[sinkspur]

How binding is the Popes stand on practicing Catholics

It is not binding at all.

Besides, how would he "bind" a Catholic to oppose the war?

This is a political judgment on the Pope's part, which is no more binding on Catholics than my political judgment.

I was enlightened by another Freeper today (Sabretooth) that the radical Muslims are chomping at the bit to turn this into a crusade against Christians, and a papal siding with the US might just be the trigger.

Besides, preaching peace is the Pope's job. Everybody expects it.

[Antoninus]

I was enlightened by another Freeper today (Sabretooth) that the radical Muslims are chomping at the bit to turn this into a crusade against Christians, and a papal siding with the US might just be the trigger.

Holy smokes, I think I'm about to agree with everything you just said, sinky. There must be a strange alignment of the planets today.

I believe that the Pope's stand on the issue, while it may harm us in the short term, actually helps us in the long run. It gives lie to the radical islamist position that the US is spearheading a "Crusade" against all of Islam. How can they make this claim when the originator of the term "Crusade," the heir of St. Peter, is so wholeheartedly against the military option? Indeed, with the Pope on their side, the idea that the US is launching a crusade against Islam appears ludicrous.

If anyone out there doubts this, imagine what the reaction in the Muslim world would have been if the Pope had vociferously condemned Iraq and called for Europe to support American efforts.

Plus, I think the era when Popes actively call for war has been over for several hundred years...

[RnMomof7]

WOW excellent point men ...Thanks