|
Title: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: Masterkoki on April 21, 2008, 07:06:35 AM The last time I saw the Pope was here in Caracas in 1997 if I'm not mistaken. It was Pope John Paul II, He was riding in his Popemobile (how cool is that name?), waving at the multitude who was outside just to take a look at the head of the catholic church. For a 95% catholic country this visit was really important for the very religious people, but from a political point of view, it was a strategy from the then president Rafael Caldera to take the people's eyes off his corrupt deals and mismanagement charges. The Pope gave a few masses and speeches calling for peace and respect of life etc. and was gone. His function served the president more than the catholic church, which has been dwindling down for years.
I saw the Pope again on TV. He's in The US. but the Catholic church is not very large there, not the majority. So why is he there? To give a message of peace? Can he influence the government on changing it's policies? Is the Pope a "World's leader favorite puppet"? I'm not an American but I would really like to know the opinion of the Americans here... Title: Re: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: neorealist on April 21, 2008, 11:24:26 AM Most of us barely even noticed he was here...even my devout Catholic girlfriend didn't mention it.
Title: Re: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: Fredledingue on April 21, 2008, 12:12:34 PM Most of us barely even noticed he was here...even my devout Catholic girlfriend didn't mention it. As we, europeans, don't notice when he is in Europe. Unless he is coming right into your town, you won't pay much attention. IMO the pope is not a puppet and not a very influencial person, politicaly. The pope is not the head of the crusaders in Iraq. Title: Re: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: Dormouse on April 21, 2008, 02:12:09 PM The last time I saw the Pope was here in Caracas in 1997 if I'm not mistaken. It was Pope John Paul II, He was riding in his Popemobile (how cool is that name?), waving at the multitude who was outside just to take a look at the head of the catholic church. For a 95% catholic country this visit was really important for the very religious people, but from a political point of view, it was a strategy from the then president Rafael Caldera to take the people's eyes off his corrupt deals and mismanagement charges. The Pope gave a few masses and speeches calling for peace and respect of life etc. and was gone. His function served the president more than the catholic church, which has been dwindling down for years. There are more than twice as many Catholics in the USA (61 million) as there are people in Venezuela (28 million).I saw the Pope again on TV. He's in The US. but the Catholic church is not very large there, not the majority. So why is he there? To give a message of peace? Can he influence the government on changing it's policies? Is the Pope a "World's leader favorite puppet"? I'm not an American but I would really like to know the opinion of the Americans here... At 61 million Catholics, that puts the USA easily among the top five largest Catholic communities in the world. The Pope's visit may not be big front page news, but you can be sure that he's a 'respected' figure that politicians will always be careful while ignoring him. Title: Re: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: Dormouse on April 21, 2008, 02:20:17 PM The pope is not the head of the crusaders in Iraq. Muqtada Sadr does seem to be shaping up towards the possibility of playing the role of 21st century Saladin though... Title: Re: The Pope: A true political power? Post by: Fredledingue on May 15, 2008, 11:00:06 AM The pope is not the head of the crusaders in Iraq. Muqtada Sadr does seem to be shaping up towards the possibility of playing the role of 21st century Saladin though... Yes but he lives in another century.
Powered by SMF 1.1.4 |
SMF © 2006-2007, Simple Machines LLC
Joomla Bridge by JoomlaHacks.com |