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'Vile' Pope condom document condemned
Monday, 26 April 2010
enlargeSpeaking during Sky's Scotland debate, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy denounced the paper, stating: "It's absolutely despicable, these are vile, they're insulting, they are an embarrassment, and on behalf of I think the whole of the United Kingdom we'd want to apologise to his Holiness the Pope."
Former Conservative MP and Catholic convert Ann Widdecombe said: "I think it will add to already strained relations with the Vatican. It is severely embarrassing for Britain. I am sure both sides will be anxious to put it behind them.
"It is unbelievable this came in an official Foreign Office document that was circulated to Downing Street.
"It beggars belief and shows the mocking attitude there is towards Christianity."
The Foreign Office was forced to issue a detailed apology after the controversial papers came to public attention.
The document, obtained by the Sunday Telegraph, also suggested Benedict XVI could show his hard line on the sensitive issue of child abuse allegations against Roman Catholic priests by "sacking dodgy bishops" and launching a helpline for abused children.
The Bishop of Nottingham, the Rt Rev Malcolm McMahon, told BBC News it reflected "appalling manners". He said: "I think it's a lot worse that we invite someone into our country - a person like the Pope - and then he's treated in this way. I think it's appalling manners more than anything else."
The ideas were included in a paper titled "The ideal visit would see..." which was distributed to officials in Whitehall and Downing Street preparing for the historic visit in September. A cover note said the paper stemmed from a brainstorming session and accepted that some of the ideas were "far-fetched".
Many of the proposals appeared to mock the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on issues like abortion, homosexuality and contraception and the difficulties which it is currently experiencing over cases of child abuse.
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"tooth fairy"- plagiarism
I'm sure Oxbridge are embarrassed to see where their grads end up working
To all the experts on child abuse- do you work at The Vatican or just regurgitate from "expert" journalists?
Posted by conor | 26.04.10, 21:59 GMT
why would you want to apologise to someone who deliberately sent perverted priests to unsuspecting congregations.
Posted by billy | 26.04.10, 20:45 GMT
tekni
".. this guy wrongly made Pope"
Did the College of Cardinals forget to consult you before the election?
Posted by John O'Brien | 26.04.10, 17:48 GMT
Sean Smith
"IMO, they're backward on abortion, homosexuality and contraception"
You are entitled to your opinions but we Catholics are entitled to ours.
Posted by John O'Brien | 26.04.10, 17:43 GMT
"Why should Catholicism have the right to be taken seriously and not questioned like any other believe system. And if found lacking it is right to point out its double standards, Hypocrisy and lies. In 2010 religion has the same relevance as Father Christmas or the Tooth Fairy.
Posted by Dave & Belle"
Why should any Catholic send his child to a school where his child might be taught by a teacher of the mentality of Dave or Belle? Why should any Catholic allow his child to sit in the same classroom as the children of Dave and Belle?
Posted by John O'Brien | 26.04.10, 17:38 GMT
Note to Pope: If you can't take a joke stay away from the U K -please. Do you think we Prods will ever accept a united ireland with you in charge. You should be arrested in the U K and charged with concealment of crimes etc . An apology does not keep the normal criminal out of prision.Why you?
Posted by Ed | 26.04.10, 16:48 GMT
Dave and Belle - I don't know if we're reading the same document, but i don't see any questioning or pointing out of double standards. All I see are a bunch of petty, childish and snidey remarks that show absolutely no understanding of, or respect for, catholic teaching.
Question and point out double standards, by all means. Childish sniggering of civil servants doesn't do that, though.
Posted by John | 26.04.10, 16:11 GMT
With a background in the Nazi youth movement Im sure the pope will see the funny side of this
Posted by Gwrinkle | 26.04.10, 13:27 GMT
Isn't that a typically Christian response from tekni.
So much for love thy neighbour, brother, sister etc!
Only if they believe the same as me, eh?
Posted by Myself | 26.04.10, 09:32 GMT
For all those who appear to have had a humour bypass, it is called Irony.
I don't think it is offensive, people in power should be mocked.
Posted by RS | 26.04.10, 09:12 GMT
What is appalling is that this guy wrongly made Pope should be costing the Country 30 million dollars for a visit.
I submit that those who want him to come should foot the bill because I as a Christian do not want him, and strongly object to his morals. <
Posted by tekni | 26.04.10, 05:19 GMT
Who ever wrote this U.K. gov. document must be fired account it shows his lack of ablity for his employment and damaged the U.K. gov office by his actions. This whould apply not because the person was pope but it was a U.K. gov. office damageing a person unjustly.
Posted by phl | 26.04.10, 04:47 GMT
I'm not at all sorry. Jim Murphy has no business apologising on behalf of the UK. I wouldn't be surprised if a sizeable number were in favour of the suggestions. How does the UK benefit from a relationship with the Vatican, anyway?
IMO, they're backward on abortion, homosexuality and contraception.
Posted by Sean Smith | 26.04.10, 03:32 GMT
The British Foreign Office has officially apologised for these unfortunate comments that were jokingly said by some junior officials never mean for publication. What more can they do but to apologise ? Certainly the Vatican ought to accept the apology and leave it at that. After all the Vatican has apologised time and time again for those pedifile priests and bishops and almost on a daily occurence too -so what real value is an 'apology from them..'
Posted by Harold James Norwood | 26.04.10, 03:05 GMT
Why should Catholicism have the right to be taken seriously and not questioned like any other believe system. And if found lacking it is right to point out its double standards, Hypocrisy and lies. In 2010 religion has the same relevance as Father Christmas or the Tooth Fairy.
Posted by Dave & Belle | 26.04.10, 02:40 GMT
It is a surprise to find some staff at the Foreign Office have a lively sense of humour. And it is unwise of them, because it is embarrassing to others, to have advertised it. But surely the product does not warrant the epithet "vile". I suggest Secretary Jim Murphy should reserve that term for matters such as paedophilia in the confessional.
Posted by Ian Cowan | 26.04.10, 01:00 GMT