[sitetest]

Dear Land of the Irish,

I was giving you my impressions from the pictures posted here, not a theological argument.

"With all due respect, don't you think the Holy Father should tend to his own flock, before he entertains the novelties of heathens."

I believe that he does tend his flock. I believe that he has poured out his life for his flock.

But he is the Vicar of Christ, and his mission is to more than the people in the Catholic Church. He is the Vicar of Christ to the entire world. The Vicar of Christ is uniquely qualified by the Divine Office which he holds to call for an assembly of the world's religious leaders in a way that no other Catholic is qualified.

I won't question Pope John Paul on this one.

"I'll repeat myself, crucifixes at Assisi were removed so as not to offend pagans. I challenge you, or any other Catholic, to present a legitimate defense of this gross violation of the First Commandment."

I just don't see this as a violation of the First Commandment. I see it as an attempt to exercise courtesy to his guests. If you wish to say that it was inappropriate, that is a reasonable thing to say. But I personally find it impossible to credit the charge of idolatry.

sitetest

[Land of the Irish]

I see it as an attempt to exercise courtesy to his guests. I kind of see your your point, if I look at it in a New World Order attitude, i.e. a kinder, gentler society.

However, I cannot view it in the same light when I recall the millions of martyrs, who gave their lives rather than acknowledge false religions. Their very actions resulted in mass conversions to Catholicism. Should we still not attempt to bring all non-Catholics to the one, true religion, or should we pat them on the back and say "Carry on, brother"?