Lebanese Christians. It doesn't matter because the world perceived the remark as being anti-Israel. I am a Catholic so I can say that I am deeply disappointed that the Church does not hire a better PR firm. It is ALL about perception not about hidden meanings from fired Cardinals. I tend to agree that rather than get into the middle of politics, they would be better off saying nothing.
Pope Benedict said on Tuesday,"I fully agree with the G8 communique." The G8 communique blamed Hamas and Hezbollah for the escalation in fighting and urged Israel to exercise restraint.
I wish I could find an article I read a few weeks ago about a book cowritten by Ratzinger and someone else. Believe me, Pope Benedict is no fan of Islam. I will continue to search for the article and ping everyone to it if and when I find it.
Well perhaps the Anglican church can be ill perceived now too: