- Thu Sep 16, 2010 11:42 am
#418304
I'm watching on and off on the BBC and I must admit, I was moved at the live footage of him warmly greeting the representatives of various other faiths.
And now Cardinal O'Brien, who is also Archbishop of my Parish (St Andrews and Edinburgh) is riding in the popemobile with him to his house. I have lovely memories of being confirmed by the man and meeting him a few times during my childhood, when I was more devout. They've since been tainted slightly because of all the bad press he gets, as since he became Cardinal he's been more in the spotlight and has made some controversial (if you're not used to the Catholic Church's way of thinking) comments. It's all very mixed feelings for me today.
As for my feelings on the current pope... To be honest I'm not sure. I've never liked him as he doesn't appear very likeable, but when I hear all the arguments against him, apart from the ridiculous Nazi Youth thing (don't people know it was compulsory to join?) I honestly don't see the difference between him and previous popes as far as all the controversies go. I think it's more that the West has moved on and is now less tolerant of the Church's views. And as for the child abuse scandal, is it not the case that Benedict XVI has been the first to really, properly condemn it and admit that it's a problem? I could be wrong though.