I think the Pope is sticking to the Bible in some areas, the value of life in opposing abortion, the opposition to homosexuality as a lifestyle, the natural use of sex in procreation minus condoms which only promote Immorality without consequences. This is great! But the Roman Catholic Churches stance on evolution at this point, although I am not sure if the Pope agrees, is an undermining of the authority of scripture and intellectually dishonest. Just as the Pope refused to host the annual Rock Fest he should most certainly denounce this afgfiliation with evolution. If Genesis is not true the whole Church is a sham. The Doctrine of Creation is the Foundation for our relationship with God regardless on any other personal views of man, sin, or God. If we were not created in the fashion the Bible declares, then Christ is not the "second Adam." Then Satan did not decieve Eve, then the prophecy concerning the conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of Satan would not be true.

Robin , New Orleans , Louisisana

Ratzinger offended the Muslims who didn't mind that he came from Nazi Germany. But, he had to apologize because they screamed BAD MAN. He had no right to offend them but once he did he acted like he was wrong, instead of being considerate. Now he has taken the Church further back into its not too perfect history by making sure Jews are blamed, again. Did he do this for us or for the Muslims. Some of us can't give up the past ... and don't see going forward was good for all..

reza santorini, chicago,

Long live Pope Benedict. The Tridentine, Extraordinary Mass, is beautiful and reverent, unlike the Novus Ordo, but each to his own. Unfortunately, in Colorado Springs we have one parish, run by the FSSP, that says the Extraordinary Mass. Unfortunately, I doubt any other parish will implement this wonderful choice. We are still in the Joannie Mitchell musical age in liturgical music. Awful, just awful.

Thanks, and again, long live Pope Benedict.

Sam, Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A.

Happy are those who are called for hi supper.
Lord I am not worthy to recieved you but only say a word and I shall be held.
Happy are those who are Chatolic for thee will inheret the kingdom of heaven.

Vamos Pope Benedict

We love you.

Dennis, Cannes, France

Pope Benedict XVI, the German Pope, is one of the holiest and intelligent pontiffs ever. Too bad for the fake Catholics, such as the Jesuits, who want to make up their own, individual theology; just like the Protestants. Thank God, we are back to two millenia of Catholicism (and Orthodoxy). Other sects come and go (look at all the Protestant denominations no longer in existence!), but God's Church continues in Catholicism and Orthodoxy. (Hope they reconcile soon!)Lauds to Latin, too! Enough of the secular clapping, hugging, etc., in the pews. Dignity and respect for GOD - not popularity and self-indulgence for humans - is right.

Dr. Stephen W., Omaha, Nebraska, USA

It never ceases to amaze me, 1) so much venom, and from so called Christians, no less. 2) God Bless Pope Benedict XVI; Long Live the Pope! Talk about reading the Bible! "thou art Peter and upon this rock I shall built my church", and at Pentecost: "Peter and the eleven stood up and Peter addressed them in a loud voice" ...why not: the twelve stood up? At the Resurrection Peter and John run to the tomb but John reaches the tomb first and yet he does not enter but rather he respectfully waits for Peter so that Peter may enter the tomb first. Signs that the Apostles understood that Peter was the head of the Church. And what poor planning on Christ's part for His Church if the only authority He left (ie the New Testament) would not be written until decades later.
3) We were made in the image of God, not vice versa, altho' many who claim to believe in a God believe in a God of their own making who thinks and acts and approves what they think and approve. He dies when they die.

Tonie, Laredo, Texas

INSTEAD OF GIVING OPINION, TRY JUST SITTING DOWN AND REALLY READ/STUDY THE NEW TESTAMENT. LET JESUS TALK TO JUST YOU IN YOUR QUIET MOMENTS.

BILL BOURLON, CORNING, IOWA

Theresa, St Cloud, USA said:
I hear people saying the pope is the Vicar of Christ, Gods voice etc....open your eyes people...READ the bible and understand it. No one can forgive your sins,act as mediator or anything else other than Christ himself. I was a catholic for 58 years and through bible study have realized ALL the idolatry going on within the church amongst other things.Mary is risen up higher than Christ himself.

I say: nonsense. You could never have been a Catholic and say such patently ridiculous, unfounded things about the Church. You would know Mary is not held in higher esteem than Christ. You would know that Catholics don't worship statues or pray to them, unoless you never paid attention to the precepts of your faith back then.

Try being honest if you have an opinion to express. You have no credibility when you start with a lie, passing yourself off as a former Catholic and new convert to some Bible study group.

Bill, Toms River,

To l wallace, baton rouge, la, usa who seems to have a problem with ancient Church traditions like the sign of the cross. Of course many Christian symbols and rites were adopted from the pagans and adapted to fit Christ's new church. So were many Jewish traditions. That doesn't mean they are any less valuable if they lead people to Christ. The fish symbol itself was used by Greeks and others as a symbol that had nothing to do with Christ. So what? Christians made the fish mean what it means today. I think that people who belong to 3rd and 4th generation Christian Churches don't understand the value of holding onto the ancient. It is these that tie us to the earliest Christains in an unbroken line. If these rites and traditions were accepted by people who were willing to suffer and died for their faith in Christ in the early centuries, they certainly aren't corrupting, but a compliment to Faith. I think it's you, not Catholics who need some understanding.

Bill, Toms River,

To Max, Verona, Italy: You complain about what the Vatican, supposedly, costs Italy each year. What you fail to mention is the tremendous boost to the Italian economy the Catholic Church has been. How many tourists come strictly to see the secular monuments, like the Forums and the Colosseum? Most come to see the churches, Vatican City and the fountains, statues and architechture that exist because of the Catholic Church. All major Italian cities can thank their success at attracting tourists in part to the vestiges of the Church.

I've spent a couple of weeks in Rome for each of the last 8 years and it is a fascinating city, largely due to the Christian sites from the catacombs to the Vatican. The Roman sites are fascinating as well, and numerous, but if you remove all traces of what the Church has left over the centuries, Italy isn't Italy as we know it. I would say, overall, it contributes more than it takes.

Bill, Toms River,

"I will never put my trust in a man. My trust in Jesus Christ and no-one else. The problem I have with the Roman Catholic church is that it does not hold God's word as supreme authority."
I love posts that start with a false premise. Catholics no more replace Jesus with the Pope than anyone else who has a pastor or preacher in their church. The Pope, like them, is an instrument of God, not His replacement. And God's Word is what guides the Church, like any other Christian denomination. That the Church has rites and traditions established over 2000 years to embellish worship of God doesn't change that basic truth.
And yes, only GOd forgives sin, but rememebr that Christ told Peter, "What you hold on earth is heald in heavena nd what youloose on earth is loosed in heaven." That Christ was entrusting man as His emissaries on earth is without question. Subjextive, inconsistant and selective reading of Scripture can sometime lead you to miss the truth.

Bill, Toms River,

When anyone uses a term , like anti-Christ , to describe a respected spiritual leader, it only reveals their ignorance and, perhaps, misinformed hate. These people will, generally, portray themselves as Christians while their very behavior shows they are not Christians in any true sense. Otherwise, they would make the effort to understand other Christians, like Catholics, instead of swallowing wrongful stereotypes and spouting vindictive nonsense based on them. When you can't recognize the accomplishments of a Church that's been spreading the Word of God for 2000 years, there's a real problem with your perception.

Bill, Toms River,

God Bless Pope Benedict XVI,

He is a great blessing for the Church, the World and even his home country, Germany!! I and millions of Catholics are so happy that he is our Pope. As a sign of his holiness, those against the Church will throw more attacks against him because his is TRULY a servant and disciple of Christ. Pope Benedict will lead these times with great authority. Faith, hope and Love!!

Daniel S., Portland,

I am so overjoyed that Crdainal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope. It has been a great blessing. At last stability and truth. Continuity not distressing change and licking the foot of the world.
Thanks be to God. Because I have had enough and so have I suspect the majority of Catholics.

Christopher, Hobart, Australia

No matter how he's portrayed, sounds like Ratzinger is the Anti-Christ.

Ctapa, Vancouver,

Pope Benedict XVI is simply moving the Church towards traditionalism a bit farther than the great Pope John Paul II did. The Church is a heavy ship that needs course correction every now and then.

Ed G, San Diego, CA

A correction: There was no decision by Vatican II that "worship should be in the vernacular." Read the documents! Indeed, Vatican II declared Latin to be the language of the liturgy, with certain prayers such as the biblical readings to be in the vernacular. Liberal theologians "interpreted" this to mean that the entire liturgy was to be in the vernacular. The beautiful hymns, the Gregorian chant, the moments of silent prayer - all have been replaced by strumming guitars, multi-colored balloons and dancing girls. This is worship? The sense of the sacred - the solemnity of true worship - has been replaced by social gatherings. The church has become "the house of the people of God", not the house of God. Hence, the tabernacle - the residence of the body of Christ - is hidden from view lest it distract "worshippers" from their socializing.The beautiful altars and works of art have been replaced by tables and blank spaces. This is progress? Viva Benedict! Peter has returned.

Joseph, Fairport, NY

The problem with most people is that they confuse democracy with religion.They feel free to interpet the bible anyway they see fit.Well, God is not a president who has to answer to his voters,he is the absolute ruler of the land and his rules were not ment to be bent or reinterperted anyway man sees fit. Many denominations who broke off the Roman Catholic Church, and then later on from each other, continue to fragment more into smaller groups because they progressively disagree with many laws that had been handed down from the early church and then later church branches. It can be said that as a tree grows the branches of the tree continue to branch out to weaker limes, but the trunk holds on strong to its roots. I hold on to my Catholic traditions very strongly. You would not cut off an arm or a leg if you had a small cancerous growth... of course you would cut the cancer away,then help to heal the wound after.

J. ORTIZ, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

If the church goes back to Latin and does not realize it's not the language that makes the worship I might leave the Church because I will not do Latin

Daniel Kinsman, Westbrook, USA/Connecticut

Even Simon failed in leadership. When he repented and was reinstated into Christ's embrace after the resurrection He would go on to be the chief speaker for the disciples and the one whose initiative would move the Church into the Gentile world. It was the Catholic Church that was heir to this tradition. The Bible was put together by the Catholic Church and the Church remains the authentic interpreter of God's Word. The trouble with many believers is that they each assume that they are Pope and can decide why what when where and how. The Catholic Church at least has one one Pope at a time. Our time is no worse than any other before us. For those who value history the path is easily traced back to the beginning with one problem after another and one failing leader after another. Christ's promise to remain with the Church holds true today as ever. No one believes that the Catholic Church is perfect but is it what Christ gave us. As Simon who became Jesus' Prime Minister reminds us.

jack, cleveland, ohio

To the Intellectually lazy.

No one is "shoving latin down your throat." The Vatican II Mass is not being replaced. Don't you remember? When we had the Latin Mass, every missal had the Latin on one side of the page and the English translation on the other side? I still have my missal and I periodically read the Latin prayers and have a sense of awe. Try saying the Lord's prayer in Latin. It is a joyous experience. "Pater Noster, que est in caelis...." By the way Latin and Greek is still part of the curriculum of a classical education. So to say it is a dead language is utter nonsense. Latin is the mother tongue of all Romance languages.

Marguerite, Philadelphia, PA/USA

Tridentine Mass - the medicine for a very sick culture. I'm relieved that there are still traditional and conservative people around. Otherwise, this world is toast.

Professor X, Nevada, USA

As what Catholic exorcists revealed: The devil hates latin.

Mariano Po, Tacoma, Washington, USA

Latin is a dead language and God is God of the living not of the dead. If the Tridentine Rite is the best that we can offer then we, as Catholics, need to hang our heads in shame.

Francis, Melbourne, Australia

I will never put my trust in a man. My trust in Jesus Christ and no-one else. The problem I have with the Roman Catholic church is that it does not hold God's word as supreme authority. The Bible was given to us to reveal God's true Character and purpose for our lives. In Scripture there is only one Father (God), one way to Salvation (Jesus Christ) and one purpose for God's creation of the human race (to bring glory and honor to God). God says the only He can forgive people for their sins through Jesus Christ. No man has been givren the authority to grant salvation to another man because we are all sinners (Romans 3: 23). Only the pure blood of Jesus Christ can wash away the sin of a person. Not a single one of the disciples were seen or recorded in the Bible granting salvation to anyone, they were simply proclaiming what God had already done through Jesus Christ.
God says that salvation comes from His grace, not from the amount of good we can do (Efesians 2: 8-9). Read the Truth!!

Philip Covone, McDonough, USA/ GA

Never Lose focus of the message (Lord Jesus Christ). The messenger... may fail. all earthly heads/priests of churches are messengers.
In fact the only authentic voice is the Holy Spirit and he may choose whatever messenger he will.
Moses spoke to God face to face but when he erred, we discover God will always be God and man will be Man.
miracles ,doctrines, unorthodox and orthodox church will all cease. That leaves the spirit to go back to God who made it ,to answer what it did with the message of Salvation.
The time is fast spent,the days are evil. Christainity should hold fast to its one true universal message: grip hold of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved from the sure destruction to come.
as if God cares if I'm catholic or pentecostal or anglican.
Christ is the focus and he alone deserves worship and reverence.God forbid Christainity follow a single man/doctrine!

all are welcome to Lord Jesus;anti/pro abortionist,conservatives..just grab and never let go!

Ayo, lagos, Nigeria

As to the comment of:"After all, the whole point is to have a relationship with Christ. That should come first. Just as many Christians need to put Christ back into Christmas, "

Er, I thought Catholics were Christians not just Christians?!?!
oh yeah I forgot that the true logic...
...if One is Catholic, it does not mean they are Christians it just means they are Dogmatic to the Doctrine.
Long live Christ
PS What's the point of having Mass in Latin if no one understand the "Blather" it's like speaking in tongues

Michael, Tampa,

the biggest problem with catholics is the misunderstanding that peter was your first pope. Jesus was not stating that he would build his church on PETER, he was stating that he would build his church on the UNDERSTANDING that peter had of who HE (Jesus) was. if catholics would read their church history, they would find where there catholic traditions originated, ie. vestal virgins, celibacy, sign of the cross, etc. i have never spoken with a single catholic that had any idea about their church history. talk about the dark ages. catholics need to get saved. l wallace baton rouge, la

l wallace, baton rouge, la, usa

What the reporter considers " a series of avoidable public relations disaters.. Notably his speech on " faith and reason" at Regensburger University ... when he inflamed Muslim opinion" many applauded B16's courage to say what needed to be said about some in the Muslim world, no other world leader had the back bone to do it. I was the last Catholic that wanted Ratzinger for pope but on that moment I was really proud of him.

James L. Avilez, San Francisco, California USA

Benedict XVI, ora pro nobis.

Kelleher, Rahway, USA/NJ

VIVA "XVI"

Bb, Talisay City, Cebu, Philippines

Long Live Pope Benedict!!!

From Australia

Gray S., Tasmania, Australia

Reading some of this is like listening to an argument about moon maidens, you really have no clue what you are talking about. Have you even bothered to read the document about which you are discussing?

There are many aspects of the Catholic church which have been mucked up by men (and women). The church is in need of internal reform and the best place to start is spiritually. After all, the whole point is to have a relationship with Christ. That should come first. Just as many Christians need to put Christ back into Christmas, Catholics need to put a sense of respect and reverence back into our churches, into our hearts, homes and families. Pope Benedict is simply getting a few things straight before he starts cleaning house. Frankly, it is long overdue. This is an internal matter. That's all.

Long live Pope Benedict XVI

C Davis, Dallas, TX , USA

To John from Erie, PA: It is unfortunate that the abuse you experienced as a child turned you to witchcraft. You quote the Bible, but you are involved in something extremely pagan. It's hard to take your opinion seriously. Catholics are not allowed presume that other Christians will not go to heaven. We hope that all of our brothers and sisters will be saved, even though their churches broke away from the Catholic church. We leave everyone's eternal salvation to the mercy of God. We do believe that other Christian churches contain some truths of the faith. After all, they were Catholic at one point in time. They do not, however, have the full faith handed down by the apostles and therefore, do not have all the tools to ensure their members' salvation. Everyone has to work to get to heaven, even Catholics. No one is guaranteed to get there. Catholics know that we have all the tools we need, but it is still up to us to use them. I pray that you will join some type of Christian church.

Heather, springfield, ohio

Benedict is doing a marvelous job reaffirming the Catholic faith in the face of the liberal "reformers", i.e., heretics, who would destroy it.

Abortion, birth control, homosexuality - there is no possibility of "reforming" the Church's teachings against these. They are grievous sins. To the "reformers" - if you are so set on acceptance of these abominations, I suggest you find yourself another "church". There are plenty of faux Christian churches for faux Catholics such as yourselves.

T. Richards, Plymouth, NH, USA

I m a Muslim and we muslims believe in Jesus(Issa) as a prophet born of Marie(Mariam)a maiden. The only difference is that we do not believe that God has any son nor that he is the son of anyone (last verse of the coran).God can do anything He wants . He resurrected JC to show the world that He can do anything He wishes with His creations.I don't believe in priesthood, except if the priest is one who has knowledge of God's Inspired Texts such as the Torah, some of the Bible and Coran and his only role is to make congregations pray and transmit his god given knowledge.the roman catholic church was not born out of faith, but out of rifts,greed and desire to how to control lives. back in the days priests were the hands and ears of criminals(absolute monarchs). So I BEG YOU PEOPLE; BELIEVE IN GOD PERIOD; PRAY FOR SALVATION, THINK GOOD, DO GOOD; AND YOU WILL BE IN HEAVEN. NO INTERMEDIARY TO TALK TO GOD; HE IS THE ALL KNOWING, ALL FORGIVING, viva all prophets, Ratzinger is only pope in rome

John Kameni, Nairobi, Kenya

I am an Orthodox Christian, and I am not in the least offended by Pope Benedict's statements that Orthodox Christianity is "defective". Of course this is what the Pope believes. How could he believe otherwise and still claim to represent the Roman Catholic Faith? What Rome means by "defective" is precisely the fact that we Orthodox do not acknowledge the primacy of the Pope. We Orthodox are aware of this, as is Rome. So why should stating this plain fact offend me? After all, he is not my primate, and he is free to say whatever he wishes. No one should ever care a whit what the spokesman for some other faith has to say about one's own faith. Frankly, I am pleased that the Pope has the courage to stand up for what the Roman confession actually believes and teaches: that theirs is the True Church. If we really want true unity we have to be straightforward about our differences instead of pretending we have more in common than we do.

Rev. Peter Jackson, Williamsville, New York

European Catholicism has always been a more united front than the Catholicism which grew in English-speaking lands, where in the latter case the wounds of the Reformation in particular and sectarianism in general have given rise to endless divisions. Also, European Catholics have been more successful in keeping materialism out of the life of the Church, rather than compromising itself with an increasingly materialistic view of the world. Ratzinger is saying and doing the right things at the right time. Alternatively, too many citizens of the world are likely to lose touch completely both with the Holy Trinity, and, at grassroots level, those aesthetic and otherworldly values which inspire us all through the richness of ancient Liturgy, giving mankind a peace that surpasses even his own understanding, and makes for a more stable, spiritually refreshed and better world in which to live.

Juhan, Tallinn, Estonia

Somebody mentioned Charismatic movement. From what I know of Catholic doctrine, it is not part of Catholicism. And from what I learned from the messages of the Virgin Mary (Like at Bayside), the charistmatic movement is a very evil heresy.

pilgrim, Shenzhen, HK

I am a catholic believer so what think is that every Pope has his own way or style of representing our Christ our Father, and I strongly believe what he says to us it is inspired by the Holy Spirit, God and his beloved Son. We should not be offended by his words in a world that is constantly attacked by the dark side in the advanced of science and technology, sometimes promoting the death rather than the live. So I considered that any human development should be view under the light of promoting life. Every creature should be protected, care, love by anyone. What Our Holiness has it is the virtue of synergizing the right to live in a world, free of threatens that go against what most of us have always praised LIFE.

Fabio Calle, Piura, Peru

When people say that the Catholic church is "turning back the the clock" I say they are absolutely wrong. Instead, that its about time that the Catholic church is standing on its core principles and getting back to what is suppose be a holy and respectful mass not some circus act along with all its abuses that belongs in a tent that liberals within the church have taken it to. If thats what they want there are certainly plenty of that elsewhere. I'm glad to see that Pope Benedict sees that its not about political power rather that its about the true Catholic sacrifice of the mass and worship. With the Latin mass I like that the priest faces the altar and leads the rest of us in prayer and respect for the Holy Eucharist which all points upwards to God not facing the people and focusing on us the people and putting God aside in some corner. Its about worshiping God. I'm sure that this turn of events will offend some but too bad. Good to see the church is growing a backbone.

Andre, Colorado Springs, CO

I am a Lutheran pastor who is passionate for the historic Christian faith. I deeply admire Pope Benedict and applaud his leadership, calling ALL Christians to take traditional doctrine seriously.

I am deeply impressed with his courage to speak the truth despite the misrepresentations, even calumies, in media. I am amazed that so-called ecumenical leaders have so little respect for traditional church teaching, yet applaud those who call into question traditional morality.

Rev. Richard Zeile, Detroit, Michigan

A very good article, although a few things are a little off. The Pope did not say eros was simply sexual love, but a love that desires to recieve something from it's object of love, which Pope Benedict says is defeintly not a bad thing, but also must grow into agape too (agape is the kind of love that is unselfish and seeks the good of the other). Deus Caritas Est (God is love) is a beautiful encyclical, and I would diffiently reconmend everyone to read it (even non catholics, to understand what catholics truely believe).

I would add that nothing that Pope Benidict XVI or Pope John Paul II have said is surprising to Catholics who have a strong understanding of the Catholic Faith (not what it has been misconstrued as). The Church has always taught that God is a loving God and that the love between a man and a woman is beautiful and sex is sacred (beat that Playboy!!). They are saying nothing new, it's just the first time some people are actually paying attention.

Valerie, Vancouver, WA

I have had a lifelong love of Latin and learned Gregorian Chant as a novice in the cloister. It has a tremendous ability to focus the mind on the sacred and can be a powerful binding force for a community or parish that takes the time to really sing it with devotion. We have added some Latin to our Masses here in Sausalito over the last few years without any direction from above because it raised the level of prayer. Some objected but not many. As for the rest of Benedict's pontificate, I am concerned that the slow and often painful effort to build bridges over the past centuries of religious wars to an island of mutual respect is being clumsily bungled.As for power and organization, past abuses should not destroy opportunities for those to be used for common good. The Catholic Church in America stood by miliions of immigrants, building schools, hospitals, orphanages, old age homes, universities to educate and heal. I may have been spanked, but we all learned to read.

Gene Graczyk, Sausalito, California

I think it is about time. THis pope has does wonders and is not afraid to speak the truth and read the sings of the times and point out what is needed for the world. I applaud Pope Bennidect XVI. HE is an inspiration to me and I will always be a faithful son of the Church. YOu are either with us or you are against us becasue we are the true religion of Jesus Christ and there is no aother.

John Stevens, Detroit, USA

I have had a lifelong love of Latin and learned Gregorian Chant as a novice in the cloister. It has a tremendous ability to focus the mind on the sacred and can be a powerful binding force for a community or parish that takes the time to really sing it with devotion. We have added some Latin to our Masses here in Sausalito over the last few years without any direction from above because it raised the level of prayer. Some objected but not many. As for the rest of Benedict's pontificate, I am concerned that the slow and often painful effort to build bridges over the past centuries of religious wars to an island of mutual respect is being clumsily bungled.As for power and organization, past abuses should not destroy opportunities for those to be used for common good. The Catholic Church in America stood by miliions of immigrants, building schools, hospitals, orphanages, old age homes, universities to educate and heal. I may have been spanked, but we all learned to read.

Gene Graczyk, Sausalito, California

Very simple people: when you deal with the afterlife though the thought maybe scary is it better to be honest or policially correct? At least you know where we stand. Sorry protestants if you thought the Catholic church was teaching that "everybody is okay as long as they believe in one God." That has NEVER been the doctrine of Catholic belief; and yet another error of the United States Bishops who after Vatican 2 came home and thought they had the right to incorporate local customs to an extreme. No thanks...

T Martin, San Francisco, California

This "view from the pew" is that piety has become more important than performance and the admonition the "not those who cry 'Lord, Lord' will be saved , but those who do the will of the Father."

As in all aspects of public life from secular politics to orthodox religion, the goal of the powerful is to hold others acountable for things one can't be held accountable for oneself.

The power of John XXIII was that he understood that reality and kept challenging us, as Jesus did, to live our faith, not just mouth the words.

Frederick Collett, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA

I can respect the pope's refusal to compromise on homosexuality and abortion, but his position contraception needs a re-evaluation. Respecting eros is all very well, but must women be subjected to continual pregnancies if they cannot afford it either physically, financially, etc. If contraception is not an option, what resort is there but abortion?
And of course there is AIDS. If the church backed education programs on both abstinence and contraception/protection it would be doing a world of good. Things like these can be taught alongside traditional values. After all, many women get AIDS from their husbands. And vice versa I guess.
But I am too idealistic for the catholic church.:)

Paula, Los Angeles,

Traditionalists, who one can call the "deceived of the deceived," are again applauding Ratzinger for the "liberalization" of the Immemorial Mass. There is no "liberalization" under Ratzinger. He has neither said nor done anything more than what Wotija had done. Wotija "suggested" that bishops give the Immemorial Mass "generously", and Ratzinger has said nothing more than that.

But what Ratzinger has done that Wotija did not have the nerve to do was to use a pope's authority to permit bishops to "prohibit" the Immemorial Mass. No "pope" ever has had the nerve to actually tell bishops that they had this authority.

That he is doing this new thing (authorizing bishops to prohibit the Immemorial Mass) to the applause of "traditionalists" tempts me to say that "traditionalists" richly deserve what they get for surrendering their critical judgment and continuing to fail to see what is plainly there to be seen.

Laura , Rockiviille Centre, NY USA

"..the obvious inconsistency between a supposedly loving and forgiving god and the torturing of people for eternity..."

There's no inconsistency here. The inconsistency is in assuming the two are mutually exclusive. They are not. People damn themselves by refusing God. Pride is the deadliest of all sins - take heed, atheists.

T. Richards, Plymouth, NH, USA

People have a romanticized view of the past. They spout the cliche that the decline of traditional religious values has led to moral decline and abetted and aided the Satanic, but the old world they idolize wasn't exactly a picnic.

When the Catholic Church was a haughty, imperious, regal entity, Europe was often a charnal house: Catholics and Protestants murdered one another and displayed the same religious infantilism that now infects the Muslim world, where Sunnis and Shiites slaugher one another in Iraq.

And when the Catholics weren't killing Protestants, and visa versa, they were of course killing Jews and Muslims.

I am a Jew, and although my ancestors sufferred from the ignorance of the often unlettered Cathlolics (For years, the Church prohibited the dissemination of the Bible lest people formulate their own ideas of the divine), I often felt sorry for the Catholics I grew up with. My Catholic buddies were beaten by their clergy, and most of them went to prison.

David Gottfried, Brooklyn, New York , United States

If you read the message of Our Lady at Akita, Japan, then you will understand that Vatican II was the beginning of the great abomination, though Pope Paul VI fought to the bitter end to defend the faith. That's why I keep on wondering why some bishops hold the Vatican II so dearly as if it is their Bible. Do they love error?

Calogero, Cebu City, Phil.

All over the world religious worship is increasing tremendiously. Iam from India, in last dedec all over India more people are turning to tample,churches., and mashid
As life is running very fast because of technology. Man feel himself more insecure.naturaly he turn to religion.only last resting place for mankind

Ramesh Raghuvanshi, Pune, Maharastra [India]

I am surprised that the Pope's opposition of any form of abortion would be described as "off-the cuff". The Pope is a shepherd of God's flock on earth, he is not a politician please for Christ's sake.

TORDUE SALEM, ABUJA, NIGERIA

Tom from Cleveland, the idea that anyone, not matter how bad, deserves to be tortured for eternity is a truly sick one. But, according to Aquinas, the church's premier theologian, seeing the damned suffer is one of the pleasures of heaven.

Of course, in any other context a civilized person would never sanction this. But bring out 'god' and it suddenly becomes OK. Suddenly you are spluttering justifications such as 'it's god's will', 'it's a mystery', or 'who are we to judge god'. I think this is the creepiest aspect of religion, the total abrogation of moral thinking or responsibility.

And of course, accepting torture in the afterlife is only one step from accepting it on earth. And you know what, the catholic church DID torture people for a millennium! When you realize that eternal torture is wrong perhaps you'll start to look at some other bizarre pronouncements of the church on sex, music, science, etc. Base your morality on humanity not supposed celestial dictators.

Anita, London, UK

I believe that the re-emergence of Latin in our Mass will bring a sense of wonder back into the lives of those hearing it. I am not saying that the entire Mass should be in Latin, but to say some of the prayers and lines in Latin will bring all Catholics together as one, for we will all be raising our voices to God as one. The fact that our Pope is trying to clarify our Church's stance on sex, AIDS, and other sensitive issues should not be viewed as a step back, but as a step forward for all new Catholics.

Unfortunately, I fear that his stance on Pop music will have a negative effect on the young people. Pop music is a joyous singing of Praise and Worship, not Satan's work. There are many Pop music groups of all beliefs that show the young people the Glory of the Lord Almighty. Isn't that the ultimate job of all of us? Not only our Pope and Bishops, but for all humanity?

Praise to the Holy Mother Church and to all who follow in the Righteousness of Our Lord Almighty, Amen

Sandra White, Coldspring, Texas, USA

I hear people saying the pope is the Vicar of Christ, Gods voice etc....open your eyes people...READ the bible and understand it. No one can forgive your sins,act as mediator or anything else other than Christ himself. I was a catholic for 58 years and through bible study have realized ALL the idolatry going on within the church amongst other things.Mary is risen up higher than Christ himself. She was just like you and me other being the mother of the Human Christ.She never ascended into heaven or stayed without sin.She even asked for her savior.There are many issues I could write about with no room.One last thing ,all christians lokk at gays, abortion and sex outside of marriage as being wrong (not just the catholic people believe this. The pope is neither infallible, only Christ is....so READ AND UNDERSTAND.

theresa, ST. Cloud, usa

Thanks God its Ratzinger!!! Avemus Papam indeed!

Melchor Co, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Samantha, you are tired of anti-scientific nonsense, but you support same sex marriage? That's very funny. I guess we all have our blind spots. It is Roman culture that sustains the churches, and the artisans who lived out their lives in making them beautiful. The Latin Mass is history, court ceremony and high art. The politics are another matter, and without the history, court ceremony and high art, the Church becomes vulgarized to the level of the clergy's dogmatic cant, you know, like Protestants without Bach.

Russ Thayer, Fredericksburg, Texas

I was raised a catholic, attended catholic schools for 12 years & sang in the choir in latin. I was also terrified my father, who was not a catholic, would go to hell. Not a nice thing for a child to endure. I really could never understand how a loving god could also be so vengeful - sending those souls who never had the option of being catholic (souls born into Muslim, Hindu countries) & unbaptized babies to hell. I would go to hell if I ate meat on Friday & didn't get to confession before I died. Too much fear. I did not raise my children in the catholic faith because I didn't want them to experience the same fears. John Paul presented a more loving god. A god who loved everyone not just catholics. Now I am afraid again. Not of a loving God but of the catholic church who has decided again it has the only road to salvation

Linda K, sacramneto, ca

How I love watching the Hairless Ape debate Theology.
Homo Sapien, you are just another animal.
and you will die like all the other animals, no favours, no rewards no paradise. just death, like everything that came before you, your knowledge grants you nothing, so make the most of your insignificance while you are sentient here.

MarkC, London, UK

Benedict just proves he is more interested in money and power than in true spirituality. What difference does it make to pray in Latin over English? I would think this God of his hears all tongues. Goodness comes from the heart, not from the tongue.

George Mazzei, St Petersburg, FL, USA

I see the possible beauty in the Latin mass though - the same beauty that you get when hearing something in its "original language", but it's pointless if you don't really feel the spirit behind it. But really now. All this pomp and money - I don't think dignity was ever in the clothes, it was in the way you acted. It makes me wonder about his sincerity in preaching to the modern Gentiles, so to speak - the outcasts of today.

While I may understand the rationale behind his choosing values over popularity, I think he's being a touchy too hasty about this. Not all rock music is evil - take Christian Rock bands like Caedmon's Call, or Creed. True, a whole slew of mainstream music right now is on shaky moral ground, but there's no need to cast the whole lot into Gehenna or what.

Guy, Metro Manila, Philippines

I grew up Roman Catholic, and experienced the "Charismatic Masses" of Vatican II as a child. I also experienced the less fortunate experiences and atrocity's from a priest who sexually abused peer's, and teacher's who did the same to me; while Benedictine Nun's looked the other way. Yes, there need's to be more Reverance and Forgiveness, but at what cost? I think Pope Benedict is WRONG in Distancing Roman Catholic's from the Rest of the Orthodox Churches and Christian Faith's. I am College Educated, and don't have all the answer's. I know that "Unity" need's to be The Foundation of Any True Church; and to Distance Oneself from ALL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES, is a Great Sin to Jesus' Teachings. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39..."Thou shalt Love the Lord God with ALL thy Heart, and with ALL thy Soul, and with ALL thy Mind. This IS the 1st and Greatest Commandment. And the 2nd IS like unto IT, Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself." Funny thing is I'm not Catholic or Protestant but Wicca Faith.

John, Erie, PA, USA

Love pope’s Benedict XVI wisdom and courage to say simple truths. It resonates well with recently discovered by me the deepest thinker of the 20th century, J. K. Chesterton, called also “the apostle of common sense”. Says Chesterton: “Catholic doctrine may be walls; but they are the walls of a playground” (Heretics), And, “When [man] drops one doctrine after another in a refined skepticism, when he declines to tie himself to a system, when he says that he has outgrown definitions, … then he is by that very process sinking slowly backwards into the vagueness of the vagrant animals and the unconsciousness of the grass. Trees have no dogmas. Turnips are singularly broad-minded”. [Ibid.]

Zofia Dunian, Washington D. C. , USA

Pope Benedict, like Pope John Paul II before him, downfaces the media-sponsored zeitgeist. He tells doctrinal truth as it is, not as media preacher-journalists would like him to. He is probably right about a lot of rock music too. The lyrics of many pop songs are trite and soaked in sex and drugs and death wishes. People who go to well publicised rock concerts are ripped off by high prices of admission and carefully licensed merchandising of T-shirts and other 'memorabilia'. I'm glad somebody of world stature is saying No to mass produced, ear splitting Junk-Kultur.

Gerard Browne, Manchester,

Well done Samantha K. there are still people with common sense out there. Having been born & indoctrinated into the Catholic religion, I am fed up being dictated to by elderly men who have no experience of life apart from behind cloistered walls living in the lap of luxury..."Benedict makes no secret of enjoying the “dressing up” side of the job, reviving ermine-trimmed robes, elaborate headgear and dainty satin shoes." What of the poor & starving in the world?...it smacks a bit of Marie Antoinette. If the easily led want to follow the gongs & pongs system of worship let them bury their heads along with the rest of the church.

Richard D., Vienna, Austria

I think an empty church is really boring, candles, flowers incense and all that is good, it makes the church really look like a church. But its only a few countries that speak and understand latin..it wouldnt be fair to say mass in latin in Africa where there r diverse languages. I think mass should be said in a language understood by the congregation. In Africa we say some bits of mass in latin like the lord have mercy, its spiritually touching for those who can pronouce the words but it doesnt make sense to those who dont understand the words and I think they miss out spiritually.

Tamali, Kampala,

The Pope believe that the only way to be saved is to become a Catholic and that all the other churches in the world is not true churches. The Pope is only a man and he will also have to answer to God for his false statements.

Debra Arrington, Raleigh, US/North Carolina

I don't understand why priests who don't pray very much became bishops. Now, they speak as if they are more knowledgeable than the Pope. Too bad for them their liberal candidate was not elected Pope. I thank the Holy Spirit for protecting the conclave from satanic forces. My idea of Catholicism are prayerful and humble priests, religious habits, Tridentine Mass, Gregorian chants, polyphonic singing, beautiful arts, awe inspiring churches, candles, incense, bells, altars, flowers, kneeling rails, latin, etc. These have inspired me. I don't understand why some Bishops want to remove these. I don't know why they want the Mass to be empty.

Ramil, Tianjin, China

Thank God- I could cry every week in church listening to people treat church like a social hall instead of praying before mass. And the music- no reverence. And no confiteor at the beginning of mass anymore. And the priest does nothing-until the consecration.
And very few churches even ring bells at consecration.
Thank God for Pope Benedict! I hope every church has a latin mass at least once a week!

Linda Meyer, Ringgold, USA/GA

Marie-Louise, we are tired of being told that same-sex loving couples are perversions and should not be offered equal rights because 'god's law' says so; we are tired of seeing thousands die in agony, being denied a dignified death of their own choice because 'god' decides when we die; we are tired of being told that a clump of two-hundred undifferentiated cells trumps the needs of millions who could benefit from stem-cell research because the former has a 'soul'; we are tired of anti-scientific nonsense on the origins of the earth and life penetrating our schools; we are tired of fearing being blown up by people of faith who spout exactly the same fatuous justifications for their faith as Libby below ('we know it in our hearts', 'see the miracles') and scream out how god is great when they detonate the bombs. When you start leaving us alone then we will stop making the tired, repetitive point that your extraordinary beliefs lack reason or evidence.

Samantha K., London, UK

One of the biggest mistakes of roman catholic church, is being focused on 2000 rules (and I want to point out that 2000 years ago the Mass was FOR SURE not in latin, because where the first catholic church developed latin was not the language), while it often doesn't apply the same rules to itself. It's very easy to say that you must be poor to reach the heavens and then own banks and insurance companies (the vatican costs to the italian government 9 billion euro per year), or that you should not be focused on the material values and then accept a pair of Prada shoes as public gift.
Once the catholic church will solve those contraddictions, it will have more and more followers. Now it's losing followers everywhere and seems to focus only on the integralist ones.
And don't tell me that it's a lack of spirituality in general, because other religions are gaining, so for sure the spirituality is still well alive.

Max, Verona, Italy

Catholics vs Scriptural Truth - part 2
4. With all the billions the church is sitting on and investing they have proved themselves to be political & financial power brokers and not the true Church - one that gives to the poor instead of retaining wealth for self.
5. By their fruits you shall know them Jesus said. The Catholic church is full of pedophile priests who prey on children. We visited a Catholic church with a Catholic friend and the priest was much more interested in my 8 year old son than anything else. Further proof is that the Church chooses to have innumerable dioceses go bankrupt here in the USA due to pedophile lawsuits rather than use some of their billions to pay for couseling and compensation for the victims of their priests.
6. In the Bible all believers are priests...there is no special class.

Eric Kossian, leavenworth, USA/WA

I get so bored with all the tired old clichés trotted out by atheists which goes something like "I don't share your beliefs, therefore you must be in need of a psychiatrist." How very Stalinist. How very like an old cracked gramophone record. Originality certainly isn't their greatest asset. Speaking personally, I'd rather be a Continental Catholic than a resident of Blackburn.

Marie-Louise, Brussels, Belgium

After all the negatives are said and done about the Roman Catholic Church, the final words of hope are from Jesus Himself when He said, that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it! It does not matter what human beings say, the church will survive because God Himself decreed this.

MaryAnne, Staten Island, New York

MaryAnne Tassiello, Staten Island, USA, NY

Whatever truth there was in the faith of the emerging universal church in Europe was destroyed in the 7th Century at the Council of Whitby. It was there that the so-called Saint Augustine forced the Celtic Christians to adopt the ways of the Roman Empire in its new guise as a "church." The true saints of that era, Aiden, Cuthbert, Patrick (Patricius) and Columbanus have been turning in their ghraves ever since. Following the diastrous decision at Whitby to preserve "unity" over purity there followed hundred of years of cruelty, worship of power and money, persecution, use of the abominable to God Roman language (latin) as a replacment of the true language of the Bible--Greek. The degradation of the true Church was reversed somewhat by Martin Luther who saw through the worship of money and power and ushered in the Reformation which recovered only a small amount of the ground lost at Whitby 700 hundred years earlier. This present Pope has clearly taken a step back toward Pax Romana.

Celtic Son, Warwick, UK

Good Grief what a article

"The move, which amends the Second Vatican Council’s decision in the 1960s that worship should be in the vernacular"

Actually it allowed it too. THe Council never forsaw that Latin would be reject and chant thrown out. Plus we have regualr masses said in Latin all the time

" regarded as yet another sign of Benedict’s conservative attachment to tradition and doctrine"
The word should be "Othodox" attachment

"fear the rite will revive preVatican II prayers for the conversion of “the perfidious Jews”.
What nonsense

"Benedict makes no secret of enjoying the “dressing up” side of the job, reviving ermine-trimmed robes, elaborate headgear and dainty satin shoes"

It isnt a Fashion show. Every piece of that attire means something.

Good Greif already out of space to type more. Benedict is popular and donations are up because people are being fed. Just like in Orthodox Diocese Vocations are up

James H
Louisiana
USA

jh, Homer, Louisiana/USA

The church Bells have rung. God's church is moving forwards. Having recently gone to a Tridentine Mass, one is taken in by the reverence given to the Eucharist. It is satisfing and you feel fufilled. Dose not our Lord belong in a place where the focus is totally on his crusifiction? This is lacking in the post Vaticant II Mass where it is called a celebration rather then a sacrifice. In the Tridentine Mass I noticed that the priest had the bible opened to a page that showed Christ on the Cross. In addition, there were no Euchartistic ministers, only the priest touched the Euchartist. Holiness. It is also very grounding, my life slowed down, the absolution in confession was given in Latin and for some reason it made a difference. Confession is a form of exercism. God's hand is in this change. I had read in a transcription from an exersim Warnings from the Beyond, the demond said that "one day God would throw out all this moderism like rubbish."
Susan Beverly, Ma.

Susan, Beverly, Ma

Mr. Carlin is part of the biggest con job of all time: the "entertainment" industry which continues to degrade our society by promoting the idea that people can find happiness by being foul mouthed, ungrateful, disrespectful slobs. The "special place" he refers to requires a little more effort than just disobeying a top ten list. Yes, God even loves the rich comedians who make their money by making up "pull my finger" jokes for the masses. Good luck with that gig in the afterlife.

Tom, cleveland,

Joe from Dubai is absolutely correct.!
The big difference between Athiests and Christians is that the people who are close to, and believe in God, are those who have bothered to make an effort to get close by repentence/prayer and asking God for forgiveness for sins. Anyone on this planet, can genuinely 'find God' if they 'sincerely' repent, become prayerful and attend christian service, such as the Holy Mass, (and if possible attend retreats/seminars) The key is to "open your heart" up to God and you will see that miracles do happen, and you will never doubt again. Real believers are not people who are just "hopeful" that God is real.....they KNOW He is because they opened their heart to God and have some amazing testimonies of proof that God is a 'fact' and most definitely very real. God WILL make his presence felt to you, if you sincerely want Him to, in unmistakeable, miraculous ways. You too, will also be a 'believer'.

Libby, Sydney, Australia

Only once Pope Benedict XVII. Is dead and a new Pope is elected will people realize the former’s immense strength and devotion in guiding and preserving the Catholic faith. To all those who clamour that the Catholic church should acquiesce to and adopt current fads and life styles (e.g., homosexual marriage, use of condoms, condoning divorce), let me tell you two things: 1. If you don’t like the Catholic church, go and shop around, super market-style, for another denomination that suits you – there are plenty around; 2. (as a variation on a famous saying of former U.S. president Jack Kennedy) Don’t ask what God and the church can do for you, ask what you can do for God and the church.

D.F.A. von Jettmar, Fort Worth, TX, U.S.A.

When I read this absurd nonsense, I am reminded of the words of Douglas Adams when he said:

"... if somebody says 'I mustn't move a light switch on a Saturday', you say, 'Fine, I respect that'...No, we don't attack that; that's an irrational belief but no, we respect it."

Well, I for one do attack it and do not respect it, and would urge others to act likewise.

http://www.biota.org/people/douglasadams/

David, Whitstable, Kent

Only God is perfect ... that is true ...But whatever something is true or false is not the issue. All humans are bad and false from time to time. But the only thing that matters is that you are forgiven and loved by God no matter who you are. The mercy from God is not something you can deserve. It is something you are given as a gift, a precious gift - just because you are who you are ... It is unbeliveable, and for that reason so much worth in believing.

Julia T, Copenhagen, DENMARK

I am so so excited about more Latin Masses -- I used to, as a young woman, sing in choirs that sang the beautiful classical masses written by the old masters like Mozart, etc. and now I hope we can have more of that in the church.....going from Handel or Mozart to the English songs we sing -- well, it has always made me a bit sad. Now, with more Latin Masses maybe our music will be glorious again!

Nan Tiernan, Des Moines, Iowa

Your lack of faith is very unfortunate.

"If you but knew the gift of God and He who it is that speaks to you...."
Christ speaking to the Samariton Woman at the well

I will pray that you will one day know this gift, which surpasses all knowledge, and "those things which God has prepared for those who love Him" that "eye had not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it even entered the mind of man" - so surpassingly great will be the reward and bliss of those who have loved and kept His Commandments.

Marie, Boston, MA

What is his stance on rap music? Is this perhaps the work not of satan but of Succubus? And folk/rock crossover ? country or punk? Let us know, that we may avoid the pestilence and scourge of carnality. Andean nose flutes and pan pipes.. the only acceptable music.. handed down by seraphim and nephilim. DIDO is, surely an evil woman.

Elwin parsley, london , UK

Great!!! I was praying for the Tridentine Mass to return. My prayers were answered, we should have both Holy Mass in vernacular as well as Tridentine Mass. I do agree with the Holy Father that we should not give up Tradition as Latin is the official language of the Church.

Praise God!

Rosalind Soares, Toronto, Canada

Hey Max in Verona, Italy - what languages do you think St. Paul spoke, being a Roman citizen, et al (and all!). What language do you suppose St. Peter had to learn to speak when he visited (and died) in Rome - gee, could it have been Latin???? Or didn't you learn that Latin was the vernacular in Rome in those days? Do you not think that the Holy Spirit just might have been active in the souls of Sts Paul and Peter to learn new languages? Do you not recall the Gospel of Pentecost, after the Apostles and Our Lady were visited by the Holy Spirit in the closed room? St Peter went out and spoke to the crowds, there being Jews from the Diaspora, and all heard St Peter in his or her language! "And 2000 were added that day!" No, Max, the Church is not losing followers, it is gaining them, or didn't you read the Times article? And if Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church, do you think a pair of Prada shoes will?

Adele, Phoenix, Arizona

This pope knows his role, knows what needs to be done, and doesn't care what the critics say. He knows that his one judge is the Almighty, and I think he is determined to meet his Maker well-prepared.

I think I'm really going to like this Pope.

RichR, Bryan , Texas

With the stroke of a pen, Pope Benedict XVI has changed the course of histroy both of the Church and of Europe and perhaps even for the whole world. The Holy Father's courage to act in the face of the defiance of His bishops, shows that He knows he is Pope, and is not controlled by anyone or any opinion. Habemus Papam.

William A. Torchia, Esq., Attorney at Law, Philadelphia, PA

Steve, wow! Some guy points out the obvious inconsistency between a supposedly loving and forgiving god and the torturing of people for eternity. In return we get this ad hominem attack that atheists are not altruistic. As well as begging the question, who is being nasty? And as usual this is a case of a religionist wishing something was true rather than having any evidence for it.

Here are some actual facts for you:
- atheists/agnostic (reported between 5-15% of US population) are 0.12% of prison population (1997 statistic)
- Journal of Religion and Society (2005) article found "higher rates of belief in and worship of a creator correlate with higher rates of homicide, juvenile and early adult mortality, STD infection rates, teen pregnancy and abortion in the prosperous democracies."
Space limits reporting more, but the main point is that you don't need to believe in sky fairies to be good.

james mitchell, London, UK

In traditional, Catholic schools during the 50's and early 60's, I learned that the Mystical Body of Christ is the church and only through the church is there salvation. When asked who belonged to the Mystical BOdy, we were told that all believers who sought the truth, who loved God, who kept the commandments, were part of the church. Unbaptized could, therefore, still be believers because they listened to the voice of God drawing them to HImself. Believeing Jews were included. Today, with the distortions of religious thought, it is interesting that hardly a soul attempts to explain this concept of the Mystical BOdy of Christ. If they did, many would understand that when we pray for the Jews, we don't pray that they be converted to Catholicism that is simply an outward portrayal of belief, but that the secular , atheistic Jew, be converted to the truth which so many of is bretheren already know. THank GOd for Benedict's courage and tenacity in face of this atheistic society.

priscilla, syracuse,, new york

I am so happy that Pope Benedict did this. I have waited along with my family for 40 years, and I am so thrilled with him. May God bless him so much~!

Peggy Hamtil, leawood, Kansas, USA

George Carlin,

Better to be a conned Chrisian like Mother Teresa than a sniping athiest who won't cross the street to lift a begger out of the gutter.

There's an old adage that you catch more flies with honey. A brief glance at some of the nasty comments by athiests on these forums and the responses by Christians demonstrates why the latter still make up the majority of the population.

Steve, New York, NY

Benedict XVI continues to delight. The church's position on abortion is non-negotiable and cuts to the core of Catholic doctrine. The same is true, to a lesser extent, regarding birth control and any sexual relationship outside of marriage. "Reformers" who can't accept this would serve themselves and the Catholic faithful better by finding another church to worship in, rather than trying to change what makes Roman Catholicism wonderful, that is to say, an undiluted commitment to the sanctity of human life at all levels.

Bob, Houston, USA/TX

I could even explain what it means having the Vatican at you own home (I am Italian), explain how italian 8per1000 works (it gives to the vatican 700 million euro per year), explain why commercial offices of roman church (yes there are: they own banks, insurance companies and are involved in many business) don't pay property taxes in Italy while private companies in the same field have to pay them....onething is talking about the vatican from 10000 miles away, a complete different matter is talking about it from Italy, you could never imagine the political power it has here...and anglosaxons in general would never accept that.

Max, Verona, Italy

I am delighted with the turn toward a more traditional Catholic faith. Old St. Mary's Church in Cincinnati, Ohio stills does Latin masses every Sunday and they draw people from all over the area. There is certainly a place for this in the modern church. my brothers and sisters and I are in our twenties and if it were not for these masses we would have never attended a mass that genrations before us saw weekly.

For all of those who dislike religions you are certainly entitled to your opinions. However, I ask you to consider one aspect of religion that does not frequently get attention: the connection it has between generations. I never fully understood this until my older siblings started having children and we were doing baptisms and 1st communion preparations. Religion can keep a family very strong, I know this because it has done so for mine.

Marianne, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

The bishops who opposed the Pope in his decision to allow complete freedom for the Tridentine Latin Mass in the Church once more have called traditional Catholics who love the Latin Mass schismatics and heretics. The truth in fact however, it that it is these liberal bishops who are the heretics and schismatics.
Our Holy Father Pope Benedict, in returning to the Tridentine Latin Mass and other directives to come from His office, is trying to return us to being truely Catholic. This Catholic tradition and spirit was lost at Vatican II, and the Church suffered for forty years from the loss of its own tradition. The results across the world was a massive decline in Faith and practice.
Thank God for Pope Benedict and his courageous decision to restore the Tridentine Latin Mass. Those who oppose him, including Cardinals and Bishops, priests and dissident liberal nuns, would do well to seek membership in a Protestant group. The door is always open for them to leave.

Shoshiru Honda, Philadelphia, USA

I agree with Maria, religion is truly the greatest con job of all time. Religion has actually convinced people that there's an invisible man - living in the sky - who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does or does not want you to do. And if you disobey any of those ten things, he has a special place, full of fire & smoke & burning & torture & anguish, where he will send you to live & suffer & burn & choke & scream & cry forever and ever 'til the end of time. … But he loves you!

George Carlin, Los Angeles, USA

The catholic church remains the most secretive organisation in the world, so one cannot rely on its facts and figures of increased revenues and patronage. What one can rely on is that it will remain an organisation that hasn't modernised its views for 500+ years, hence the reason why it no longer has the "power" it once had. The catholic church relies on the ignorance and fear of it's believers to assert their segregating doctrine. Without any religion in the world we would all be better off and living in harmony instead of dividing ourselves into religious groups.

luke, melbourne, australia

As Christ told the first Bishops, the Apostles, "He who hears you hears Me." To those who think Christ isn't God, you had better be sure. Your eternity depends upon it. God Bless John Paul II !! Sainthood Now! God Bless Pope Benedict! We pray for him, the successor of Peter, The Vicar of Christ. Viva Christo Rey! Long Live Christ the King! Ave Maria!

TAD, Louisville, USA/Ohio

Jim, oh wow, you know of three great minds from centuries ago that believed in gods. I wonder why today's elite scientists, writers, and philosphers rarely believe in such beings? Maybe because we know better as to how to explain the world without resorting to magical beings. Even in the highly religious USA, belief in a personal god drops to 7% within the National Academy of Science (3% for the Royal Society in the UK); look up the beliefs of Nobel prize winners or take a look at the recent list of top global public intellectuals (Chomsky, Eco, Dawkins etc in Prospect Mag) - you have to go way down the list to find believers. No, I wouldn't appeal to authority as a means of justifying your strange belief in celestial beings.

G Clifford, Florence, Italy

After reading this report, quite a lot of consolation can be obtained from the assertion of an alternative course for religion by Jonathan Sacks on another page. He tells us “Only when it divests itself of earthly power does faith learn to speak the healing truths of heaven.”

D Barfield, Greater Manchester, UK

The church has a disgraceful history: crusading popes, pirate popes, murdering Borgias and Medici popes, Nazi appeaser popes and popes who ordered the total secrecy of paedophile priests that resulted in more victims of this terrible crime. Yet, we are supposed to believe these men are chosen and guided by god! I agree with Jerry, it is truly amazing people still believe such obvious nonsense.

James Williams, Fiesole, Italy

First of all, the best thing that ever happened to the Roman Church was the Reformation. It brought about the Counter-Reformation, and a tightning up of standards, and a re-aformation of existing strengths, i.e. veneration of Saints for instance. It is clear that this Pope would rather have a smaller but more devoted church, a tougher kernel, so to speak. Even though I was brought up in a Liberal Protestant Denomination, (United Church of Christ Congregational, the Church of the Pilgrams for the most part), I welcomed this Popes zeroing in on Islam, and taking it to task for it's lackadasical attitude towards it's radicals, and daring to call that faith on the carpet for what it really is, namely one that is intolerant of others. While moderate Islamics "Fain Horror " at the acts of their bretheren, the radicals are the shock troops of advancing Islam which seeks when it gets numbers, to impose it's will, customs, and faith on all, whether you like it or not!

Britain, BEWARE!

jim johnson, framingham, MA.

Reading the comments above reminds me exactly why in a moment of enlightenment I converted to atheism after having had a catholic upbringing imposed on me. I can't believe that in the 21st century people still take this stuff seriously.

Chris, WHitley Bay,

Dear Libby from Australia,
You are a person after my own heart. If only people would attend retreats and spiritual seminars and learn to forgive others no matter what the cost as well as most importantly repent deeply for their sins, they would truly experience the immense love of God through his Holy Spirit.

A classic contemporary example of forgiveness was exemplified by the Australian Gladys Staines who almost immediately forgave the killers of her husband and two small children.

Your views and the act of Gladys Staines have impressed me, both of which come from Australia. May God Bless you and your country and the world at large.

Joe, Dubai, UAE

The Church is bound by God to pray for the conversion of the Jews. We know what Jesus said: "Go teach all nations." No ifs and buts there.

Do Jews pray for the conversion of gentiles to their faith? If not, why not?

Go, Benedict!

Hugh, Melbourne, Australia

When psychics scam people with unfalsifiable claims that they have been cursed and need to pay the psychic money to lift the curse, we thankfully put them in jail. When the church scams people with unfalsifiable claims of eternal damnation and, while no longer explicitly selling indulgences, makes clear that monetary donations will be looked upon favorably by the creator, we sit back and call it religion.

Maria Brown, London, UK

Yes, let's follow god and all his moral decrees, all too often arbitrary and totally divorced from any connection to human suffering (e.g. gay sex) which secularists would suggest is a better foundation for morality. Ah... but which god? The pope's god? Maybe the bombers are right and sharia law is the way to go? The islamists certainly have the same amount of evidence - ancient hearsay, dubious miracles, the sincere warm fuzzy feelings in the hearts of the follower, or no evidence at all which for some reason is meant to be admired (faith).

Richard Jenkins, London, UK

I was about to make the same correction as John Hudson: no matter how often this error is pointed out to papers like 'The Times' and to the BBC, it goes on and on. The ordinary language of the New Rite is latin - just as it was for the Tridentine Rite. What the Pope is now doing is allowing much wider use of the Tridentine Rite. I should like to make another correction: Pope Paul VI was the last pope to be crowned with the papal tiara. He then sold it and gave the money to the poor. The first pope to use the mitre of a bishop - rather than a crown - was John Paul I. John Paul II and the present Pope then followed this new practice as more befitting the title Bishop or Rome.

Alice J McCabe, Doncaster,

I say thank God! and let's not cast any negativity about the past but look forward to the future and to unity among all Catholics. It is true that many mis-represented many things about Vatican II to suit their purposes but the Catholic Church has always been an evolving Faith led by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised it. He also said his followers would be united. He also saw many walk away from his hardest teaching: accepting that we would eat his Body and drink his Blood." Matt from Germany, He also said that his Kingdom was not of this world and the Holy Father Benedict XVI has clearly written that he does not believe that the FAITHFUL Catholics will ever be a mega-church. I believe he means that those who will be faithful enough, humble enough and obedient enough to submit to the Church's authority and to the Holy Father's authority will be very few. So don't worry too much about Faithful Catholics becoming powerful and taking over the world. We want to get to Heaven.

Stella, Austin, Tx

Perhaps if the Universal (Catholic) Church remained one rather than fragmented with various Protestant versions things would be different.
Only God is perfect, thoes running religions are not.

Sean O'Daly, Dallas, NC, USA

Dexterium, I reply in english even if we are both italians.
One of the biggest mistakes of roman catholic church, is being focused on 2000 rules (and I want to point out that 2000 years ago the Mass was FOR SURE not in latin, because where the first catholic church developed latin was not the language), while it often doesn't apply the same rules to itself. It's very easy to say that you must be poor to reach the heavens and then own banks and insurance companies (the vatican costs to the italian government 9 billion euro per year), or that you should not be focused on the material values and then accept a pair of Prada shoes as public gift.
Once the catholic church will solve those contraddictions, it will have more and more followers. Now it's losing followers everywhere and seems to focus only on the integralist ones.
And don't tell me that it's a lack of spirituality in general, because other religions are gaining, so for sure the spirituality is still well alive.

Max, Verona, Italy

Poor Aristotle. Poor Kierkegaard. Poor Dante. Such witless buffoons. Such superstitious cranks. If only they'd had the brilliant Jerry Fisher and his ilk to explain things to them.

Then again, having read them--and having understood the philosophical nuance behind their conception of the creator (none imputed a man or a beard)--and having now read Fisher, maybe I've got it exactly reversed.

Jim, Anchorage, Alaska USA

Why should anyone care what the Pope thinks? Faith and belief in a supreme being is one thing. Religion is a man made institution with parameters created by men for the purpose of power and control. What the world needs is less emphasis on a supreme being and more emphasis on a supreme way of being!!

Bruce Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

Thank goodness for the Roman Catholic Church.

We're in 21st century and still there are people who want society organized according to the mandates of a bearded old guy, tucked away behind a desk in White City or in Whitehall. I'll never understand it.

Ted, Rome, Italy

Latin was not supposed to be stripped from the liturgy. This is a misunderstanding of the Council.

From Vatican II's Sacrosanctum Concilium:

"36.1. Particular law remaining in force, the use of the Latin language is to be preserved in the Latin rites.

2. But since the use of the mother tongue, whether in the Mass, the administration of the sacraments, or other parts of the liturgy, frequently may be of great advantage to the people, the limits of its employment may be extended. This will apply in the first place to the readings and directives, and to some of the prayers and chants, according to the regulations on this matter to be laid down separately in subsequent chapters."

Please try to understand Vatican II and not just repeat the confusion that surrounded its release.

Scott, Birmingham, AL

Thank goodness for Henry VIII.

We're in 21st century and still there are people who want society organized according to the mandates of an imaginary, bearded old guy in the sky. I'll never understand it.

Jerry Fisher, Bristol, 8.,

Who cares?
The ROC is a dark age cult, just like other major religions. I weep for the folks who follow the delusional rantings of this Harry Potter from the Vatican.

Susan Small, Blackburn, Lancs., UK

Dexterium: These unlucky bishops turning their backs to Christ and facing the people have looked too much at the Pope facing the people, receiving praise from them.

Trond, Oslo, Norway

Why does it surprise anyone that the Church’s position on artificial birth control, abortion and homosexuality have not been changed? For pity's sake they can never change: The sign of the Covenant that God made with Moses was not on the head or the hand but on the MALE FORESKIN - the mark of circumcision. Sex has always been a big deal. Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to perfect them. While the sign of the new and everlasting covenant is baptism, He raised marriage to a sacramental institution.Sex outside of this is deeply sinful. We have been left with a duty to procreate, and to raise children in the faith. The human soul is infused into the body at conception. Abortion is murder. Period.

Chris W, London, UK

This is a poor piece of journalism. The Second Vatican council did not wish to abandon the ancient liturgy of the Church. Moreover, the reference to the 'perfidious' Jews (a poor translation of the Latin sense) in the Good Friday litrugy had already been removed from the Latin Mass BEFORE the Council. The objection, without foundation, was used by some cynical liberal English bishops in a last desperate attempt to return beauty to the Mass.

Damian Smith, St Louis, USA

It is hardly possible to be _more_ reactionary than John Paul II. Let the mass be in Latin. It just makes the form more consistent with the substance.

Artemisia, Paris,

The Pope spends a lot of time in deep prayer , and is guided by the Holy Spirit of God. He is God's voice and Representative here on Earth and if any of us are serious about doing God's will and saving our