Italian News Reports The Pope Has Died (incorrectly)

[Nina]

Posted: 4/1/05 at 3:19pm

JRB, I think the Pope would show respect for you. In spite of the fact that much of the Catholic Church laws are antiquated, the Pope himself does not make the law. I have heard that he is a person who shows respect for different ideas, different beliefs and different values even when they conflict with his own or the church.

I often wonder why there is so much anamosity toward him. Some of the rules and laws of the church are in direct conflict with the lives of many people. However, nobody is forced into religion, at least not in this country. People who follow these rules, do so by choice ebacsue it fits into tehir personal belief system. Those who do not like the stand the church takes on issues are free to walk away and find something else.

I never could understand those people who were not practicing Catholics yet still had such strong feelings toward the Pope. It makes no sense to me.