Visit of Pope Benedict XVI

I will return in my next blog to answering the questions we've been discussing. Today however, I wanted to touch upon the visit of Pope Benedict to the U.S. and highlight some of the things that will impact our country and especially Catholics.

Overall, his trip was an overwhelming success. He endeared himself to the American people by simply being himself. He was friendly, caring, very interactive with the people, non-judgmental and presented the perfect picture of a shepherd to the flock of nearly 70 million Catholics. However, he didn't back down from the tough issues facing the Church and society today, either. That combination of likeability, endearment and leadership of the People of God made his visit one of great accomplishment and progress for the Church in America. I want to point out a few issues he touched upon:

The priest scandal: While he was still on the plane during the trip to the U.S. he responded to a question by one of the on-board reporters who asked about what his thoughts were on the scandal. His response was, "I am deeply ashamed, and we will do what is possible so this cannot happen again." This was not his only comments or actions about the scandal while here in the U.S. Benedict also met privately to pray with a group of victims abused by priests. He also spoke on the scandal at most of his visits and repeatedly stated that we need to continue to develop our policies and increase our response to acts of abuse. Yet, spokespersons for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) still bashed the pope and basically dismissed him. One spokesman, speaking about the pope's response to the scandal during his visit, said, "He could have done more, actions speak louder than words." Another person commented that the popes "pedophile-shame is a large serving of puerile-papist-pabulum (to the best of my ability it would be synonymous to 'childish moronic Catholic babbling') Such an unbiased and impartial comment will certainly help to respond to and eliminate sex abuse by priests (heavy, heavy sarcasm intended here!!!)

I agree that the Church must continue to eliminate sex abuse by priests. However, I feel I must also point out that many in SNAP have one ultimate goal: massively damage or destroy the Catholic Church in the U.S. For example, a person who posted a comment on a blog site stated that any priest even accused of abuse should "rot in prison until they can prove they are innocent." And that, "All priests are guilty. They don't deserve any mercy." A grotesque and delusional comment as well as unproductive toward legitimate solutions to the continuing crisis.

Justice and human rights: In his U.N. speech, the pope spoke on justice and guaranteeing human rights for all times and all peoples. There are so many places in the world where human rights are severely violated. He made the comment that we must protect the human dignity of "all times and all peoples" which was a reference to a wide range of issues in the world: violence, war, hatred, abortion, embryonic stem-cell research, euthanasia, genocide and other crimes against humanity.

Ecumenism for the good of the world: He often focused on how the world must strive to promote the universal morality that is inherent to our world. He pointed out that moral and ethical actions are rooted in the definition of a human being. It is not limited to the Catholic or Protestant church. It is not restricted to Buddhists, agnostics or atheists. It is part of humanity.

The impact he had on the American people during his visit was phenomenal. I only hope that is isn't a short-lived and fleeting impact that is quickly buried by society and its negative, unchristian mindset. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 06:08 | link | comments |
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