The following story by Robert Royal appeard September 17 on the Catholic Thing.
The Vatican hired Greg Burke in June, an experienced journalist at Catholic and secular outlets, as a special consultant to help with press communications. Given the multiple stumbles and misfires in recent years, it seemed that – finally – Rome understood the need for a very different approach in the current global communications network.
So what happened this week after the violence in Libya? On Wednesday, well after the basic facts were known, Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the press office, issued the following: “Profound respect for the beliefs, texts, outstanding figures and symbols of the various religions is an essential precondition for the peaceful coexistence of peoples. The serious consequences of unjustified offence and provocations against the sensibilities of Muslim believers are once again evident in these days, as we see the reactions they arouse, sometimes with tragic results, which in their turn nourish tension and hatred, unleashing unacceptable violence.
“The message of dialogue and respect for all believers of different religions, which the Holy Father is preparing to carry with him on his forthcoming trip to Lebanon, indicate the path that everyone should follow in order to construct shared and peaceful coexistence among religions and peoples.”
That’s it. You can find it on the Vatican’s official website here. Nothing about the four Americans killed, and the violence gets only that mildest of modern moral condemnations “unacceptable.” (By whom?)
After widespread criticism, Fr. Lombardi issued this: “The very serious attack organised against the United States diplomatic mission in Libya, which led to the death of the ambassador and of other functionaries, calls for the firmest possible condemnation on the part of the Holy See. Nothing, in fact, can justify the activity of terrorist organisations and homicidal violence. Along with our sadness, mourning and prayers for the victims, we again express the hope that, despite this latest tragedy, the international community may discover the most favourable ways to continue its commitment in favour of peace…”
Unlike the Obama administration, the Vatican was actually able to say the words “terrorist organizations” and to suggest that the attack was planned – not the result of mere hurt feelings.
It’s understandable that, as a first reaction, a religious institution would be sensitive to insults to a faith as such, especially since the Vatican itself is often the target of such treatment. So we might cut the press office a little slack for that first response – but only a little.
This whole episode seems to confirm that the press office, and maybe people higher up, still have bad instincts. They’re missing the kind of fundamental realism that spokesmen have to display both to be taken seriously and to avoid PR disasters. It’s not all that difficult to denounce anti-religious prejudice and Muslim violence, if you have both eyes open.
There’s another element in both statements that calls for some additional scrutiny: the pious hope that dialogue is a path of peace available to all parties. Dialogue is a good thing – if both parties are sincerely committed to avoiding unnecessary conflicts and perhaps even negotiating.
They rarely are. President Obama went to Cairo shortly after his inauguration and gave a controversial address in which he repudiated America’s past actions in the Middle East and held out an olive branch to those who wanted to dialogue about a different future.
Three years later, he spends Tuesday mornings, according to reports, deciding which Muslim militants to eliminate via drone attacks.
To read entire story, click here.
This is what happens when Clergy (or Nuns) get involved in politics.
1) – they have no clue what really is going on;
2) – they make the Church look stupid when the facts start coming out.
All the Vatican had to say is – ‘ we are concerned about the loss of life and destruction of property, and we are praying for peace, and for those who were killed ‘. – END OF SUBJECT.
Please pray with me – – – – Heavenly Father, please let all Clergy follow your Son’s example and save Souls rather than getting your Church entwined in temporal, material, and political affairs.
Amen. You hit the nail on the head.
Now I realize how the Cristeros who were fighting for the Church, were betrayed by that same Church. The enemies of the Church sometimes even exists in other wise well meaning idiots who care nothing for the truth.
1. Truth: Mohammed did have sex with a nine year old little girl, in most of the world that is considered pedophilia.
2. He was a Camel Trader who claimed to have revelations and who took those revelations to actually claim that God gave him permission to violate his own Commandments, and who further took those alleged revelations to justify mass murders including some of his own family.
There are many other truths that this movie showed. Was it poorly done, perhaps, was it truthful, yes.
So are we now to assume that the Post VII Roman Catholic Church now does not believe what He taught us; “the truth shall set you free”!
His Mother has told us to keep true to Tradition. I’ll go with Her.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
I thought Mohammed did not consummate the marriage to the betrothed 9 year old until she was fifteen. How do we ascertain what is fact?
JLS, I’m sure if you ask NBC, CBS, ABC, NY and LA Times etc., they will assure you that it was age15.
What? He married her when she was 6 and consummated the marriage when she was 9. All the reliable hadiths confirm this!
JoFro, you were there and witnessed the truth? Hey, move over Methusaleh!
Muhammad, according to revered Islamic sources married Aisha at the age of six and consummated the marriage when she was nine. He was, however, allowed to use her for satisfaction BEFORE the age of nine if there was not any penetration.
poetcomic,
You may call it “allowed to use her for satisfaction BEFORE the age of nine” but under our Laws, it is called Statutory Rape and Pedophilia! Penetration really has little to do with what we call it!
Are you a Muslim. If not, why are you trying to defend the indefensible?
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
JLS,
Facts: He married her at Six and consumated at Nine. Even Moslem scholars admit that.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher, Founding Director
Concerned Roman Catholics of America, Inc.
Two serious questions from my point of view: one, what was the culture like at that time; two, what was the will of God? Yet, Muhammed conquered lands that were formerly Catholic: What level of corruption was prevalent in those cultures that God allowed them to be swallowed up by Islam?
Instead of the Catholic church influencing and changing the secular and sacreligiois pagan culture,The pagan world culture is influencing the church.
In the USA the pagan culture is influencing the Catholic bishops more than the bishops are influencing the Lady Ca Ca culture.
There are Muslim Americans who have to take the social hit even though they have nothing to do with the violence there. It would be similar to all good priests taking the social hit due the child sex fanatic clerics and bishops. Maybe the Vatican could find some good and faithful priests to run public relations, people who actually have the capacity known as empathy, and the intellectual capacity known as smarts, not to mention solid faith in Jesus Christ. Isn’t the Vatican supposed to excel at these spiritual qualities? They keep surprising me.
JLS,
You need to read the Koran if you can stand it, it is very boring, and makes no historical sense at all. It’s like taking thousands of paragraphs, putting them in a hat, and printing them as you draw them out!
Had you done so, you would know that persons who call themselves Muslims but believe in peaceful coexistence with non-Muslims, are not really Muslims because the Koran is full of call for them to kill anyone who does not profess Allah as God, and Muhammed as his prophet.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Kenneth, I took a course at UCLA on Islam in the 70s; I also took a course on social structures from a Muslim woman there. Oddly I “earned” a “D” from both professors; ask me how objective they were in their presentations and evaluations. By contrast, I took a medival history course there also, by a professor who boasted, “I know more about Catholicism than any damned Jesuit there is”, and a section teacher who was Jewish. This Jew explained the Church doctrine of the Holy Eucharist flawlessly as part of the course instruction, and with a respectful attitude. The degree of intellect and spirituality involved among these three groups is extremely profound. Do I desire to read the Koran? No. I understand it well enough. I engage Muslims fairly well most of the time, as is also the case with Jews. With Catholics, of course, it is more difficult : ))
Kenneth, I believe and think at this point that the key to comprehending what can be comprehended with Islam and Judaism can be found in Genesis where God gives two major promises, one to Isaac and one to Ismael.
JLS,
Your analogy is not appropriate. No where do the Catholic Church’s teachings justify priestly misconduct. However, the Koran justifies MUCH ammoral conduct, not only on the part of their so called prophet, but on the part of conquering armies. Yes there have been rapes committed by Catholics, but it was never justified by the Church and without confession could place the perpetrator in HELL. I shouldn’t have to tell you how long Hell lasts for those sinners who go there.
By the way, a Catholic Crusader who raped a Moslem woman or any other woman for that matter, was committing a serious MORTAL Sin.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Much of the Vatican press office is run by traitors, or false friends of the Catholic Church. A few years ago, the Vatican’s official newspaper wrote about how wonderful rock and roll is, and what a terrific television program THE SIMPSONS is. What kind of trash is this, and look at the scandal this is causing. Preach Christ crucified,and only the truth, and not the secular garbage that confuses and undermines the One True Faith.Until this is done, the diaboloical disorientation will continue to infest the Catholic Church.
Amen! Thank you Father for this insight and thank you for your service to Christ and His Church.
Father Karl, I totally agree with you and I do agree with Pete that clergy and nuns should not get intrinsically involved with politics. St. Francis gave us example on how to provide for the needs of the poor (charitable giving which we call social work in political term) without getting involved with politics of his time. He has done more than any government agency because his charity of helping the poor comes from God’s work. Any work of social justice; social work; or works for peace will only succeed if it is flowing from the heart of God and is founded on the teachings of Christ. All our effort on public relations will bring the wrong message if the truth is not there for God is truth. As Father says, we have traitors in the Vatican who instead of upholding the teachings of Christ is confusing the faithful with their effort to go down to the level of the devil and get their message across the prevailing culture of death.
Why shouldn’t the Church openly support candidates and incumbents who support the Church’s teachings. There is no “Separation of Church and State” in the Constitution.
Demoncrats get endorsed and speak at Protest-Ant churches all te time. It is time we shouted loud and clear, “what is good for the gander is good for the goose”!
The Jefferson letter to the Danbury Baptist was a personal correspondence and was not a statement of policy! Beside even that letter does not clearly state what the secularist claim it does.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
Kenneth, the correct saying is, “What is good for the goose is good for the gander”, because the “goose” is the female and the gander is the male. It is inconceivable that what is good for husbands is good for mothers … it is the other way round, as no doubt you know.
St Francis of Assisi is one of the greatest of saints, but the Church had been doing well for a thousand years by the time he arrived. His demonstration of charity is not the same as that of the Church today that is de facto employed by the secular government.
My, with all these arm-chair quarterbacks that know everything, except for the fact that they are clueless about the real world that the Vatican has to deal with is amazing. Sadly our Holy Father does not have the time to read every statement that comes out of Rome and as he full well knows that not only every word that is expressed, but, also every expression is being scrutinized by not only the media, but also buy other religious leaders and everyone is just waiting for a slip to prove that Rome is wrong, etc.. In plain words: you just can’t please everyone!! Get over it. +JMJ+
Strange and disturbing thought: The Vatican employees and clergy are the best available.
But you can speak the TRUTH and they aren’t. That is not something we should get over!
JMJ, are you lifting yourself above the cluelessness of those who have no idea how difficult it is to work in the Vatican? Even if you worked in the Vatican, it is still an absurd statement. Perhaps you are surprised at finding anyone working hard; let me explain to you that most people work hard. I can give you lessons if you request them. Step by step if you want to experience hard work.
What’s wrong with the Vatican press office?
What’s wrong is that the office and its superiors are rabid anti colonialists who hate America. In other words they are followers of a false god and that god’s name is Obama. See the movie 2016 for a fuller understanding.
Are you saying that American colonialism is a good thing, JimAroo?
There are always governments, dyxypoo. They all make their marks on history. Governments try to create order out of human foibles. They all succeed to some extent. Take your pick. If you prefer to live in a nation that does not benefit from colonialism, then buy your ticket and hop the train.
Brilliant comment, Pete. The Church shouls consentrate on its primary mission which is saving souls.
I don’t understand why anyone is surprised. This is yet more poisonous fruit of Vatican II, this time flowing from its ecumania.
Finally the truth is coming out that this attack was well planned in advance and had nothing to do with the movied that in the name of free speech (no matter how you feel about it) the man had every right to make.
Muslims: be angry about it…shoot your guns in the air if you must, but claiming that as an excuse to kill is clearly of the devil himself! Excuses is all this is about and there will never be an excuse too small or a hatred too big to keep these terrorists from killing Americans, but especially Chrisitians or Jews.
When the Vatican makes remarks concerning murder…it should always be within the context of the 5th commandment.
Fatwas have been put out on everyone involved with the movie.
You people are nuts.
The Vatican condemns hateful, anti-religious mockery, and you act like it’s heresy.
How would you like it if is some nut promote a blasphemous film about Jesus?
Or if the Tibetan religion was desecrated by the Chinese communists?
It’s quite simple: the Holy See is condemning anti-religious nonsense, as it should. No one wants to see their faith mocked.
Thomas,
The movie may not have been the best of productions, but the facts it portrayed are all true. Have you even read the Koran?
No matter where apologist for Islam come from, even the Vatican, they must be rejected. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE, Jesus Christ.
God bless, yours in Their Hearts,
Kenneth M. Fisher
“How would you like it if is some nut promote a blasphemous film about Jesus?” What do you mean, “IF”, Thomas? It happens all the time. And we don’t like it. But so far, we haven’t assassinated the makers of such films/TV shows/artwork/whatever. And if done by foreigners, we haven’t trashed embassies and brutally murdered diplomats in revenge, either. Bishops and popes don’t publicly put out contracts on such “artists”–nor upon those who insult the Catholic Church. Everybody knows this. They also know that they risk death by insulting Islam. Which is why a lot more people insult Jesus and the Catholic Church than Islam. And when was the last time you saw a news story lead with a sentence like this: “A mob of angry Catholics, shouting ‘death to heretics!’, smashed store windows, overturned cars, threw rocks, set fires and fought with police after Sunday Mass today, during which their pastor in his homily had called for worshipers to wage violent war in the name of Jesus against Protestants, Jews, Muslims and those of no religion…?” I can’t remember EVER seeing such a lead. But you change “Catholics” to “Muslims;” “Sunday Mass” to “Friday prayers”; and “pastor” to “Imam”, and yes–I’ve seen stories like that many times. Don’t you think it’s time to address the mindset of some people who insist upon defending the good name of their religion through bloodshed and intimidation? Isn’t it time to state clearly and definitively that God wants no such atrocities done in His name?
Catholicism, Thomas, does not view other religions as equals. Catholicism attempts to teach the truth to other religions. Catholicism believes that God delivered all revelation to Catholicism and not to any other religion. Catholicism is whole and complete, unlike all other religions. Catholicism is commissioned by Jesus Christ to teach the Gospel in all corners of the world, and to discipline the nations. All other religions dispute the core beliefs of Catholicism; therefore, all other religions are false. Catholicism believes that there is some truth in all men, and that men with some truth have formed other religions … but they are not sufficient to effect salvation of souls. Only the Catholic Church has the authority to do this, Thomas.
Realism needed? No – Faith needed!
Why should the Vatican support and defend a pagan religion? This is nonsense. Granted, the movie from what I saw of the 7 trailers was in poor taste; however like Ken said it is true, just poking fun of the Islamic pagans. Why is it in the modern church that it is so awful to offend man at the expense of offending God? Alah is not God! Only God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 3 distinct persons in one are God. Wise up and read the unholy Quran and you will see what wisemen mean. Alah has not the same character traits/(flaws in Alah’s case) nor thoughts as God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost who are all infinite, holy, omnipotent, loving, charitable, pure, and perfect! If anything, the Vatican should be defending and working to protect christians everywhere especially those that are persecuted in muslim countries. The early fathers saw the evil of islam and that is why the Crusades happened, to defend christians from invading, occupying, and brutal muslims. Funny how the muslims live a double standard, they expect us infidels to succomb to their evil and tyrannical 5th century barbaric ways under the threat and pain of death as they spread their errors and pagan religion in christian countries; but they won’t let christians spread their love, charity, and live peacefully in their own muslim countries. Just the other day I was reading a story about city officials in a Malaysian muslim town trying to impose/force the affluent higher quality Catholic schools to teach islam. HELLO?????? Fortunately the supreme court of Malaysia and the law of their land defends the Catholic School, but not necessarily with protective force so the Catholics are still tormented. You see contrary to what the modern Vatican proclaims, ecumenism is no good, it is intrinsically evil. It is like compromising with the devil. It is destructive to the one true and holy Roman Catholic faith and Church started by God Himself! It also waters down and distorts the Catholic faith by sympathizing with and accepting heretical protestant beliefs. If anything, the Roman Catholic Church should be striving to acquire more catholic missionairies to convert more lost souls to the Roman Catholic faith all for the greater honor and glory of God and to save their souls. Our Catholic faith is the only religion that can claim it was started by Jesus Christ Himself! All others were started by man/men.
For your information, Doug, “Allah” is simply Arabic for “God.” Arabic-speaking Christians also use that word.