chimp visits the pope (text)

I'm not a fan of the pope, bute sometimes he has a point...

...Mr. President, your visit to Rome takes place at a moment of great concern for the continuing situation of grave unrest in the Middle East, both in Iraq and in the Holy Land. You are very familiar with the unequivocal position of the Holy See in this regard, expressed in numerous documents, through direct and indirect contacts, and in the many diplomatic efforts which have been made since you visited me, first at Castelgandolfo on 23 July 2001, and again in this Apostolic Palace on 28 May 2002...

meaning: we still disagree !

...The threat of international terrorism remains a source of constant concern. It has seriously affected normal and peaceful relations between States and peoples since the tragic date of 11 September 2001, which I have not hesitated to call "a dark day in the history of humanity". In the past few weeks other deplorable events have come to light which have troubled the civic and religious conscience of all, and made more difficult a serene and resolute commitment to shared human values: in the absence of such a commitment neither war nor terrorism will ever be overcome. May God grant strength and success to all those who do not cease to hope and work for understanding between peoples, in respect for the security and rights of all nations and of every man and woman...

"other deplorable events" ??? Abu Ghraib ???

full text: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/bulletin/news/14884.php?index=14884&po_date=04.06.2004&lang=en

and have to be Abu Graib.

This jumped out at me - "have troubled the civic and religious conscience of all, and made more difficult a serene and resolute commitment to shared human values: in the absence of such a commitment neither war nor terrorism will ever be overcome."

The pope tells bush if he won't make a resolute (one of bush's own words) commitment to basic human values the WHOLE WORLD shares, war and terrorism will continue.

That is so simple and direct - bush won't get it.

I can't imagine bush sitting still long enough to either read or listen to (much less comprehend) a lengthy statement like this.

:hi: Welcome JP!

Condi: Basically, he said 'cool it' snookums, uh, er, Mr. President.

Pope: Sir, I know God and you sir, are no God.

Right in the ribs..pow! pow! pow!...