Yes, I am referring to the current Pontiff and yes, I know he is only infallible in matters of doctrine when in 'full communion' with the church. That is not my point. My point for discussion is much more prosaic and easy to address. Should the Pope be immune from questioning and potential prosecution? He is, of course, because he is a head of state. In fact he is probably more immune from prosecution than anyone on earth. Even former heads of state have been severely inconvenienced by people pursuing them for their deeds. It is surprising, perhaps, to learn that 67 former heads of state have been prosecuted since 1990.
Popes however only become former when they are beyond the reach of prosecuters.
Ratzinger/Benedict has certainly got some serious questions to face if he ever did stand in the dock. There is little doubt that he was heavily involved in covering up cases of priests abusing children back in 1990s. George Robinson (UN Judge) has joined calls by other notables such as Richard Dawkins and Chris Hitchens for the Pope to be prosecuted for charges relating to child molestation and conspiracy.
Several questions arise:
a) How can a church headed by a suspected criminal claim any moral authority?
b) Can the Pope be prosecuted under provisions of the UN court - originally brought in to deal with Milosvitch? The principle of 'universal juristiction' is being openly suggested. Is this practical?
c) Is it not time that the whole 'Vatican' show was brought to an end? The ridiculous charade of a square in the middle of Italy's capital, measuring just over 100 acres, being legally recognised as a state unto itself, is surely becomming not just anachronistic but actually risible. If heads of state are prepared to play these silly games of makebelieve then how do they expect their citizens to take them seriously?
I throw this out because, as an ex-catholic, I feel some involvement still with the church, In fact I have a forced involvement since I tried to have my parish register records destroyed several years ago in accordance with what I understood to be the Data Protection Act provisions of section 9. This was flatly refuses - once baptised a catholic then a catholic you remain. I feel some shame but much more anger that the institution I was brought up in is now led by this particular Pope and that he looks like not only has he no morals he actually believes that he has done nothing wrong - something which requires so much self-delusion, if indeed the strong evidence against him holds up, is surely bordering on the psychotic spectrum?
Discuss....
Edited by Bikerman, : No reason given.
Edited by Adminnemooseus, : Put in more blank lines.
Edited by Adminnemooseus, : Added the "(re: The Pope)" to the topic title.
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