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If you are looking for a funny column this time, look elsewhere. I feel it is
appropriate for me to write this column since I was born and raised Catholic.
I hear criticisms left and right these days about the selection of Pope
Benedict XVI. I would like to offer my two cents on the subject.
First off, it was really nice to see how the world responded to the death of
Pope John Paul II (JP2 for short). In his later years of declining health, it was
sad to see him deteriorating and becoming the subject of a lot of jokes. But I
understand how the world works, and I held it in. When he finally passed,
every news station was reporting it and jumped to show all of the great
things he had done for the world. Not the Catholic world, but the world in
general. This man, born Karol Joseph Wojtyla, was just a good human
JP2 made trips to just about every country. No matter where he went,
enormous crowds welcomed him and cheered his presence. In 1989, he met
with Mikhail Gorbachev at the Vatican. Previously, there had never been a
meeting between the Pope and a Russian chief. JP2 didn’t let any
threatening situation ever deter him. He visited friendly and hostile countries
alike to share his faith with the world. The Pope-mobile is something that
just about everyone is familiar with, and it was even satirized in South Park
when Kathy Lee Gifford came to town.
JP2 will always be remembered for his strong faith, his forgiveness, and his
desire to spread the Catholic faith to the entire world. He also tried to keep
the basis of the faith as traditional as possible while trying to welcome
younger Catholics into the church. The Pope is always in the spotlight of the
church and with one like JP2, Catholics were comfortable with how he
represented us as a whole. Catholic or not, I think the world can agree that
John Paul II was a great pope, but more importantly, a great man.
This brings us to our new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. He is the second
pope not from Italy, as he is German born. As soon as he was named Pope,
the news and the world lit into the church’s decision. It came out that he has
He has been known to take a very traditional stance on the Catholic faith.
So let’s face it, gays and lesbians aren’t going to like this guy as the Pope.
I’ve also heard some Jewish people complaining about it. Well, he’s not the
leader of your church, so lay off. If the chief rabbi starts cutting in on your
beliefs, then you have a problem. I’ve heard groaning that this guy already
has one foot in the grave. Let’s face it, this guy is sort of an interim Pope
anyway. There aren’t many who can live up to the standard that JP2 set for
us, so let’s take a guy who has a close enough belief and let him run his
course, and hopefully we will have a clear cut pick for the next Pope when
the time comes. But in the meantime, we need to give Benedict XVI a
chance because he has an opportunity to make a name for himself and do
great things for the Catholic Church in the time he’s been given. We cannot
expect him to be JP2, but hopefully, just being Benedict XVI will be enough
for the world to accept and be happy.
These are my opinions, and if you disagree, that is fine. I’d love to hear
your feedback on any of my columns at any time, good or bad.
Josh 'T-Bone' Pigott
Contact Me
BTW, I lied about keeping it totally serious. Check these out:
