Bravo to the outstanding coverage by Fox news and your commentators of the Papal visit. Thank you for recognizing the historical significance of Pope Bendict’s visit and understanding how thirsty we are in America for his pastoral leadership and guidance.
Fox did a perfectly superb job!
Thank the Lord for Fox news!!!
Stephanie Haynes
Alpine, Texas

Well state as always, Fr. Jonathan. The issues are complex, sometimes confusing. The President deeply respects the Pope’s profound gift of moral clarity and integrity.

The coverage of the Pope’s visit by Fox was respectful and wonderful. Thank you Fox. Your covereage gave us an opportunity to get to know this man of God. The Holy Spirit must have told Benedict to “be yourself”. He could never be another John Paul II. He certainly earned the love and affection of many an American with his warmth, honesty, hope and understanding.

“I think he puts a face to Catholicism of radiant joy and intellectual curiosity that has not been seen previously.” - Debbie

I agree. As a non-Catholic, Father Jonathan’s youth and energy just radiate. He puts a fresh face on Catholicism.

Father Jonathan, thank you and Monsignor for teaming up with FOX NEWS. I watched most of it and it was wonderful to see the Pope visting American and I was very impressed with the people surrounding him. I am non-catholic so I understand very little about the religion, but it seems like the Pope has a very good team working with him. Everything seemed to go so smoothly. And you and Monsignor did a very good job, thank you again and I look forward to seeing you on FOX again and will buying your book!

I believe this was the best visit in Washington and with President Bush and Pope Benedict.
the coverage on Fox news was awsome I sat glued to the TV since Pope Benedict arrived until his departure from JFK airport. America is so much better for this beautiful heartfelt and religious visit of Pope Benedict and America did them selves proud how they welcomed our dear Pope Benedict the 16th.

thank you Fox News for such wonderful coverage.

Sincerely.
Margaret Kleven

Will you please comment on the pope’s message that the essence of his visit is Jesus Christ HOPE

Thank You Fox News for the great coverage your network
did on the Pope’s visit. It was a wonderful time.
Fr. Jonathan, Sheperd Smith and Bill Hemmer did an excellent
job.
Father Jonathan, I think Sepherd Smith and Bill Hemmer would
make wonderful priests if they are not married.
Thank You again, and God Bless you and
Fox News.
Julie H

Fellow readers,

It has been wonderful to see this coverage and interest in the Pope’s visit, especially by non-Catholics. It has, however, also brought to light the sad division that still exists among the Christian community. What is there that the Benedict has said that all Christians cannot unite behind?

What bothers me most about some comments in these forums is the clear bigotry that still exists against Catholics today. I think just about anyone can read the anti-Catholic posts here and find in most of them a very obvious and direct hatred and bigotry on par with the worst sorts of racism. The words are written with such venom that you know there is little point in trying to discuss with them, because that sort of blind prejudice ignores all truth and demonstrates an utter unwillingness to consider the other side, to consider facts, to study history and scripture and peoples’ own words with an honest pursuit of truth and love at heart.

I hope and pray that we can overcome hatred and bigotry among Christians and spend our energy instead in reaching out to each other in love and pursuing truth together.

God bless,
Stuart

I have also appreciated and enjoyed reading many of the posts that have appeared on this blog!
I am cross-posting this link on a couple of posts, so people will have the chance to see it. God Tube.com has a special page that contains Father Jonathan’s interviews; at the beginning of the page, you can see many of his excellent contributions as part of this historic Papal trip, and an archive on the other pages:

http://www.godtube.com/fatherjonathan

This site is also continously being updated with his interviews, as he gives them on Fox News.
Thank you, Father Jonathan, for being such a strong spiritual leader for both Catholics and non-Catholics alike. May God bless you always!

Fox News’ coverage of the Pope’s visit was nothing short of spectacular. Every single reporter and anchor treated our wonderful Pontiff with the respect and reverence he so richly deserves. Our “Benedetto” is such a humble, holy and deeply erudite man, I am so grateful for his guidance and leadership in this dark world. May God continue to bless and protect him, may Our Lady keep him close to her Immaculate Heart.

How refreshing it is to read such positive good messages. Thank you to all
for your kind words. It truly has been a wonderful time of renewal.

Father Jonathan, thanks to you and Fox News for the excellent coverage during Pope Benedict’s visit to America. You and the Pope now give me hope for the future of our country and our young people.

My most sincere thanks to Fox News for their fine coverage of the Holy Father’s visit. It was great to be able to switch back and forth to E.W.T.N. as they too gave us a great coverage.
It was so freshing to have you give your views with the good Father. Never in my years has any network given so generously.
Thank you again!
Rose Hillig

I think President Bush is a man of deep faith and lives by his convictions. Whether the war in Iraq was a mistake will be judged by others smarter than myself. However, I know he did not enter it lightly and did in his heart what he thought was right to get these people out from under a terrible regime. I fault the Administration with not knowing the people of Iraq better. We seemed to have expected a “European moment” after the fall of the regime. We did not take into account the bitter strife among the Iraqi people.

I have watched much of the coverage of the Papal visit and now embrace Pope Benedict XVI much more than before. He is a humble man and a truthful man and says what needs to be said - but in a way that makes it palatable. I was so pleased to hear him address the sexual abuse issue even before landing because that is all I have heard about for the past years from non-Catholica and even some Catholics. It put the Church on the defensive and forced us to loose ground in the fight to save souls. The Cardinals and Bishops who perpetuated and covered up this abuse need to be more severly punished. Some should not have been sent off to Rome in jobs but should have been publicly disciplined by the Church and made to stay and bear the consequences of their actions. This Pope is a blessing for the Church at this time. We need his truth and his love - which was surely evident durng his visit to the USA.

Thank you, Father, for being a part of FOX and bringing insight to us.

Tess Bigg,
Tomball, Texas
St Anne’s Catholic Community

Dear Fox News,

I just want to say Thank You so very much for the wonderful coverage of the Pope’s Visit to America. Even though I’m not of the Catholic Faith I was spiritually blessed and encouraged by watching and hearing the proceedings. Wow! It was beautiful! Did you see the happiness on the faces of the hundreds and thousands attending these services? People in this country are obviously hungry for God. Truly, I was moved to tears. Thank you, Thank You! Gloria Remboldt

Cudos to Fox News for the magnificent coverage of Pope Benedict’s visit to Washington and New York. With a few exceptions, your commentators were respectful and insightful. It was helpful having the two priests commenting as well - adding a whole different dimension. I watched a fair amount of the coverage and felt like Fox News was helpful in allowing me to get to know the Pope on an almost first-hand basis. Great coverage. Thanks for the sensitivity.

Judith Leach

My least favorite were Shepherd Smith and Geraldo Rivera -they are just a bit too glib at times.

Dear Bruce,

From you King James Version you may read in Matthew 16,18-19 (Jesus’words) ” And I say also unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church;and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto Thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven : and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” which explains why the catholic church sees Peter’s heir as Jesus’ vicar on earth. Regarding the Apostles they were all human beings (and sinners):Matthew a tax collector, Peter who under oath renegaded 3 times Jesus ,the “thunder’s son” bragging about sending heaven’s fire on a city which didn’t welcome them, the disciples discussing who will be the greatest in heaven….. and of course Paul who was leading the persecussion against the first christians (See Acts). They weren’t superhumans but rather our brothers in humanity and they are the proof that sainthood with God’s help is a reasonable life’s goal.

Jean-Robert/ an useless servant

I am speechless with regards to the comments made here on this blog by our protestant friends. Well…maybe not. As always they seem to have forgotten that it was and is the Catholic Church that has been the “keeper” of the Christian faith for over 2000 years. Yes, we are even the same church that gave you the Bible and yes it does state the Peter, our 1st leader, was the one appointed by Christ to take His Church to rest of the world. Sorry if that is over your head but how dense can you be?! Maybe you are the ones who need to rethink your position.

Praying for your enlightenment
PM

Dear Father Jonathan:

Thank you for your wonderful coverage of the Pope’s visit. You did a great job.

In our day and age of celebrity culture, it was especially moving to see the Pope “treated as a rock star”.

Regards,
Laurie
Cleveland, OH

Thank you for covering the Papal visit. It was a eaffirmation for all Christians.

I truly felt inspired with the Pope’s visit. I did not expect him to be so warm, and when he said “God Bless America”, I felt he giving us his blessing as well as recognizing that we are blessed. The problem is more and more people are taking this blessing for granted, feeling they are owed this blessing, instead of realizing what we have is sacred and keeping it so.

To Sharon Ann Weidelman:

Your new bishop is one of the best priest I know. I have known him for many years and it was a very bittersweet moment when we received word of his promotion. You are very lucky to have him as your bishop.

As I read thru the comments it’s like a roller coaster ride. There are some ups and downs and some severe ones that just make you nauseous. I am a new convert to the Faithful, the holy Catholic Church. As such I am still sensitive to a lot of the protestant issues and still learning some of the Catholic dogma. RCIA is just not enough to teach everything, but God knows they try to shove a lifetime (2000 years of teaching) into just 8 short months!! One thing I know, and believe, is that the church was built on Peter (the Rock!) but Paul was a wonderful, wonderful disciple. I look to his books to find my way when I don’t understand something. But it’s Christ himself that assigned the Church to Peter. Paul did indeed make suggestions to Peter on some issues, just as WE are allowed to make suggestions to the Pope. I for one do not think I have the answers to questions that the Pope doesn’t already know from his VAST studying of the scripture. Especially Pope Benedict, who dedicated his life to the scripture. One other thing that I have noticed from the protestants posting is that they can’t understand our dedication to the Pope. Well, you also have a Pope, he’s your pastor, small group leader, resident guru, etc. Our Pope is the person (read: human) we look to when we don’t understand something. If we have questions he has answers. We do NOT worship him, he is just a man. BUT he is a GREAT MAN! We look to him for guidance, just as we look to our Bishops and our Saints. We don’t worship him, or the Saints, or Mary. We pray with reverence for their intercession. To put it in protestant terms, we ask them to pray for us just like we ask our mothers, sisters and friends to pray for us. I spend considerable time praying for others, why wouldn’t I ask the Saints and our Mother Mary to pray for me? Who are you, with your infinite wisdom, that you can’t see the good in someone other than you and be able to say, “Hey, he knows more than me. I should ask for help.” People who can’t do that also don’t recognize Christ in the orphan, the widow and the poor.

Glory to God in the highest, and PEACE to all people on Earth.

with reference to Kevin Donahue’s comment to Martin, it is obvious that Kevin has no or little understanding of the scriptures (God’s word)!! First of all, no where in the NT Scriptures do we find that the Lord Jesus gave authority of HIS Church over to the apostle Peter. Also, no where can it be found in the NT writings that neither Peter nor anyone else was ever given the title,”Holy Father, in fact, the only place in the entire Bible that the phrase,Holy Father occurs is in John 17, where Jesus refers to God as “Holy Father”,while He was praying for His disciples. To equate man with being “The Holy Father” when even the Lord Jesus imputed the title to no other but God, to give this title to a man who is by nature sinful , is share blasphemy. Secondly, Paul the apostle if anyone had more authority than any of the others, having started most of the Churches from the beginning and made vistation to all the Churches , more than any of the other apostles. Also Paul is responsible for half of the NT testament writings being lead by the Holy Spirit, and it was Paul who had to rebuke the apostle Peter, NT Book of Galatians 2:11 - 16 were we see that Peter had to be corrected and put in his place.
So Martin, if you have read this, I will encourage you to pick up a Bible (KJV authorized version) and read and study God’s word for yourself, to see if these things I have written be true.
_____________________________________________

Bruce / servant to King Jesus

I’d like to commend FOX News, with commentary by Father Jonathan, for their coverage of the Papal visit. It was a breath of fresh air.

thank you and the fox news for the excellenct coverage of the popes visit. Next to EWTN you had the best. By the way the delia lama is called his holiness too.

Dear Father
I enjoyed evey bit of thePope’s visit and thought it was very uplifting. The coverage by Fox news was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed today with you, Monsignor and of all people Sheppard Smith. I thought Sheppard’s insight (being Protestant) was wonderful
Now reswt up you deserve it

Thank ypu
JoAnn Sarro

Dear Father
I watched everything I could on Fox about the Pope. It was so very uplifting and I hope to carry His Holiness’s message in my heart always.
You and the Monsignor and Sheppard did a wonderful job

thank you
JoAnn Sqrro

Fr. Jonathon,
I too would like to give my heartfelt thankyou’s to you and Fox news for the splendid coverage of the Pope’s visit. I have been watching since he landed earlier this week. When he gave his final blessing at Yankee stadium….I ran and gathered my rosary, and chaplet prayer book, and other momentos to be blessed via TV. Millions of us could not be there, but we all felt like we were, because of the live coverage. Along with millions…I too now “know” our new Pope….I will follow his teachings now, more than I ever have before. His visit has truly invigorated my faith, in my heart, mind, and spirit. I looked at him as not being an “idol” that should be worshipped…… but of being a DIRECT respresentative of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, hand picked by HIM thru HIS own servants here on earth.
God’s Blessing to you, and all you do, and all of Fox News for their complete coverage, and all the anchors who helped bring this to ALL of US all across this blessed country of the USA .

Just an observation here, and I mean no disrespect because Fox News has been the one to go to when wanting to find out what was going on with the Holy Father. But what I observed was, when The Pope was about to present the bread and wine at the offeretory of the mass, Shepherd Smith was bringing up the abuse scandal. That was not the time. The Holy Father had adressed it on more than one occasion. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is not the right setting for this. And during the intercessions of the faithful, there was really no specific comments about the intercessions, but alot of chatter. Father Morris, being a priest you should know better. You could have saved the comments until the end. The blogs are going to be filled with comments and endless analysis for days. I can see now where here in America and other places that the Mass isnt treated as reverently and sacred as it once was.

As a born-again Anglican who grew up in a 99% Catholic neighborhood, I never understood the animosity some denominations have for Catholics and the Catholic church. The Pope seems like a wonderful leader and a great role model as a Christian. Compare the Archbishop of Canterbury, the leader of my Anglican and Episcopal churches, recently calling for us to “embrace Shiria law” and maybe some will see that there is not nearly the depth of character and respect in other denominations that is recognized and held for the Pope and rightfully so. Ditto Katherine Jefferts-Schiori, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the U.S., who appears wholly divorced from following Jesus or biblical teaching. It’s an embarassment.

My 23-year old son Christopher has Autism and just LOVES Father Jonathan! I think he puts a face to Catholicism of radiant joy and intellectual curiosity that has not been seen previously. (”There’s Father Jonathan, that Catholically-Christian guy on Fox News again!”) My own experience with Catholics has been good but I do see that they appear better at embracing corporate faith and worship, rather than the commitment as individuals that the Protestants emphasize. This can be good and bad. Wonderful comments and a great blog! go Fr. Jonathan

Please let John Moody know how much we appreciate the coverage FOX News has given to the Holy Father’s visit. I am not Catholic, but the inspiration was awesome…thank you. I would never have been able to be in the presence of a truly holy man without FOX News….I am smiling with joy !!!

I am Christian, but i have no grievances against Catholics. However, when the media continues to refer to the Pope as the Holy Father, i have a problem. Catholics may refer to him as their Holy Father, but it think the media has gone a little too far by doing it themselves. You guys really have to be careful. I do not believe that the entire media is Catholic, therefore, i do not believe they should be referring to the Pope as the Holy Father.

Fr Jonnathan

Sorry for my not giving my location from my previous message. I am:

John A Gaidelis Jr
Greensboro, NC

Fr. Jonnathan
I have a question that has come up in my family. My wife considers Catholics as a cult. I do not believe this but have great difficulty in refuting her claim. I see on many web sites that Catholics are described as cultists. They claim that the Church defining interpretations of scripture as being the only interpretation that should be considered as the definition of a cult. I contend that any protestant ministers’ interpretation is the same (and there are as many interpretations as there are ministers). Where is the difference that I can use as discussion. I am a Roman Catholic, although not a ‘good’ one and cannot accept Catholics as being a cult. We are the Church of Christ. I have watched the Pope’s activities this weekend and want to be more active in Christ’s work on earth.

Please help

John G

TO Fox News,

Just wanted to offer my thanks for all your fantastic coverage of the Pope’s visit to the United States.
It is absolutely the best –as always—with all the wonderful commentators. It means so much to
all Catholics. I have watched since Thursday all the events and today at Ground Zero and upcoming
Yankee Stadium and thank you to all your staff for its excellence in reporting this monumental
occasion.

Fr. Jonathan -

First I want to thak you and Fox News for your wonderful coverage of the Pope’s trip. It has been a joy to watch.

Yesterday you were asked if Benedict gets as warm a welcome in Europe and I’m afraid you either ducked or misunderstood the question. You said the crowds at the Vatican have been large and enthusiatic but that those are peoples from around the world.

I know the Pope doesn’t travel much but has he been wrmly received in Europe? The book, Apocalypse - Letter by Letter, by Steven Paul postulates that some day the Church will need to flee Rome as its enemies close in on her and the members of the episcopate will flee to the USA. Seems possible given current events.

I just missed getting the name of the priest and his book this morning on fox & friends about Life after Death and why it matters. I woud like to purchase his book. Thanks, Wanda

To S. Heim,

So, you are interested in hearing what God (the only HOLY FATHER) has to say, well, He wrote a book, it is called, THE BIBLE, and in it you will find what He has to say, read it and STUDY IT.
______________________________________________________

Bruce / servant to King Jesus

To David C….

What did Fr. Jonathan say about Bill Maher………..I cannot find it?

Father Johnathan: This is my first time on your blog. I’m amazed at the number of positive responses concerning President Bush and the Iraq war. I too, feel that history will record him as one of our greatest presidents because he had the wisdom to understand global terrorism while the rest of the world did not. I also am amazed at the wonderful reception of the Pope by American citizens. Perhaps the left-wing secular media isn’t as powerful as I thought. I agree that this Pope is the Pope needed for our time, just as President Bush was destined to be our leader during this frightening time of terroism.

To Alfonso Demetrius, I am glad that you at least believe in the Bible. It is a good idea that you study Church’s history, the Bible is the word of God given to us through the Catholic Church.

God bless,

Javier Ortiz

I am an ex-catholic and there are two primary reasons I am an ex-catholic - one begets the other.

I am deeply saddened and ashamed, as a catholic (at the time), of the rape and sexual abuse of children of america by catholic priests. It is appalling and I believe a sin and crime against humanity second only to murder.

What is equally appalling is how the church has decided to “handle it” internally.

These cases should be referred to the police for full investigation as soon as they are reported. The catholic church has no business stepping in the way of justice and the law in the countries in which it establishes it’s ministries. They are not capable of crime investigation, they have no right to investigate crime, and they have no right to shelter those who commit such atrocious crimes against american children.

Let the Pope announce to the american people that all cases of possible crime against our children will be reported to authorities for proper investigation and processsing and I will have renewed faith.

It is saddening to have the leaders of the church Paul and Peter built turn their back on our children, shelter criminals of the grandest and ugliest kind, and to offer, other than true responsibility under the law, monies to appease.

Let the pope state that all incidences of possible child abuse within the church will be turned over to authorities immediately and that those involved not be sheltered and instead subject to the laws and punishments under which we all must be subject to to protect ourselves, our society and our children.

Allow a priest to have a family, be a family man, be able to advise a family from a sense of knowledge and experience and I will be back in that parish on Sunday!!!!

I’m a convert to Catholicism so I cannot speak for cradle Catholics, but I thought the Welcoming Ceremony on the White House lawn was magnificent, and thanks to Pope Benedict XVI & President Bush it was made into a religious experience. I got cold chills watching the mutual respect these two men shared for each other.

Another memorable moment was the U.S. Army Chorus singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic. If ever there is a song that this divided nation needs right now it is this wonderful masterpiece.

Pope Benedict has truly shown both his pastor’s heart and his genius for “hitting the nail on the head” as regards what the church(es), and country, is needing to hear. Our prayers are with him as he continues to minister!

I wish you could tell the newscasters to hush. They talk over the youth presenting the Pope with gifts. Also can’t enjoy the singing do to the constant talking. They should show some respect to the young people participating in this great event.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, LET US HEAR WHT THE HOLY FATHER AND FAITHFUL HAVE TO SAY. COMMENTARY WALK OVER IS DISTRACTING.

With reference to Johnathan Morris’s denial stating that catholics do not worship the pope, he is wrong, there is idolatry worship in the catholic church (not the church of Christ). When we see people bowing down before another, whether in person or a picture of that person (which I have witnessed) that is idol worship, Exodus 20:3-5 also 23:24. I have seen men when before the pope on bended knee kissing the ring (a graven image) on the pope’s hand. I have seen many catholics on there knees in front of a Statue (representing Mary, a graven image) with heads bowed and before other statues of others “saints” and also at times a portrait (a graven image) of one of the popes. In just about all the homes of practicing catholics you will find statues, pictures and portraits of which they bow down to, all of it is idolatry worship and Johnathan Morris knows this too well which means he is not being truthful when state that catholics do not worship the pope and or others.
________________________________________________________

Bruce / servant to King Jesus

i’m watching the pope ride in his popemobile, it shows he really believes in a higher power! what does it show the younger croud? I don’t know about you ,but i watch history channel ,where religion has done nothing but kill in the name of the lord ,catholics ,christians,muslims,jewish,buddasts,any other religion,that have persecuted another human being in the name of there GOD.Our president doesn’t have a clue what he has done to our country, by the way where did the plane go that hit the pentagon????

Dear Father,President Bush’s speak rang hollow for non americans. What is more moral relativism than torture to obtain informations, lies to justify a war, death penalty while pleading for saving babies’life, restricting civil liberties in favor of security….Your president launched a war which killed more than 500 000 Iraqis ,destroyed the country’s infrastructure, maimed an unknown number of poor innocent guys, made more than 2.5 millions displaced persons within Iraq but created more than 2 millions Iraqi refugees in neigbouring countries. Let’s pray God for all the victims and their families (american ones too) that they may forgive and teach their children forgiveness too. Let’s pray too for your president and your administration that the Holy Spirit bring them prudence and wisdom. Your country is violent and you have far more citizen in jail than any other developped country, let’s pray for your prisonners and their victims. Your political system is ill and is a mix of proud nationalism, corporatism and militarism. The world in WWII have seen the consequences of such political system in Europe. Let’s pray that God and teach your country humility doesn’t bring the same wrath on the US. GOD BLESS AMERICA
Amen

Fr. Jim,
I am an American (US) Catholic and find it very hard to find a church that makes me feel like a Catholic anymore in America (US). The United States Catholic Church has forgot why we attend mass. The only time I feel like I am in a Catholic churech is when I visit another country. I have visited over 60 countries and know exactly how to participate in mass regardless of the language spoken in the mass. In the US I don’t know what to do half the time because each parish priest is modifying the mass to his own liking often time leaving out very important parts. There is no respect for the eurcherest in many Catholic parishes in the US. US Catholics treat the church like a big social hall, talking, telling jokes, etc… In one church in NC the Eucharest is kept in a Tabernacle on the side of the chursh 2 feet away from the congregation. People walk by without even a minor recongnition of the body of Crist being present. They genuflect to a empty alter and bow to the parish priest but totally ignore the body of our lord. I say Catholics need to learn more about why we have the rituals, not do away with them. The disrespect for the body of Christ is unforgivable, especially by our own priest. What has happened to the universal church?

I read all these comments and it seems that people believe that the Roman Catholic Church is The Church and the Pope is the leader of The Church. Nothing can be further from the Truth.
First the Roman Catholic Church is not The Church and the Pope is not the leader of The Church. This is according to the Bible and the words of the Leader of The Church who is the final Word in The Church. No where does it give this final Word to one single man except the Man Jesus Christ.
The truth of the Roman Catholic church is for anyone to see in it’s Roman Catholic church’s doctrine. It is a doctrine that is for the most part totally alien of the Bible. No where in the Bible does it give credience for the doctrines that the Roman Catholic church teaches. Deception and lies lie at the bottom of the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. Many elite and poor are fooled into it’s counterfeit theology.
You won’t print this because it is the truth. The truth of the Roman Catholic church is like the truth about the Nazis. The Nazis hated the truth because it subjugated them to the truth and the Roman Catholic church hates the truth because it subjugates it to the Truth.
History has shown where Roman Catholicism has emerged from and where it wants to go. The terrorist of today wants everyone to bow down to their Allah and the Roman Catholic wants everyone to bow down to their Pope.
I challenge anyone to a debate in this I have written. All answers will be Biblically based.

danny
“The truth will set you free”

Where do you get the idea that being nice to terrorist is going to make the problem go away…there is no way that someone devoted to terrorism is simply going to fade away. In your dreams. Have we not learned anything from nuts like Hitler, Stalin; etc. They hate and thus they are determined to destroy. On the other hand, I can also see where our culture provokes the fear of the terrorists…the media portrays us as people without any sense of morality. No wonder they can recruit terrorist to fight the infidels.

To Lapsed Catholic,

I felt like you once upon a time….then I found a very small Catholic Church that has changed that. I admit, I too had to change and open myself up to truly “hearing” what was being said. I know there are very bad, boring, misplaced priests, but don’t let that come between you and God. I did that and regret the years I lost. Go to mass, listen with your heart….if it still doesn’t come to you, try another church. Trust me…I believe God led me to my new parish!!!!!!!

Diane

Abraham Lincoln also did what he thought was right without a lot of popular support.

Are we going to see a re-play of Pope’s celebration at the White House?

Speaking from a converted point of view. I grew up Protestant, it took me awhile but I found the
faith. To all of you that are “cradle” Catholics, dig for substance. Just remember, what ever you put
in you get out many times more. Search and look, you will find. I’ve been converted for 121/2 years now, and I get more and more with every year that I follow my faith. Try RCIA, Rite of Christian Adults,
the program is fabulous. The more you give of yourself the more you will get.

Dear Father,
I completely understand of what the bad priests have done to our innocent children are unforgivable. However, people dwell on it..what about to those priests and nuns who works with the poorest of the poor. I have relatives are priests they work with people has leprosy and knowing that they might get it too. I have an aunt who is a nun and she works in an island people are soo poor during dry seasons no water, no food and no medical attention only these group of priests and nuns helps them out in time of hardships. No one give a blink of an eye to these priests/nuns.
So people let say Hurray!! to thousands of priests/ nuns who are deeply committed to our less fortunate brothrs and sisters in Christ.

Father,
Do you like the Pope because he is a good leader or because he mirros the beliefs you already have?

Thanks.

Typical. As with my earlier comment, The churches view? Ignore it and it will go away

I believe the Pope rejects ALL killing in the name of religion even within the context of history over a thousand years ago. Much like the good doctor who would be aghast at the practice of medicine during the crusades or even a few hundred years ago.

I thought that Father Jonathan’s comments about Bill Maher were right on. However, what Mr. Maher did goes way beyond what Imus said a while back. An apology? No way. HBO shoiuld dismiss him at once.

How much value is a life? I would say invaluable… here in america it’s funny that the same anti war people are for abortion. They claim our soldiers lifes are above other lives including babies.

Another important point always overlooked is the fact that sadam has been perfoming genocide for years, the lives we spare to help Iraq and the people there are not wasted. Alas, with anything in life though we have great intentions but the results always are less then we hope for.

GOd Bless
Stacy

Father, thank you for your words on our President and our Pope. I have been trying to get my children to understand how I feel President Bush looks at the work he is doing in this world. You have phased my thoughts so wonderfully that I am passing your words on to my adult children. Thank you for your words…….and your work.

I think the Pope would condemn any killing in the name of religion, even if it occurred a thousand years ago. Much like the good doctor would be aghast at the practice of medicine during the crusades.

I feel deep regret for so many people who have blindly accepted Catholicism, as they were brainwashed from birth. There is a wonderful Christian faith available to all who will receive it without all the trappings and control from one world leader. Everything a person needs to know about our God and His Son Jesus are contained in the Scriptures and all who demonstrate a desire to know the truth can find it by asking God for guidance. We really don’t need a worldwide heirachy to tell us what they want us to know about God. The New Testament book of Hebrews tells us what we need to know about priests. God did not leave a man on this earth as religious leader, as Christianity is all about faith and not church law. Jesus in heaven alone is the correct Christian leader, and we have direct access to Him at any time and all heaven and earth rests with the God/man Jesus.

Catholicism and the democrat party offer about the same kind of psychology: people must be told how to live their lives by a person or group of people who can sell themselves that way.

I understand the pope will be speaking about the inconsistency of killing in God’s name. What is his feeling about the Crusades?

I love the Fox channel. I really want to give a big THANK YOU for giving all Amercans and the World the Popes visit live. I could not leave ,even to clean the snow 10 inches, from My porch. Tony Gazzola………COLORADO

John Dietrich…..I would like to associate myself with your words. It couldn’t have been said any better and I believe history will judge George W. Bush as one of our greatest Presidents for what he did for the people of Iraq - giving them the freedom that they never had.

To lapsed-catholic,

I understand where you are coming from and I know others that feel the same way. If I may offer the suggestion that if you are not happy with something about the church in your area then maybe you can do something to change it. Afterall, think of all those that feel as you do. God may be trying to use you in order to bring those people to the more spiritual catholocism that you hope for.

Let’s clarify something:

By the most pessimistic of estimates, Saddam killed 150,000 people in his 30 years of rule. That’s horrible.
By our own President’s estimate, the war has resulted in 30,000 Iraqi deaths. And the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health puts the figure at closer to 600,000, though we will never know the exact figure. Keep in mind that 1) We never stopped the air war on Iraq after the first Iraq war, thus keeping Saddam in his “box” quite effectively 2) Saddam had NO contacts with Al Qaeda, a group that actually HAD attacked us and was residing thousands of miles away (though now they’ve set up shop in Iraq–AFTER the chaos of the invasion) 3) We had weapons inspectors in the country, finding NOTHING, that the administration forced to leave, thus guaranteeing that we would have no UN support 4) Saddam had not attacked another country in more than a decade, and had no capability of doing so (see the air war) 5) Saddam was the ONLY secular leader in the middle east. Now radical Islam factions like Al-Sadr have risen to power and will almost certainly take power when we leave 6) Iran, a fundamentalist Muslim country, undoubtedly has gained power from our defeat of their biggest enemy in the region 7) the Iraq war has, according to our National Intelligence Estimate, become the single largest rallying cry for extremists worldwide. We are now MORE hated than we were before 9/11. And Al Qaeda, according to the same NIE, has regained the same attack capability as it had before 9/11, maybe because we are spending most of our military capability in Iraq instead of the area where we KNOW the leaderships is hiding…

Jeez I could go on but I’ve got other things to do. I have to say this when I see a group of people (nominally CHRISTIANS, which boggles the mind– who was it that said “turn the other cheek”?) using facile arguments about “beating up children” to justify the worst foreign policy mistake this country has ever made. To compare this war to WW2 is unbelievably inaccurate–like if we invade Brazil after Pearl Harbor. It’s time for Christians to stop talking about the Prince of Peace and then voting for the Prince of War.