Excuse me, but who the HELL does he think he is? Where is the pope's RESPONSIBILITY in answering for the CRIMES of his church in not only allowing, but COVERING UP for it's priests to sexually assault innocent children? This shatters the child, the child's trust, their faith in God and all of their family and friend's faith in God. Why is he "edicting" from his throne how people "shalt" drive when he doesn't seem to know how his own priests SHALT NOT sexually assault CHILDREN? This is too much. This statement sounds like he's BORED. He is ignoring his absolute duty to all Catholics to address an issue so extreme that it affects the entires lives of generations.

S. Carpenter, Woodland, CA

I think they are great rules. I wish that priests would address the parents of kids at the schools though, and ask them to consider downsizing their SUVs to more earth friendly cars. Then, the priests can mention to the celebrities of the world, and rich CEOs, that perhaps they can downsize their private leer jets, to planes, so that we could avoid more greenhouse gases. The Church is usually on the side of the environment, so I would hope that this can happen. Also, having just taught my son to drive, I cannot believe how close people drive to the cars in front of them. Most cars drive in an unsafe fashion, when following others. Risking injury and long term disability, because you are lazy, boggles my mind. Way to go, Bishop!

slinky, santa clara, ca, usa

"For He shall come to judge the quick and the dead."

Andrew Milner, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Groan - what a lot of rubbish from an irrelevant "personality". But well said Sam Tana from Preston - sound Lancashire common sense.

Gerry Watts, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

"The rules are a great idea, and very relevant. The Catholic Church understands man, behaviourally and anthropologically - and this doesn't change with new technology, because human nature doesn't change. The Catholic Church has the wisdom of centuries of having observing mankind. Its guidelines for the road are sensible and pragmatic, just like its morality. It speaks in the best interests of mankind. That's why it survives as the world's oldest institution." Liz T, London

What a shame it is also to blame for the spread of AIDS and over-population of so many Third World countries due to its draconian rules on contraception! I'd have thought the Pope would have had better things to do...!

Rod Munch, Northampton, UK

Passing your driving test has not:-
Qualified you to drive fast on any road, or at high speed on 'A' Roads or Motorways.
Not qualified you to 'teach' others how to drive as you think you are a 'better driver'.
Remember:-
Drive as if the driver of the car in front/behind you is a police officer.
Your speed in mph + half is your speed in Feet Per Second. ie ( 30mph+15 = 45fps. 60+30=90. 80+40 = 120fps ) and
Average good reaction time is half a second, so at 60mph you have travelled 45 feet - 3 car lengths - before you think to move to do anything. ( Your overall stopping distance at 60 is 240feet ! )
The Feet Per Second rule when you are travelling at 70mph on a motorway only 4 car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you - especially if an HGV - because if it brakes suddenly you are dead - along with your family or other passengers.
That an average of 10 people die in road accidents each day in England & Wales, so drive not to join them or cause others to do so.

David Angell, Oxford, UK

Thou shalt not return thy boyfriend's car on empty.
Thou shalt not covet they neighbor's Lexus
Thou shalt not combine convertibles and combovers
Thine horsepower shalt not exceed thine IQ
Thou shalt not pick they nose behind the wheel
Thou shalt handle lit cigars carefully lest they find refuge in your loins.

With compliments to click and clack the car talk guys.

Steven Thomas, London,

1 You shall get from one place to another with minimum of injury and delay.

2 The road shall be for you a means of getting from one place to another expecially when in communion with a well tuned machine.

3 Expect the unexpected from other drivers; maintain situational awareness at all times; Keep your head on a swivel. Understand the physics of driving and the mechanical capabilities of your automobile.

4 Render assistance when necessary. Otherwise, keep moving so traffic is not impeded unnecessarily.

5 Use power and domination with discretion and the backseat only when parked.

6 Take the keys away from drunk slobs. No charity needed here. Physical arm twisting is allowed.

7 Immediately retain a lawyer if involved in a motor incident.

8 Bring all together at the Bar, and let the judge sort it out.

9 On the road, vulnerable parties should stay out of the way lest they be run over.

10 Let others worry about themselves. You have enough to worry about already.

Thomas, Atlanta, GA, USA

I would add another Commandment:

Thou shalt not talk on the telephone ,whether using a mobile or a device in the ear.

100% concentration on driving will be lost.

Deborah, West Molesey Surrey, United Kingdom

I can hardly wait for the power-point presentation.

Mack, Kirbyville,

I guess the new Pope was nothing to do and he thought he had to do something good, whatever it is.

Seiichi, Chiba, Japan

Thou shall not hog the middle lane. Thou shall not sanctimoniously sit in the fast lane at 69 mph and adopt a holier than thou attitude to faster brethren in your rear view mirror.

James, Mortain, France

The rules are a great idea, and very relevant. The Catholic Church understands man, behaviourally and anthropologically - and this doesn't change with new technology, because human nature doesn't change. The Catholic Church has the wisdom of centuries of having observing mankind. Its guidelines for the road are sensible and pragmatic, just like its morality. It speaks in the best interests of mankind. That's why it survives as the world's oldest institution.

Liz T, London,

they suggest you pray while driving so you get extra protection? Surely this contradicts the whole "divine plan" thing, if god was omniscient he's already made up his mind who to save and who not to, why would prayer make a difference?

on a semi-related topic - Why does the Vatican have lighting rods?

Chris Leeder, Ipswich, UK

It's amazing to see such strong reactions/comments in response to this article......

dmw, los angeles, USA

There are several hymns for reckless drivers as well as commandments. like the following:

Oft in danger, oft in woe

When the roll is called up yonder I'll be there

Dear Lord and father of mankind forgive our foolish ways

The day thou gavest Lord has ended

God is working his purpose out.

Chris Porteous, Birchington Kent, UK

This article is so blatantly biased against Catholicism it surprises me anyone would take it seriously. Pope B16 has not authorized this, nor likely has read it. The cardinal who wrote it has been known in the past to stir up a wee bit of controversy by speaking bluntly, and it seems he has done it again. Not each and every document from the Vatican was written by the Pope, and anyone who thinks so is mistaken.
Nevertheless, I challenge anyone to argue any of the ADVICE given in the "Ten Commandments" (and no, the Church is NOT purporting to create a new set of the original Ten Commandments given to us by our Lord. That's not her style.). Could it be that the ingenious cardinal used that title to draw attention to ADVICE (not an official command)? It worked, I'd say.
Road rage is a serious issue and kills innocents. Kudos to Mother Church for addressing it.

Kristin, Kelmer,

Oh lord wont you buy me a mercedes benz...........

rob mchardy, paris, france

I am an Italian and I can't stand the Pope. He is really annoying!

The Vatican is the worst thing that we have in Italy!

Pier Paolo, Alessandria,ITALY

pier Paolo Marchisio, Alessandria, Italy

Engage brain before engaging gear. But then, if you were likely to engage brain you wouldn't believe in gods in the first place...

Sam Tana, Preston, England

Thou shall indicate when leaving a roundabout at the first exit.

Emma, Bristol, UK

Sounds great to me.

fiona, devonshire,

This Pope definetely lacks common sense. Now he even wants to teach people how they have to drive, reciting the rosary and so on. What will he say next time ?

Roberto Castellano, Salsomaggiore, Italy

The Pope, I am told, is a Christian so it is unreasonable to be surprised at his use of religious phraseology.

I prefer to concentrate on the substance of what he says. If we all (forgetting the metaphysics) drove more in accordance with his ideas: namely, with good temper, tolerance charity and courtesy, then the road would be a much more pleasant place.

A little good feeling and unselfishness would do more to save lives and to make all our lives happier than the whole crew of signs, cameras, electronics and prohibitions. To sneer at the man's goodwill and common sense merely because of his office is unworthy.

Michael Bruce, Selby, Yorkshire

What the Pope RECOMMENDED is nothing out of order, in fact, is nothing more then sound common sense, not to say the obvious. Following those simple rules will protect many people, drivers or not drivers. I don't see reason for commotion. As for Henry VIII, not to worry, his actions will soon be reversed, but not in favor of the Catholic Church.

Fabio C, London, Pakistan

I pray for all mankind on earth that God's mercy be upon them for they still know not what they are doing.........I pray and want to pray like Jesus Christ our LORD to save mankind that are going to perish that HE will be compassionate merciful yet so awsome GOD. Almighty GOD help us all to wake up, stop cheating, lying, and deceiving ourselves. HELP LORD that mankind will quickly open their eyes and know the TRUTH.

NONE NONE, one spot / another spot, the earth /on earth

I am so glad that the UK is not a Catholic country, with the total rubbish coming from the Vatican. Perhaps they should also decided what type of car Catholics should drive too.

Well done Henry VIII your actions 4 hundred years ago were visionary.

Robert C, London, UK

Are you serious? The Vatican thinks it has the power to issue commandments - Who made them GOD!
Where are the rules to for priests who molest children!
What ever happened to following the Golden rule: Do Unto others as you have them do unto you.

K, Marietta , GA

My car is made from aluminium, so presumably I'm free to worship it?

(I'll await the inevitable response about this not being meant literally - I never can remember how you are supposed to know which bits are meant literally and which aren't. Seems to be whatever suits.)

The whole thing is hilarious and ridiculous in equal measure. One positive remaining trait of religion is its ability to make you laugh.

Simon, London,

I am so glad that the UK is not a Catholic country, with the total rubbish coming from the Vatican. Perhaps he she should also decided what type of car Catholic should drive too.

Well done Henry VIII your actions 4 hundred years ago were visionary.

Robert C, London, UK

Thou shall not worship an idol of made of bronze and iron. Your car is not your God. But I can assure you it has the speed to bring you to hell faster than any other temptations.

Paul, Queensland, Australia

Did His Holiness forget to include "Thou shalt not fall asleep at the wheel" ?

John Barbey, San Francisco, California