Posted on 11/20/2004 6:46:39 PM PST by BenLurkin
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope John Paul II warned against attempts to tamper with what he called "the irreplaceable" institution of marriage-based family, saying Saturday that such efforts would deeply wound society. John Paul has been an outspoken opponent of gay marriage.
His speech to participants in a meeting of the Vatican's council on family matters did not mention any specific issues. But it appeared to refer to moves by some countries and cities to recognize marriage between homosexuals and to grant social benefits deriving from marriage - such as inheritance or pensions - to cohabiting couples who are not married.
"Family, based on marriage, is a natural, irreplaceable institution and fundamental element of the common good of every society," the pope said. "Whoever destroys this fundamental fabric of human coexistence, by not respecting its identity and by distorting its tasks, delivers a deep wound to society and often provokes irreparable damage."
His remarks echoed declarations in the Vatican's recently issued compendium of church teaching on social issues. That document stated that "no power can abolish the natural right to marriage or modify its traits and purpose."
AP-ES-11-20-04 2118EST
He's a little slow on the uptake...right, but slow with this comment.
Mejor tarde que nunca. (Better late than never.)
I wish he'd been a little more forthright all along, however, and maybe we wouldn't be facing this problem.
The Vicar speaks, does anyone listen?
...but does "a man of intellectual depth" always mean nuanced or convoluted or just late?
Then why does the Catholic Church tolerate and at times even seem to condone socialism?
By the way...I read the Pope's most recent book...I think it was ghost written by John Kerry.
I like that question. In fact, I predict that very question will be part of the political battle coming up in 2008.
Bashing the Pope is such a great way to show yopur support for the family. That IS your intent, yes?
Teddy? Hillary? John? Nancy? Would you like to answer this question? LOL
The Catholic Church doesn't support socialism. Just ask Mel Gibson. But Communists have infiltrated the seminaries just like they have infested the rest of academia. And "liberation theology" (read socialist slavery) has been the result.
Now I'm really confused. I didn't get the memo, so I dunno. Are we supposed to applaud or bash and advise the Pope to mind his own bidnys and take care of all those child molesting priests (no doubt 100% of all priests, right?)
...Is the Pope a muslim? Is it blasphemy to make a statement about a Pope...tell me in the bible where that is stated...
As I said, I like the Pope, but I will also say that centralization has not helped the cause of the (Catholic or any Protestant) church...
Jesus is bigger than any denomination...would you have me turn my back on Him in favor of a denomination?
"no doubt 100% of all priests, right?"
No, actually very, very few priests have been even accused of molesting children, not to say CONVICTED. The percentage of CONVICTED public school teachers is a number much larger than those accused priests. THAT ought to worry people, it doesn't Why?
Having trouble answering an honest question? Catholic baiting isn't pretty. Try finding a common ground would be my suggestion.
The Catholic Church has always taught that homosexual behavior is intrinsically disordered, and that marriage is between one man and one woman. I don't understand the reason for the backhanded compliments being generated here. The Pope doesn't have to comment on everything bothering us here in the US just as soon as they happen. That's what our priests and bishops here are supposed to be doing, and a good many have been doing just that.
So, think now. 100 priests accused, by 70 people. Or 50 priests accused by 70 people. 70% of those priest are accused falsely. 70% of accusers are liars. Liars hoping for a big payday outnumber the molesters by 2 to 1. Where, I ask, is the real scandal?!
but I will say that in this forum...some of us strive for bluntness...if in using the broad blade we miss the target...I know you will forgive us...
I wish he would have said it before Nov. 2nd.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.