Statements like this do not exactly help:
“There are so many people who speak badly about religions or other religions, who make fun of them, who make a game out of the religions of others,” he said. “They are provocateurs. And what happens to them is what would happen to Dr. Gasbarri if he says a curse word against my mother. There is a limit.”
He speaks in the name of Jesus. Only Jesus has the right to judge. As Pope he has to lead all, not just followers. I’m pretty sure Billy Graham, the Dali Lama &
Buddists would say the same thing. Has anyone asked Richard Gere? The Westboro Baptist nutjobs arent on the same side so don’t go by them.
Agree mdannyg. Mainly because the media and liberals are so cowardly.
To me, this comment is similar to what does, turning the other cheek, mean. Does it mean, don’t ever fight or does it mean don’t pursue revenge. Most believe that it’s the latter. Thereby I conclude that not speaking ill of other religions is my norm, but when another religion commits attrocities because they feel they were slighted (eg, they committed revenge) then I feel speaking ill of them is right, not revenge, a warning that I will fight and defend against all/any revenge.
The Pope’s comments may be defended as fundamentally reasonable and decent, but they strike a sour note given the context of the murders. Spoken in the aftermath of this terrible evil, it’s almost a nod to the “You can’t rape a girl unless she asks for it” attitude.
Every week the pope is showing more and more of his socialist colors. He tends to believe in the power and reasoning of man, and of man-made institutions in order to help the poor.. at least with his public statements. I have not read anywhere that he calls for individual charity and generosity and the changing of people’s hearts. Maybe the press won’t print such statements. All I ever hear from him is that we should tax more and that bigger government should be the solution to lift up the poor. This and that capitalism is general making the poor, poorer, and man is responsible for global warming/climate change. I was, like many a fan of this pope from the start, but have soured on him since. Not impressed. I feel his recent statement is simply pandering to Muslims and to the leftist world in general.
He is NOT infallible, only on matters concerning the Catholic faith. In all other matters he has as many faults as anyone else.