What is it they say?  Never discuss religion or politics.  I should try and

All these papal views are as old as the hills. The previous incumbent was popular enough despite holding the same views (I think he may have apologised for Pius the 12th. and his' nuzzling up to Hitler) , Pope Benedict is not easy to take, he has not shown enough commitment to eradicating the abuse or humility about past abuse. The problem with all of them (popular or not) is that they see themselves as God's representative on Earth and that sticks in the gullet when they can't sort out their own house, insist on denying contraceptives or any of the other ludicrous beliefs they cling to. I also speak as a non practicing Catholic who can't reconcile herself with either the credo or the hypocracy.

I keep coming back to that when I try to find an excuse and I can't get past it.

In terms of operation and control I suspect that they are the same thing

Totally.  I've never understood why they shouldn't be discussed.

I didn't say they shouldn't be discussed, just saying that there is a saying that says that

Causes too many arguments probably... I nearly brained my former boss when he said he totally agreed with the BNP leaflet, and most people would if they didn't see the name of the party

OMG there's hundreds of pope lookalikes on BBC2

Oh he's buggering off.

LL sorry, I should have made that clearer. I knew what you meant.

It does and yet, it's the two most important subjects (seemingly, see the crusades).

 I'm delighted that Glasgow has poured early evening sunshine on the people for whom the Pope's visit is important, and who turned out to attend the mass. I saw clips of them singing heartily in the sunshine and it was great to see. Edinburgh looked beautiful in this morning's news reports too. Go Scotland.

Yes, didn't you know? About £20.

And you can only get a ticket if you belong to a Catholic Church - for Bellahouston anyway.

Surely those are the archaic views of the Catholic church itself and always have been. The Pope is merely following orders. I daresay a few of the other religions would agree with them. If people don't agree with this philosophy of the dark ages then catholocism is not for them. If they want religion lite then they should try the C of E.

Meanwhile is it just me or did anyone else have their pomegranate and yoghourt pudding spoilt by the view of Ian Paisley and his brain dead supporters on the tellybox. Why do these people travel all that way to be offended?

I agree Triggs, both Edinburgh and Glasgow looked beautiful and the crowds were very welcoming

 the point I was trying to make further up, but not as eloquently.

As for Ian Paisley, I will harp back to a book I read about 15 years ago by a woman (whose name escapes me unfortunately), travelling Ireland on her push bike. She happened upon a church for Sunday mass which was held by him up there and she writes: I have seen the devil.

Ah, but the Pope is in charge and he can change things. He gives ze orders!

Most Cafflicks I know were hoping for a reformist Pope, this time.

A reformist Pope is an oxymoron.

I always assumed, rather naively it seems, that Bog was in charge.  Doesn't that put the Holy Father in the graven image category?

 But Bog has, apparently, handed over control to Benny!

Ok, I give up. Who or what is Bog?

What a lovely description ... and perhaps the best example of why his visit, despite the controversy and individual opinions on the man himself, is important to (probably quite a lot) of people

I suppose, on reflection, it is just like a pop star visiting - just fans really getting all excited.

That's it Issy. Some peeps like that star/band. Some peeps don't

Less violating of groupies though.  On the other hand...

If you can cope with a Take That concert at the 02 arena, you can cope with anything.,

Best not to go there..

Oo-er missis!

In the same way Rose West 'didn't know'?

its all a very tense time in our household... this pope business.    Its in the same taboo category as my Mother in Law.

Basically...   hubby can slate them both (His mother and the pope)..   but I am not allowed to join in...  cos if I do he then goes into Mother/Pope defence mode! 

I did get away with pointing out how much the pope looks like the Emperor in Star Wars though.. 

in fact... when I then went to google to find a pic of them both to show the similarities I discovered I am not the only one to think this....  others have spotted it too...  

I found this..  Even Mr Ditty (born, raised & still a deep rooted benedictine catholic) laughed..



I mean...  when they were all locked in the Vatican... voting the new pope in..   a geek priest would have really been handy..   pointing out this unfortunate resemblance!

   Yes, I know, that's naughty of me but hey..........

I think, unfortunately, we are all afflicted with the natural reflex.

I was surprised at the "aggresive secularism!" accusation. I have never thought of us aethieists having leadership or organisation. OK! People like Dawkins and co exist but they are merely businessmen who have seen an opportunity to make money by stating the obvious.
"Aggressive?" I don't think that any of us would abuse, wage war, or put bombs on trains, like some of these religious folk do.
 We don't need to call him names. We are more subtle than that. Three hearty cheers to the Queen for sending Prince Phillip to meet him.

Aye Prince Philip who asked the leader of the Scottish Tories Annabel Goldie, if she had knickers on made from the Pope's new tartan.

 That really made me laugh, conjured up a mental image of an atheist suicide bomber declaring 'I bomb you in the name of ...........oh wait'

My sister was there she said it was awesome

I do like Prince Philip he was impressed with the new tartan created in honour of His Holiness.

Pretty much, which is why we parted company once I had managed to shed the years of indoctrination!

Soops! I'm glad someone got that one
I thought it had fallen on stoney ground, as it were.