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Thoughts On The Pope From Our Readers

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Tribune staff

Published: April 13, 2008

THOUGHTS ON THE POPE FROM OUR READERS:

"Pope Benedict has proved to be a marvelous choice as our newest Vicar of Christ. My hope for his visit is that with God's help, he is able to renew American Catholicism by sparking a turn away from the dissent and political correctness that is weakening the church. Because the Pope is a man of courage who speaks the truth even if it offends, I think this renewal will indeed happen."

Elizabeth Sheridan, New Port Richey

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"He has made stressing orthodoxy in matters of Catholic faith as proclaimed by Christ's Apostles and their successors paramount, along with exposing the error and emptiness of moral relativism. From making the Tridentine Mass, celebrated for nearly 1,500 years, more accessible to publishing two profoundly thoughtful encyclicals [teaching letters to the faithful] on Love and Hope, to reaching out to people of all faiths … the list is endless.

"How blessed we are to be living in a time of a spiritual leader [who] some experts have said has the most brilliant theological mind of any of the 265 men ever to occupy the Chair of Peter."

Jim Connolly, Tampa

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"I think that the Pope is reaching out to the unchurched and dechurched population, inviting them to consider Christianity, while also appealing to former Catholics who have been alienated from Catholicism due to past negative experiences. He is asking them to re-examine the Church's teachings and come home."

Ray Kerker, Largo

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"I loved Pope John Paul II because … he showed the world he loved all people and was a very holy man. He forgave the man that tried to kill him. All my friends of different faiths never said an unkind word towards him. Maybe on April 15-20, [Pope Benedict] might change my mind and I can see a more loveable expression on his face."

Carmen La Russa, Palm Harbor

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"I have been a Catholic all my life (67 years) and have seen the Catholic Church become more and more liberal over the years. Pope Benedict XVI appears to be a traditional pope who will take us back to a more conservative church. The major problem is that the U.S. bishops ignore the wishes of the pope and do whatever they please. On the issue of abortion, it is a clear statement from Rome – you cannot be a practicing Catholic and support abortion. I am fed up with our U.S. bishops and would like to see many of them impeached (if possible!) Bishop Robert Lynch is one of the first ones who should go!"

Betty Dobson, Brooksville

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