Posted on 06/04/2004 3:49:33 AM PDT by Jet Jaguar
I have been genuinely impressed by this, too.
NO, he can step down. I do not know what you mean by "willingly." He can retire if he choses to. There is even a resignation in the list that you post here.
I missed it and I think I'm glad. I just heard a replay of some of the Pope's remarks and it is very painful.
Good analysis, right on the money. The PTOUS' visit will not change minds, the fault lines in the Catholic Church are drawn smack dab over abortion and homosexuality.
I think it is the honest Christian in him (and a good upbring.) That is not to say that he does not have sound character - do not get me wrong about that.
It is significant for American Catholics who are devout (and most likely vote Republican) to see the Methodist President visit the Pope. Despite the animosity of some Protestants he does represent over a billion members of the Church on earth. It seems to the Muslims (who have long memories and remember non-wimpy Christians) that he represents the leader of Christianity more than any other figure.
As for Kerry, well, I am sure he could have an audience with the Pope. I am certain the Pope would be very frank with him regarding the precarious position of his soul should he continue to defend the death cult. All the Church can do is appeal to his conscience and apply excommunication when it is deemed necessary.
I appreciate that American Fundamentalist Protestants have picked up the ball dropped by (most, not all) wimpy Catholic bishops regarding the abortion horror.
I think so. Eventually, he may have to.
However, his perseverence in the face of suffering is an example for all Christians. There's also a lesson here for our modern society that seeks to prematurely institutionalize the infirm, or put them to death.
Here's the text of the Pope's speech:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1147368/posts
How do you though he helped destroy communism, for sure not from Vatican and communist didn’t arrived to Vatican. However his influences are more useable in Catholic countries.
I think you misunderstand. It's NOT the custom for a Pope to resign willingly. Those that have left office and have not died in it (a VERY small list), were kicked out due to a political coup.
Anyone can have an audience with the pope, even the man who tried to assasinate him. Kerry would never do it because the pope would very likely mention the obligation of politicians to protect unborn children in a public statement. I doubt the pope would allow himself to be used as a photo op, as Cardinals McCarrick and Mahoney have done.
Thank you both for the information. I appreciate it.
Not in my neck of the woods either ..
Nicely put. There is amazing anti Catholic rhetoric and blatant hostility among Protestants voting Democrat.
I remember reading in the papers after Bush's first meeting with the Pope how the Pope had been appreciative that W was attentive and respectful. The Pope then added that 42 (also known as the most useless man in America) was inattentive and politely inferred that he was a disrespectful know-it-all.
Many of the "old school" catholics see this as important. You can probably put the catholic spectrum of Hispanics (particularly the recently immigrated) in that category as well. Note: this is, of course, a rather braod generalization.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1147368/posts
Thank you!
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