Pontifications

Benedict XVI: Church can make better politicians

Tuesday November 18, 2008

That's the pontiff's message, delivered last weekend to a meeting of the Vatican's department on the laity. Via CNS: "In a special way, I reaffirm the necessity and urgency of the evangelical formation and pastoral accompaniment of a new generation...
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Comments
Ken
November 19, 2008 12:26 AM

So, is the Vatican official saying that if FOCA passes and Obama signs it into law, it would then be just for Catholics, this being an act of "war," to I don't know, plot assassination attempts against the President, bomb Federal offices. Is the Vatican suborning treason for American Catholics? Does it hate us that much? All for giving non-Catholic women a legal right not to follow Catholic teaching?

Your Name
November 19, 2008 10:22 AM

It seems to me that this is nothing more than the identification that life is sacred and everyone, including politicians, should protect human life in all its forms. I believe it is also a call to all Catholics (and in my opinion, all Christians, and others that hold the sanctity of life) to advocate life. Who else is defending the unborn?____Remember, if this progresses, Doctors and Hospitals that do not believe in terminating life, or it is against their religion to do so, can be forced to perform these procedures or face lose of license or worse.____Wouldn't it be a violation of the beliefs of the religions that believe in the sanctity of life if this bill (FOCA or the like) is passed?____So, war may be a harsh word, but the opposition to these may require battles, like in the courts. I am sure they are not advocating violence. That would be in contradiction to Christian values (love the sinner, hate the sin).____I also believe that this is a time that is different than in the past. It seems that we did not have to worry too much about politicians passing a bill that allows the termination of life as a choice for a few or particular group.

kerry monahan
November 21, 2008 9:19 AM

Goodmorning, I hope the
president goes to rome for a peacceful visit. Happy Holidays. Kerry

Your Name
November 25, 2008 2:41 PM

Hats off to the Catholic politicians who have decided that their beliefs aren't to be forced on others. Several (to the displeasure of the RCC) have made that clear. The right to a save termination for women seeking one should always be there. Yes, choices should be presented, as that decidion should never be hurried. However in the end, it is up to a woman and her consicience.

pagansister
November 25, 2008 2:43 PM

Above post mine: 2:41PM pagansister

Your Name
March 24, 2009 2:59 AM

Former seminarians whose training and education in the seminary should have prepared them for better political leadership should be encourage to enter politics. However, an alliance of exseminarians (see my article "Walking Together") must be formed to support and guide them in their political activities.

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About Pontifications

This blog is no longer updated and is closed for comments. We welcome your comments about Catholicism in our Catholic forums.

David Gibson is an award-winning religion writer who specializes in writing about the Catholic Church, which he joined as a convert at the age of 30. He is the author The Rule of Benedict: Pope Benedict XVI and His Battle with the Modern World. He also wrote The Coming Catholic Church: How the Faithful are Shaping a New American Catholicism. He has written about Catholicism for leading newspapers and magazines, including the New York Times, Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal, New York magazine, Boston magazine, Fortune, Commonweal, and America. Gibson worked in Rome for Vatican Radio for several years and traveled frequently with Pope John Paul II. He later covered religion for The Star-Ledger of New Jersey. He has co-written several recent documentaries on Christianity for CNN. For further information check out his website at dgibson.com.

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