Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Vatican insiders declare the Pope a 'disaster'
The Telegraph ^ | 3/19/2009 | Nick Squires in Rome

Posted on 03/19/2009 5:06:17 PM PDT by bruinbirdman

Pope Benedict's repeated gaffes and the Vatican's inability to manage his message in the internet era are threatening to undermine his papacy, Vatican insiders have said.

The Holy See is struggling to contain international anger over the Pope's claim on his first official visit to Africa that Aids "cannot be overcome through the distribution of condoms, which even aggravates the problems".

The Pope's remarks about condoms, and a recent furore over his lifting of the 20-year excommunication of a British bishop who has questioned the Holocaust, has left him looking isolated and out of touch, prompting calls for a radical shake-up of the way the Holy See delivers its message.

The Pope is isolated and fails to adequately consult his advisers, said a Vatican source with 20 years' knowledge of the Holy See.

Another Vatican insider described Pope Benedict's four-year-old papacy as "a disaster", recalling the pontiff's previous inflammatory remarks on Islam and homosexuality.

"He's out of touch with the real world," the Italian insider said. "On the condom issue, for example, there are priests and bishops in Africa who accept that condoms are a key part of the fight against Aids, and yet the pope adheres to this very conservative line that they encourage promiscuity. The Vatican is far removed from the reality on the ground."

The Vatican's traditional culture of secrecy has made it ill-equipped to communicate its message in the internet age.

The Holy See claimed that the Pope had no idea that British bishop Richard Williamson had denied the extent of the Holocaust, but critics have pointed out that a simple Google search would have uncovered the maverick's anti-Semitic views.

"Until recently the Vatican was secretive and their way of controlling the message of the Church was to release information slowly and highly

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; Philosophy
KEYWORDS: africa; bxvi; catholic; catholicbashing; hitpiece; popebenedict; unnamedsources; vatican
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200201-203 next last
To: Quix

I feel in my heart, that there are still many of us left that do have a true love of Jesus. I do however feel as though we are getting closer to the end times. There is just so much evil out there, more evil than most generations have had to endure.

The genocide of the unborn does not bode well for any of us. Neither does the “anything goes” mentality that has been accepted by most people these days.

I don’t know, maybe I am overreacting.


161 posted on 03/20/2009 2:46:51 PM PDT by Mrs. Frogjerk
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 140 | View Replies]

To: Quix

Praying in agreement with you for all, Quix... And, thank you for posting! You’ve already helped one person - ME! I was aware of these things, but it’s ALWAYS good to be reminded of how our emotions - particularly stress and anger - really do affect our physical health making us MORE susceptible to those problems arising from stress which then starts a vicious circle in which the body basically “eats” itself so to speak...

How ironic that you should mention these things RIGHT AT THIS EXACT MOMENT... (You have a Freepmail I was writing while you were posting this) PRAISE GOD for there are no coincidences!


162 posted on 03/20/2009 2:48:13 PM PDT by LibertyRocks ( http://LibertyRocks.wordpress.com ~ ANTI-OBAMA STUFF : http://cafepress.com/NO_ObamaBiden08)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 159 | View Replies]

To: Quix

Take me off your ping list. I didn’t ask you put me on it and have no idea why you think I’d be remotely interested.


163 posted on 03/20/2009 2:50:01 PM PDT by OpusatFR (We can give up any pretense of having a government for and by the people after Coronation Day.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 160 | View Replies]

To: Mrs. Frogjerk

I don’t think you’re overreacting at all myself, but don’t let that scare you. The Lord doesn’t want us to be afraid. Just remember to look to HIM for strength, and to each other for support, and we’ll all be JUST FINE no matter WHAT happens to us physically here on Earth...


164 posted on 03/20/2009 2:50:25 PM PDT by LibertyRocks ( http://LibertyRocks.wordpress.com ~ ANTI-OBAMA STUFF : http://cafepress.com/NO_ObamaBiden08)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 161 | View Replies]

To: Mrs. Frogjerk

You are NOT overreacting.

The HEART OF FATHER GOD cares even MORE INTENSELY about such matters. imho.

Thanks for your wise post.


165 posted on 03/20/2009 2:51:37 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 161 | View Replies]

To: LibertyRocks

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!


166 posted on 03/20/2009 2:52:21 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 162 | View Replies]

To: OpusatFR

You’re not on any of my ping lists.

This was a one time post.

I had this crazy fantasy that you’d care about some of your fellow religionists.

Obviously my error.

Sooo sorry.

Will try and remember to avoid such an error in the future.


167 posted on 03/20/2009 2:53:38 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 163 | View Replies]

To: Balding_Eagle

For readers of The Straight Dope, Cecil Adams says in http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1178/can-hiv-pass-through-the-pores-in-latex-condoms:

“We could argue about these numbers, but let’s put this in perspective. Roland thinks condoms reduce AIDS risk by a factor of 3. A study cited by the government says they reduce it by a factor of 5. Avoiding high-risk sex partners, it’s believed, reduces it by a factor of 5,000.

In short, regardless of who’s right about latex, you’d be foolish to make condoms your only defense against infection. Abstinence or, more realistically, avoidance of high-risk sex partners are far more effective strategies.

...

As for the substantive issue you raise, it’s true “the transmission of HIV by genital fluids most probably occurs through virus-infected cells since they can be present in larger numbers than free virus in the body fluids” (Jay Levy, “Pathogenesis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection,” Microbiological Reviews, March 1993—an exhaustive treatment of the subject). But it would be wrong to construe this to mean that HIV is transmitted only by cells. When I spoke to Dr. Levy he readily conceded that HIV may be transmitted by free virus as well. He did add that the viscosity of semen may hinder the passage of such virus through the latex barrier.

We could debate the technical stuff all day. My point is this: for whatever reason—pores, improper use, etc.—real-world research shows condoms don’t offer 100 percent protection against AIDS. Maybe not, say the AIDS experts, but if you tell people that they’ll use it as an excuse not to use condoms. To which I reply: the arguably greater danger is that they’ll use condoms the way some weight watchers use Diet Coke—as an excuse to continue dangerous behavior (e.g., promiscuous sex, not gay sex per se). If that’s “anti-eros,” as some people seem to think, too bad. A friend of mine who died of AIDS attributed his illness to a wild weekend he’d once had. It’s hardly anti-sex to wish he’d stayed home. “

We do not know that the AIDS virus cannot pass through the wall of all latex condoms; in fact, with pores, fissures, tears and other manufacturing or user-induced nonconformance, they may.

With that said, in equivalent circumstances, condoms reduce the possibility of AIDS transmission, but human behaviour being what it is, the population of non condom users behaves differently than the population of condom users so therefore the protections claimed are not equivalent.


168 posted on 03/20/2009 3:57:59 PM PDT by MarkBsnr ( I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 150 | View Replies]

To: Quix

Thanks for the ping, Quix.

***BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD. Lord, please quicken awareness in those who most need to learn the lessons still sometimes challenging for me—to LET GO AND LET GOD—in all areas . . . to TRUST YOU TO THE UTTERMOST . . . to realize at deep levels and to comprehensive boundaries that YOU HAVE EVERYTHING IN YOUR HANDS and ARE working out YOUR WILL in the affairs of man and in the lives of ALL WHO TRULY LOVE YOU FIRST, FOREMOST, ALWAYS.
1. Teach us, Lord to walk humbly before you and one another.
2. Teach us, Lord to forgive quickly and thoroughly.
Teach us, Lord to have your understanding and compassion one for another.***

I guess that I will have to defer to Weird Al for my reply:

Hitchin’ up the buggy, churnin’ lots of butter
Raised a barn on Monday, soon I’ll raise another
Think you’re really rightous? Think you’re pure in heart?
Well, I know I’m a million times as humble as thou art...

:)


169 posted on 03/20/2009 4:03:48 PM PDT by MarkBsnr ( I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 159 | View Replies]

To: MarkBsnr

Uhhhhhhhhhhh . . . OK.

I don’t mind if you’re a million times more humble than I am.

God is evidently changing me as fast as I can handle it according to HIS priorities! LOL.


170 posted on 03/20/2009 4:13:30 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 169 | View Replies]

To: Quix; Mad Dawg

Just want to affirm up one side and down the other, Mad Dawg . . . that you are a Prince amongst my Christian Brothers . . . a character, for sure but a dearly beloved one.

I greatly respect your wisdom and the example of your life and particularly your humility and perseverance through all manner of life’s assaults . . . perseverance in your Christian walk, your honorable duties and in your relationships regardless of their ease or comfort or matching or not your sensibilities and comfort zones.

You are a worthy example for any of us to learn from.

Thanks tons.


171 posted on 03/20/2009 4:30:38 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 160 | View Replies]

To: MarkBsnr

( -;


172 posted on 03/20/2009 4:35:29 PM PDT by OpusatFR (We can give up any pretense of having a government for and by the people after Coronation Day.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 169 | View Replies]

To: Quix
Thank you. I have to say that YOU calling MOI a character is as clear an incident of "pot - kettle - black" as one could wish for.

Here's how I see it: The prince of this world (hereinafter POTW) has some incredibly strong mojo. And part of the strength of it is that many people don't believe in him or in his mojo.

We are like blindfolded men. Occasionally the POTW swats us a good one. We swing back, and hit each other. The POTW laughs.

To me, to be Catholic, to walk the walk in such an amazing company, is so wonderful I wish everyone could share it with me.

Clearly, to others, Catholicism is a great scandal.

I guess my prayer is that -- as we pause in Lent before we take the dreadful descent into Palm Sunday, the betrayal, the crucifixion and death, and the dread but wonderful resurrection -- we could at least take some comfort that, with all our failures, we share casting all our care on Him that careth for us, and that we trust HIM to take care of the differences while we abide in His love.

173 posted on 03/20/2009 6:46:51 PM PDT by Mad Dawg (Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 171 | View Replies]

To: Mad Dawg

AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

Me? A character?

Where? What? Where? What character?

I’m as pure and conventional as the driven snow . . . wellllll . . . occaionally in a nightmare! LOL.

Thanks Bro. Much agree.

LUB


174 posted on 03/20/2009 6:53:57 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 173 | View Replies]

To: Big_Monkey

I am not quite sure that I understand the context of your comment that BVXI is no JPII. I think perhaps that each one was right for his time. JPII fought against the Soviets and BVXI is trying to implement the true intent of Second Vatican Council. Frankly, I think BVXI has the harder task of exhausting Satan’s smoke from the sacristy.


175 posted on 03/20/2009 6:56:03 PM PDT by bradthebuilder (War is peace; Ignorance is strength; Freedom is slavery)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: bradthebuilder

Considering the Vatican’s status as a City-State . . .

The Biblical prophecy about every nation being under the Anti-Christ’s power . . . could well indicate that satan’s smoke will be getting thicker instead of being removed.

A sad prospect though GOD WILL STILL HAVE HIS PEOPLE UNDER HIS CARE SOMEHOW(S), SOMEWHERE(S).


176 posted on 03/20/2009 7:11:37 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 175 | View Replies]

To: bruinbirdman
"He's out of touch with the real world," the Italian insider said.

The "real world" is out of touch with God. It is rapidly going to hell in a hand basket. The "real world's" economy is in tatters, Islamic terrorists vow bloodshed, homosexuals want to marry and unborn children die by the millions. So yes, the Pope is in a sense "out of touch" with the real world. However, that is not to say that he doesn't understand the real world or perceive its illness and the correct remedy.

The British press, in particular The Times and The Telegraph has ramped up its anti-Catholic shtick in an almost synchronous response to the inexorable disintegration of the Anglican Church. Anyone with even a minimum of neuronal activity can see the disaster wrought by female ordination, the denial of the sinfulness of homosexual acts and the steady decline of basic Christian dogma even as the likes of The Telegraph rail against the Pope for refusing to follow the Anglicans over the cliff.

As for the "Italian insider".......pffffffffffttt!!

The Pope is the lone voice of sanity in an increasingly corrupt and lost culture.

177 posted on 03/20/2009 7:16:13 PM PDT by marshmallow
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: marshmallow

The “real world” is out of touch with God. It is rapidly going to hell in a hand basket. The “real world’s” economy is in tatters, Islamic terrorists vow bloodshed, homosexuals want to marry and unborn children die by the millions. So yes, the Pope is in a sense “out of touch” with the real world. However, that is not to say that he doesn’t understand the real world or perceive its illness and the correct remedy.


INDEED.


178 posted on 03/20/2009 7:36:53 PM PDT by Quix (POL Ldrs quotes fm1900 2 presnt: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2130557/posts?page=81#81)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 177 | View Replies]

To: Quix

I see your point. Too big of an asset to waste, and there are already Papal dissenters in their ranks. Sadly.


179 posted on 03/20/2009 7:39:42 PM PDT by fortunecookie (Please pray for Anna, age 7, who waits for a new kidney.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 99 | View Replies]

To: Grig

I sincerely hope you are wrong that we elect a liberal Pope. I have given this some thought and considered that if BVXI is appointing like minded Cardinals then the next pope should also be conservative.

In any case, should we get a liberal Pope that intends to finish the work in the spirit of Vatican II, then I plan to swim the Bosporus and become Orthodox. We do deserve a liturgy that is both valid AND sacred.


180 posted on 03/20/2009 7:57:35 PM PDT by bradthebuilder (War is peace; Ignorance is strength; Freedom is slavery)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 71 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 141-160161-180181-200201-203 next last

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.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson