I support the views of Pamela Treadwell on the Pope’s visit to Scotland and England. He had already been branded as the Church’s Rottweiler, yet people who met him or watched him on television discovered that he was humble and gentle, reaching out to all who wanted to meet him. Yes, he was forthright and incisive when speaking on fundamental moral issues, but never once did he attempt to impose his teaching on people. His subject matter was wide–ranging.
His message to teenagers was that they would not find lasting happiness in drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography or money, which is encouraged by society, and that Jesus loved them more than they could ever imagine.
Pope Benedict said that care of the elderly should not be treated as a burden or as an act of generosity but as a payment of a debt of gratitude for their contribution to society.
The Pope invited the world’s religious leaders to demonstrate that true religion is not divisive and to help their followers to live holy lives.
The Pope spoke four times on the heinous crime of child abuse and of his profound sorrow for the suffering of the victims, some of whom he met during his visit. He spoke of the exclusion of religion from public life and the right of religious communities to speak publicly about their faith. David Cameron said “it was an incredibly moving four days for our country”. Yes, indeed, it was a great four days.
DERMOT CARROLL, Wilkins Road, Cowley
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