Sergei Gotsmanov

The original question was why did the Pope not defend himself against all of the rumours that he was involved in the cover up. I pointed out that he probably feels that he has to answer to God not an aggressive smear campaign. The law is the law.

Was it common decency that hounded that poor BA worker out for wearing a crucifix? The forces of Political Correctness are the real humourless Bullies who are obseessed with judging people and interfering in their lives. I suspected that you may be a Guardian Reader Joe! Well the Dalai Lama has similar views to the Pope on a culture of life and traditional family values yet does not get the same treatment.

Joe that is a ludicrous answer. If I was a devout Catholic and believed that I served God first and foremost, as I assume that the Pope does, then I really would not feel that I had to answer to you or anyone else. The court is irrelevant and that is why around the world many Christians have gone to prison for their faith because they answer to God not Guardian readers.

My point is that the Guardian reading elite like Toynbee (when she is not in her Tuscan Villa) cherry pick what to be tolerant of and are virolently anti tolerant when they disagree. I am going to agree to disagree Joe.

No Andy I am not a nutter. I am trying explain to you why the Pope feels that he answers to God and no-one else. This is why he has not rushed out to defend his actions. It may surprise you that the Catholic teachings tell you to love your neighbour and not to tamper with his children!

No but I think you understand why they think how they do.

PC offers common decency to groups that fit. Look at how other Nations have greeted Papal visits to understand respect for other people's cultures.

Not all AIDS but most Aids and as AIDS multiplies and multiplies then AIDS would not be such an issue. The Catholic Church advocates one wife. Most abortions come from one night stands or inappropriate relationships. The Catholic Church advocates waiting until you have found the right partner.

Well I have not mastered that yet.

'everyone is going to have sex' - No Andy, as I explained earlier some people do not. 'If you want it with men then you should be allowed to' and has anybody said they should not (unless it contradicts their religion)? I might allow you to have another stab at my question; it seems you may have misread it! Go on Andy have another read and then try again this time reading the bit about 'before marriage'.

Please answer my question! No its up to them but it is still a lifestyle decision just as it is sleeping around. That is freedom of choice. Have you ever been asked to be a 'ask a friend' on who wants to be a millionaire Andy?

That is not a yes or no answer. Can you have another go. If they make a lifestyle decision then yes it is up to them. Lots of people do it its called celibacy.

We are agreed on that!

You still have not answered my question; have another go Andy; Would Aids be so widespread if we all followed the Catholic Churches guidance on sex before marriage and staying faithful during marriage? Would there be such a demand for abortions if people were a little bit more selective on their partners? Being actively gay is a lifestyle decision. Just like choosing not to have sex before marriage.

Joe you are very sensitive.

its amazing how anything that does not fit is 'inaccurate and heavily biased'!

It boils down to the fact that I believe that somebody representing a Billion people's Faith should vbe afforded the same status as the leader of another country. I am not a Catholic but I am delighted for my fellow Catholic citizens can have their moment and am happy to pay the 22p for him to come over. Looks like we will not agree. What I find distasteful is people on here who are not able to distinguish between being accused and being guilty and the tedious moralism spouted by some posters.

Sounds like a family fortunes survey to me! Have you ever been asked? The Pope is a figurehead for 1 billion people; he is the person that represents them on the world stage. Do you not think if there was a gay leader who represented their community around the world he would not be afforded a State visit here.

Sorry your point is?

Look Joe I have not read the bible since School; there are lots of different interpretations but the Catholic Church represents a mainstream one. The argument of the thread was that we should not pay for the Pope to come to this country. I contested this argument based on the fact that he is the spiritual leader of 6m Brits and a billion people and in a multi faith society we should show him some respect. Being a Catholic is a lifestyle choice just like being Gay or ****ging around is; in my opinion the smear campaign and uproar directed at the visit is out of proportion and would not have been deemed acceptable if it had been aimed at Gay Pride or a Rabbi leader had visited. I think people should respect other people's lifestyle choices and it works both ways. As a Nation we should welcome spiritual leaders of the big faiths.

but the Scriptures have been the same for thousands of years! They have not been re written. You are right that we will end up all getting some new virus. In today's global village it will spread in months. There will probably be just a few Erskimos and Rain Forest Indians left.

How many Catholic Priests are there then? You are just joining the smear campaign. Try and think out of the box mate.