No it wasn't. The most accurate description of the Pope's position based on the interview on the plane to Lebanon, of which you have posted excerpts is that of a qualified support. A support for greater democracy given the conditions mentioned. That does not justify the term "cheerleader". The Pope raised a number of reservations concerning fundamentalism and religious rights. The Vatican never at any stage urged Arab leaders to step down, as this country did. It never supported the sending of US warships to the coast of Libya to facilitate the fall of Gaddafi. The US was certainly a cheerleader. And still is. It's still working to get Assad out of Syria.
As to the claim that Christians are not being persecuted and killed in Gaza, that is also not true.
I never made that statement. I was responding to the statement that "Catholics are being killed all the time in Gaza". That is false. The number of Christians in Gaza is miniscule and the number of Catholics still less. There simply aren't enough for them to be killed "all the time". There is no ongoing massacre of Christians in Gaza. Their life is difficult as it is in most countries in the Middle East but I know of no deaths in the recent past.
As if that has anything to do with Ravasi's words and the isssue raised. What sort of logic is this? Catholics are being killed in Gaza "all the time"..... the Israelis are actually helping Catholics by killing Palestinians... therefore Ravasi had no business mentioning the pain of mothers, including Palestinian mothers, who lose their children....therefore the Vatican must be supporting Hamas....therefore the headline at the top of this story is correct...
Would that be an accurate summary of both of your positions?
I'm not all that interested in prolonging this thread, the course it took was utterly expected and the usual respondents to these things made their appearances. I don't think that the author of the article has any more of an "agenda" than some here who write almost exclusively about Roman Catholicism in nothing less than glowing terms in all circumstances and situations to the point that has to wonder about who pays him. We see this reality whenever any thread either starts out with or ventures into criticism of Roman Catholicism.
The strength of the Catholic apologetic upsets some. It's often unanticipated and usually unwelcome.
Insulting people because you dislike the content of their posts shows as weakness for your own argument as well as a common school yard bullying tactic. Don't believe it will accomplish what you might hope it will. If anything, it sullies the perception of your own online character.
I don't have a fan club and I don't plan on starting one. I long ago ceased worrying about popularity. I'm Catholic and I defend the Catholic Church from lies. Attack it and there will be a response. Count on it.
No, and if the numerous comments I have posted on this thread so far have not convinced you of that, nothing will. What is clear to see for those objective enough, that is, is that the Vatican IS and has been playing favorites in the Israel/Palestinian dispute. Maybe it is because some Palestinians are Christians, maybe because there is a historical bias against the Jewish people, but it is not by a long shot equitable or fair. The unfortunate comments of this Cardinal only contribute to this sense and, although I do not share the hatred of the author towards Catholics and other Christians, I can sympathize somewhat. It is not as if the Vatican can be counted upon to always do the right thing.
It is no secret that the Vatican has supported the statehood aspirations of the Palestinian Authority before the United Nations. That their demands and expectations include that Israel relinquish the West Bank, Gaza Strip AND East Jerusalem - which Israel took back after the 1967 war and who also hold that all of Jerusalem belongs as the capitol of Israel - seems to hold no weight whatsoever. I agree with Lera that Almighty God will hold those responsible for Israel's destruction to account.
I don't have a fan club and I don't plan on starting one. I long ago ceased worrying about popularity. I'm Catholic and I defend the Catholic Church from lies. Attack it and there will be a response. Count on it.
As is your every right. Just be sure that what you respond to so fiercely actually IS a lie before you draw your sword. Those who make up the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church are not the lily white, pure as the driven snow, standard bearers some would like the world to think. That many have and will continue to do and say wrong things is to be expected. Bringing such to the notice of others is a step towards correction and works much better than sweeping it under the rug and pretending every criticism is a "lie". Those of us who have come out of Catholicism have every right AND duty - just as you assert you have - to speak as God leads us to so that the truth of the Gospel is preached to the glory of God.