Finally, a Rapid Response

Opinion Journal ^ | March 7, 2003 | Rod Dreher

[ultima ratio]

Finally, a Rapid Response: Why didn't sex-abuse scandals stir Vatican action the way war has?

The Vatican's monumental efforts, both diplomatic and pastoral, to avert war with Iraq have focused the attention of the Holy See and summoned its energies behind a cause like no crisis in living memory. Hardly a day goes by without Pope John Paul II denouncing the march to war, meeting personally with world leaders or dispatching high-level diplomats--such as Cardinal Pio Laghi, who came to Washington this week--to beseech the belligerents to stand down.

[Dajjal]

From the Readers' Responses:
Brock Fowler - Washington
I hate to say this, but it really is a bit hard for the Vatican to be telling President Bush that he should be able to stop militant Islamism with just words, when the pope hasn't been able to stop flagrant misconduct and open defiance of his authority among those who have taken a sacred vow of obedience to him.

Bullseye!

[ultima ratio]

As is the case with most liberals, JnPII has an unshakable belief in dialogue. Under his aegis we've been "dialoguing" with other religions for decades--and have absolutely nothing substantive to show for it. Plenty of feel-good showboating and symbolism, however. Spring is always just around the corner.

[PaxChristi]

It figures. The Pope tilts ideologically leftward in most matters--

As if the Pope should enlist as a political Americanist like National Review and turn the Gospel into something other than a Gospel of Peace.

Yeah for Rumfield! Hurray Hiroshima! Down with the Pope!

Now here's a "new Gospel" for mankind.

While we're at it, let's revive the Levitical penalties (Stoning) for women caught in adultery and for witches. It will make some radtrad mouths water?

[ultima ratio]

What Gospel of Peace are you talking about? The part where Jesus says, "I have come not to bring peace but a sword"? Naive bromides based on juvenile conceptions about what Christianity means is not helpful. Christ warned we should be as wise as serpents--which means not putting off facing harsh realities until catastrophe strikes years down the road--which is pretty much what the Pope suggests that we do regarding Iraq.

Do YOU agree with the Pope that the UN ought to be the final arbiter of America's fate? Should we place our security and safety in its hands, do you think--in the hands of the likes of France and China and maybe Angola? How much do you think most countries give a hoot about the US--despite the Pope's strangely mystical belief in the UN's collective wisdom?