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Faith

Here’s What Pope Francis Had to Say About Poverty, the Environment at His Installation Mass

Mar. 19, 2013 7:21am Billy Hallowell

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis urged princes, presidents, sheiks and thousands of ordinary people gathered for his installation Mass on Tuesday to protect the environment, the weakest and the poorest, mapping out a clear focus of his priorities as leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

The Argentine native is the first pope from Latin America and the first named for the 13th-century friar St. Francis of Assisi, whose life’s work was to care for nature, the poor and most disadvantaged. Echoing the gentleness for which St. Francis is known, the pope said a little bit of tenderness can “open up a horizon of hope.”

The Vatican said between 150,000-200,000 people attended the Mass, held under bright blue skies after days of chilly rain and featuring flag-waving fans from around the world. “Shalom!” read one banner, Hebrew for “Peace.” “Viva il Papa” read another, “Long live the pope.” In Buenos Aires, thousands of people packed the central Plaza di Mayo square to watch the celebration on giant TV screens.

Heres What Pope Francis Had to Say at His Installation Mass

Pope Francis blesses the faithful in St. Peter’s Square during his inauguration Mass at the Vatican, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Credit: AP

Francis was interrupted by applause several times during his homily, including when he spoke of the need to protect the environment, serve one another with love and not allow “omens of destruction,” hatred, envy and pride to “defile our lives.”

Francis said the role of the pope is to open his arms and protect all of humanity, but “especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important, those whom Matthew lists in the final judgment on love: the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick and those in prison.”

“Today amid so much darkness we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others,” he said. “To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope, it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds,” he said.

Francis, 76, thrilled the crowd at the start of the Mass by taking a long round-about through the sun-drenched piazza and getting out of his jeep to bless a disabled man. It was a gesture from a man whose short papacy so far is becoming defined by such spontaneous forays into the crowd and concern for the disadvantaged.

The blue and white flags from Argentina fluttered above the crowd, which Italian media initially estimated could reach 1 million. Civil protection crews closed the main streets leading to the square to traffic and set up barricades for nearly a mile (two kilometers) along the route to try to control the masses and allow official delegations through.

Before the Mass began, Francis received the fisherman’s ring symbolizing the papacy and a wool stole symbolizing his role as shepherd of his flock. He also received vows of obedience from a half-dozen cardinals – a potent symbol given his predecessor Benedict XVI is still alive.

A cardinal intoned the rite of inauguration, saying: “The Good Shepherd charged Peter to feed his lambs and his sheep; today you succeed him as the bishop of this church.”

Pope Francis is helped walk down the steps in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Pope Francis has urged princes, presidents, sheikhs and thousands of ordinary people gathered for his installation Mass to protect God’s creation, the weakest and the poorest of the world. Credit: AP

Some 132 official delegations attended, including more than a half-dozen heads of state from Latin America, a sign of the significance of the election for the region. Francis has made clear he wants his pontificate to be focused on the poor, a message that has resonance in a poverty-stricken region that counts 40 percent of the world’s Catholics.

In the VIP section was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Taiwanese President Ying-Jeou Ma, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Prince Albert of Monaco and Bahrain Prince Sheik Abdullah bin Haman bin Isa Alkhalifa, among others. All told, six sovereign rulers, 31 heads of state, three princes and 11 heads of government were attending, the Vatican said.

Francis directed his homily to them, saying: “I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.”

Among the religious VIPs attending was the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Bartholomew I, who became the first patriarch from the Istanbul-based church to attend a papal investiture since the two branches of Christianity split nearly 1,000 years ago. Also attending for the first time was the chief rabbi of Rome. Their presence underscores the broad hopes for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue in this new papacy given Francis’ own work for improved relations and St. Francis of Assisi.

In a gesture to Christians in the East, the pope prayed with Eastern rite Catholic patriarchs and archbishops before the tomb of St. Peter at the start of the Mass and the Gospel was chanted in Greek rather than the traditional Latin.

But it is Francis’ history of living with the poor and working for them while archbishop of Buenos Aires that seems to have resonated with ordinary Catholics who say they are hopeful that Francis can inspire a new generation of faithful who have fallen away from the church.

Pope Francis drinks from a chalice as he celebrates his installation Mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Pope Francis has urged princes, presidents, sheikhs and thousands of ordinary people gathered for his installation Mass to protect God’s creation, the weakest and the poorest of the world. Credit: AP

“I think he’ll revive the sentiments of Catholics who received the sacraments but don’t go to Mass anymore, and awaken the sentiments of people who don’t believe anymore in the church, for good reason,” said Judith Teloni, an Argentine tourist guide who lives in Rome and attended the Mass with a friend.

“As an Argentine, he was our cardinal. It’s a great joy for us,” said Edoardo Fernandez Mendia, from the Argentine Pampas who was in the crowd. “I would have never imagined that it was going to be him.”

Recalling another great moment in Argentine history, when soccer great Diego Maradona scored an improbable goal in the 1986 World Cup, he said: “And for the second time, the Hand of God came to Argentina.”

Francis has made headlines with his simple style since the moment he appeared to the world on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, eschewing the ermine-lined red velvet cape his predecessor wore in favor of the simple papal white cassock, then paying his own bill at the hotel where he stayed prior to the conclave that elected him pope.

He has also surprised – and perhaps frustrated – his security detail by his impromptu forays into the crowds.

For nearly a half-hour before the Mass began, Francis toured the square in an open-air jeep, waving, shouting “Ciao!” to well-wishers and occasionally kissing babies handed up to him as if he had been doing this for years. At one point, as he neared a group of people in wheelchairs, he signaled for the jeep to stop, hopped off, and went to bless a disabled man held up to the barricade by an aide.

“I like him because he loves the poor,” said 7-year-old Pietro Loretti, who attended the Mass from Barletta in southern Italy. Another child in the crowd, 9-year-old Benedetta Vergetti from Cervetri near Rome, also skipped school to attend.

“I like him because he’s sweet like my Dad.”

Priests deliver communion under umbrellas to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square during the inauguration Mass for Pope Francis at the Vatican, Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Credit: AP

In an indication of his devotion to the Virgin Mary, which is common among Latin American Catholics, Francis prayed by a statue of the Madonna at the end of the service.

After the Mass, Francis stood in a receiving line to greet each of the government delegations in St. Peter’s Basilica, chatting warmly with each one, kissing the few youngsters who came along with their parents and occasionally blessing a rosary given to him.

On Wednesday, he holds an audience with the visiting Christian delegations. He has a break from activity on Thursday; a gracious nod perhaps to the fact that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is being installed that day in London.

As a result, Welby wasn’t representing the Anglican Communion, sending instead a lower-level delegation.

–

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Comments (155)

conservativewoman
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:42pm
What the Pope was talking about is the Corporal Works of Mercy. These and the Spritual Works of Mercy are must for Catholics.
Corporal Works of Mercy:
•To feed the hungry;
•To give drink to the thirsty;
•To clothe the naked;
•To harbour the harbourless;
•To visit the sick;
•To ransom the captive;
•To bury the dead.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy:
•To instruct the ignorant;
•To counsel the doubtful;
•To admonish sinners;
•To bear wrongs patiently;
•To forgive offences willingly;
•To comfort the afflicted;
•To pray for the living and the dead.

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- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:32pm
  Patriot Huntress
  The way to find common ground is to examine the evidence of what the early church fathers taught. After all they were in the time zone 1st to 3rd century after Jesus thus they better than anyone known hat Jesus taught. I would recommend reading free on line on how the bible was formed http://www.catholicapologetics.info/apologetics/protestantism/wbible.htm
  
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Patriot Huntress
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:09pm
Though I’m not catholic and raised in a fundamental baptist tradition I do know one thing, we need to find common ground where those who call themselves Christian can come together. Bottom line is God knows who is a true believer in their hearts and its also evident to others as we live our lives. Like Ranger Skippy I have some really wonderful people in my life that are Catholic and back them to worship however they like. Protestants and Catholics have more in common than not, which is where we need to link arms in prayer, find forgiveness and love each other. If we are wrong in our doctrine on either side then if one seeks the truth in prayer God will lead us in the right direction and let us see where we are wrong or where we need to be in our spiritual walk. Not to take sides but I can appreciate Ranger’s passion for his faith and just sharing what he believes. We need to quit being offended all the time, listen to each other and agree to disagree. All conservatives need to be arm in arm right now and not divided.

For those unbelievers here I have Atheist friends and relatives that I love, we treat each other with respect and love them no matter what. My motto on the subject of faith and unbelievers is this, If I’m wrong and your right then I’ve lost nothing but gained so much by living my life believing in an invisible God but if your wrong then you’ve lost everything in the end. Love, Peace and all that stuff!

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- Elena2010
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:33pm
  Amen.
  
  It’s the Who we worship that is important not the how of our worship.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:01pm
  AMEN….! Hard to get traction here, though, girl.
  
  Report this comment
- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:35pm
  Elena2010
  Jesus taught us the how to worship and passed His power on to men For example,1 John 4:6 which says, “We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”. This is very powerful one should read and meditate on these words not just gloss over them.
  
  Report this comment
sizzlinsexybeckster
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:06am
“In the VIP section was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Taiwanese President Ying-Jeou Ma, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Prince Albert of Monaco and Bahrain Prince Sheik Abdullah bin Haman bin Isa Alkhalifa, among others. All told, six sovereign rulers, 31 heads of state, three princes and 11 heads of government were attending, the Vatican said.”

“Francis directed his homily to them, saying: “I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be protectors of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.””

This old smiling gentleman is pro-dictator, pro-agenda21, pro-euthanasia, pro-sheep-master.

Sounds like he’s been reading Darwin.

Sigh.

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:15am
  No need for you to worry. The sheep master would never take a Jack Ass into its flock.
  
  Report this comment
- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:25am
  Why don’t you listen to the man’s words instead of what the MSM wants you to take from his words? Billy took this from an AP article and it is their take. Here is what the man has said in the past in Argentina
  “The challenge to eradicate poverty could not be truthfully met as long as the poor continue to be dependents of the State.”
  
  He believes that CHRISTIANS should care for the poor. He doesn’t believe that the government should rob us to care for them.
  Christ believed the same. Give to Caesar and all that, remember?
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:27am
  As usual the topic has drawn out our atheist anarchists like radical Obama draws out the angry minorities . A match made in —– ( fill in the blanks )
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:33pm
  SEXY…..None of them are ready for what is about to happen, and that is what is bad about not adhering to the precepts of Christ. The 6th trump has sounded and the ‘influx’, is in progress….all the sheep will be sacrificed to hierarchy.
  If there are any who know what time it is, they sure wouldn’t be wasting time on temporal, social issues, unless they are part of the influx, which is entirely possible.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:39pm
  “He believes that CHRISTIANS should care for the poor. ” So let’s get down to having that BIG garage sale in ST. Peter’s. Yessir… we’ve got a lot’s and lot’s of very nice expensive trinkets, that collectors the world over would love to bid on. And who knows how much cash and liquid assets.
  
  Report this comment
- ph2691
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:01pm
  sizzlin
  
  “let us be protectors of creation”, We were meant to be caretakers of all of God’s creation: Genesis 1:26,
  
  “protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature”, Read Romans 2:14, even the gentiles who did not have God’s law knew by instinct to obey and knew right from wrong. There are natural laws which are inscribed in nature by God. Read Epistle Of Saint Paul To The Romans. Here is an example of those who go against God’s natural plan, example: Romans 1:26-27.
  
  “protectors of one another and of the environment.” There is destruction for those who destroy the earth: Revelation 11:18 again from creation we were meant to care for all of God’s creations.
  
  Looks to me he was reading the bible.
  
  “In the VIP section was German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, the Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Taiwanese President Ying-Jeou Ma, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, Prince Albert of Monaco and Bahrain Prince Sheik Abdullah bin Haman bin Isa Alkhalifa, among others. All told, six sovereign rulers, 31 heads of state, three princes and 11 heads of government were attending, the Vatican said.” Lookin at the VIP list it’s pretty awesome he didn’t hold back and fail to remind them of their duties as leaders, it doesn’t look as if the VIP’s where from the choir.
  
  Report this comment
- ph2691
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:11pm
  Max Jones
  
  And what good would it do for the Vatican to have a big ole garage sale on your behalf. You remind me of the socialist that wants to re-distribute others peoples assets or wealth. You sell yours first in a big ole yard sale and give it all away – how much good could you do for the poor if you are so poor you can’t help even yourself?
  
  Report this comment
- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:10pm
  ph2691
  
  I think you missed the point Max was making.
  
  We do not want Obama, or the Catholic church to be generous with our money, but sit back on their tail, and not give out what they have.
  
  The Bible teaches charity, but it is on the individual level. I (good old me) am supposed to be charitable, and God will deal me if i am not. It is not your place, Obama’s place, or the Catholic Churches place to make me give anything.
  
  I attend a small local church, and I tithe there. I expect the church to support missionaries, our pastor, and spreading the gospel in our area. What I do not expect, is for the church to collect up billions in gold, and then preach to me about charity.
  
  Report this comment
- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:41pm
  Max jones
  You reminded me of the disciples who complain to Jesus about the expensive perfume being washed on His feet.
  
  Report this comment
- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:21pm
  sizzlinsexybeckster
  
  to the contary for thoes who invent their on church it’s strange how people like you are bent on twisting the truth
  
  Report this comment
- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:26pm
  Max jones
  
  Mr Max I just wish the church had as much money as you envision . However what the church does own does not belong to the pope but to the church. which is primarily the arts which were gifts.
  
  Report this comment
jungle J
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:57am
He will want the workers money to give to the lazy.

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:16am
  When do you expect to getting paid?
  
  Report this comment
- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:32am
  Firearm- Post of the Day!!!
  
  Report this comment
- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:49am
  Thank you STA. I know that Dear Max likes it too.
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:52pm
  I did! You may not believe I’ve got a sense of humor……..
  
  Report this comment
rangerskippy
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:32am
Here is the cool thing. While I know the Roman Catholic government to be contrary to Bible, I support our first amendment, and will gladly pick up the rifle, and defend your right to worship as you wish.

I do know some catholic folks who I believe to be legit born again Christians. Not sure why they continue in following the false, manmade dogma of the Catholic Gov, but in America, you get to chose how and who you worship.

Aint America Great.

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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:40am
  Ranger….Right on. Now, let’s see if we can salvage some of what makes America great. We’re not gonna get much help from these deluded “moroons”
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:57am
  If they are partaking in the Eucharist then then they are not legit Christians
  
  The resurrection/rapture is about to take place
  
  9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
  
  10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
  
  Report this comment
- THERAPTURCOMES
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:58am
  The resurrection/rapture is almost at hand http://youtu.be/CBsYDhNxFlU
  
  Report this comment
- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:11am
  Oh Dearest Max classy a Christian as ever I have seen…. NOT!
  
  Report this comment
- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:13am
  Skipping Ranger
  
  Stated more correctly, the Roman Catholic beliefs are contrary to your personal interpritation of the Bible.
  
  Everything the Church does can be backed up by the Bible
  Don’t believe me? Go to Catholic.com. In the search type in your question.
  
  Report this comment
- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:19am
  THERAPTURCOMES Do you hear trumpets blaring in your head?
  
  Report this comment
- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:30am
  Rapture? Seriously? Talk about non-biblical
  
  The theological notion of”rapture” was invented 182 years ago.
  In 1830, in Port Glasgow, Scotland, fifteen year old Margaret MacDonald had a vision concerning the return of Christ. Her vision was adopted by John Nelson Darby a British minister and founder of a denomination called the “Plymouth Brethern.” In 1909, an American, C. I. Scofield, pubished an annotated version of the “King James” translation of the Bible called the “Scofield Reference Bible.” Scofield’s annotations were based on the theology of John Nelson Darby. The “Scofield Reference Bible” popularized the teachings of Darby. Fundamentalist Christians in the U. S. adopted Scofield’s Bible as authoritative. With the rise of fundamentalism in the U. S. in recent years, the popularity of the theological notion of the “rapture” has also gained popularity. Go outside the US and ask about the rapture, you will get blank stares and laughter.
  
  Pre-tribulation rapture does not appear in the Bible.
  
  Jesus’ second coming does not happen twice.
  
  Report this comment
- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:44pm
  by faith
  the rapture
  
  Matthew 25:31,32 – “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations” Carefully notice that Jesus is going to sit upon His throne in Jerusalem when He returns, and the nations of earth will be gathered before Him to be judged. How can this fact be reconciled with 1st Thessalonians 4:17, which states that the saints will be caught up together to meet with the Lord in the air?
  
  Matthew 25:32 to 34 – “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” When the Lord returns to the earth at the Second Coming WITH His own, He is going to gather the nations of the earth together—separating the sheep from the goats (vs. 32), i.e., the righteous from the unrighteous. The sheep (saved) will simply enter the Kingdom, and the goats (unbelievers) be cast into everlasting fire. The test in this judgment is the treatment accorded by the nations to those whom Christ here calls “my brethren.” These brethren are the Jewish remnant (i.e., the 144,000) who will have preached the Gospel of the kingdom to all nations during
  
  Report this comment
- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:44pm
  Tribulation. Carefully notice, there is NO mention of a resurrection and the persons judged are the nations of the earth. In sharp contrast, according to 1st Corinthians 15:52 there WILL BE a resurrection at the time of the Rapture.
  
  It is important to recognize that when Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom there is NO Rapture, i.e., no one is caught up into the air to be with the Lord. People who become Christians during the Tribulation Period will enter with their earthly bodies into the Millennium. Proof of this is found in Isaiah 65:20-25, and in Zechariah 8:5 where children are mentioned playing during the Millennium. Those saved during the Tribulation will enter physically into the Millennial Kingdom. Where will these humans come from if the saints are ALL raptured and changed at the END of the Tribulation, i.e., a Postribulation Rapture? Obviously this cannot be. The only logical conclusion is a Pretribulation Rapture!
  
  Jude 1:14 – “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints.” Carefully notice that NO mention is made of a Rapture at this time. Quite the contrary, here the Lord Jesus is returning with TEN THOUSANDS of His saints to the earth. That is drastically different than having our bodies changed, in the twinkling of an eye, and being “caught up” into the clouds to meet with the Lord. It would make no sense to say that Jesus is going to Rapture the saints, while coming
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:00pm
  Firearm your insults are as weak as your knowledge of the Word.
  I’ll be back after lunch.
  
  Report this comment
- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:47pm
  Dear Max
  
  Are you serious?? I’ll have you know that I have access to the World Wide Web for the whole month of March!
  
  Report this comment
- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:09pm
  RARTURE….I “partake 3 times a year….passover ,feast of tabernacles and feast of tabernacles. I also anoint myself, my wife, my mom, my dog and both cats. Oh, and I anoint my front door jams. ….. and one more thing, the 6th trump has sounded and the influx has begun…..your ‘rapture’ is late.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:45pm
  Matthew 25:31,32 – “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations” Carefully notice that Jesus is going to sit upon His throne in Jerusalem
  You read throne in Jerusalem in that quote?
  Pre-tribulation rapture does not appear in the Bible. It was invented man.
  “When the Lord returns to the earth at the Second Coming” Yes SECOND coming, not rapture. The teaching on the rapture not only does Jesus come a second time, but a third and possibly a 4th.
  Here are multiple links to man-made theory of the rapture http://www.catholic.com/search/content/rapture
  
  Report this comment
- circleDwagons
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 5:10pm
  @Ranger. 1cor. 15:52 states at the last trumpet. Key word Last. I believe Jesus will return. He will return once. I think the verses are talking about the same event. How? I do not know. The Bible states that God created the world in 6 days. How? I do not know. Faith is what I know. My trust is in Him. Trust and Obey. All believers are brothers and sisters in Christ. There are lost ones everywhere even in church. Let us Stand with our brothers. Ranger and ByFaith… Thank You
  
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- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:39pm
  The concept of a rapture is purely man made once more its not in the bible
  
  Report this comment
- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:43pm
  rangerskippy
  
  You make no since how can someone be contrary to the book they themselves wrote? The Catholic church wrote the NT.
  
  Report this comment
willbedone
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:24am
You don’t have to worship at the alter of stupidity to feed the hungry, visit (care for) the sick, tend to the needs of those imprisoned. An open hand and generosity begins at home, and is fostered by various social groups (churches, etc). The governments involvement should be relegated to keeping out of the way of humanitarian outreach.

If the Catholic church really wanted to help the downtrodden it could sell off all its glitter and wealth to pay for the beginning of its service.

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:27am
  WILLBEDONE You have your own alter??
  
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- Xanderson
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:43am
  Alter of stupidity? Well, Yes, Joe Biden DID attend the festivities this morning ….I pray no one was hurt when his soul burst into flames in the presence of Pope Francis!
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:31am
  I am a member of the Catholic Church. All of that belongs to me.
  I don’t want to give a man a fish, I want to teach him to fish.
  
  Selling all the “glitter” would do what? Feed the poor for a day? Christ said that the poor will always be with us.
  However, our priests, our nuns and our laity are in some of the poorest nations, digging wells and buying goats. My own parish has a sister parish in Tanzania. We have build them a church building, got them running water and bought chickens and goats. We could sell our own building but then how would that actually help any more than we are now?
  
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- frgough
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:09pm
  The Catholic church can have gold altars AND feed and minister to the poor at the same time. Uplifting believers through beautiful and meaningful worship is also an important mission of the church. I say this as a non-Catholic.
  
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- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:49pm
  There will always be men like like Maximilian Kolbe who was sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. On July 31, 1941, in reprisal for one prisoner’s escape, ten men were chosen to die. Father Kolbe offered himself in place of a young husband and father. And he was the last to die, enduring two weeks of starvation, thirst, and neglect.
  
  Report this comment
e7705
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:14am
The level of truth seems to be matched by the level of vitriol from the anti-Catholics on this site. Satan screams when he is confronted with The Truth (ie. Jesus’s Church).

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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:23pm
  I’m pretty sure you consider me a hater of Catholics…My dad’s family was all Catholic, and I’ve never witnessed any pedophilia, although one of the priests in our parish knocked up a teenage girl. I don’t hate you.
  What I do hate, is hypocrisy and blasphemy, and those are smeared all over this Laodicean version of a church. You know what I mean? Or is that chapter even contained in your ‘version’ of scripture?
  Boy, am I lucky to have escaped!!
  
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- frgough
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:37pm
  As opposed to your “version” of the bible, compiled by Luther and other protestants all the while hypocritically proclaiming the Bible as its own authority as they went around happily changing what books were in it?
  
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Major Infidel
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:55am
Great, a Socialist Pope. That’s just what the world needed to seal it’s fate.

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:02am
  Darn those Catholics for giving their money away as if it was theirs!
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:20am
  Could scrap that chalice and feed a family of four for a year.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:23am
  Dear Mr. Pope Dude,
  
  Let me get this right, a bunch of dudes, sat around, and elected another dude (you), and then claim you speak for God?
  
  I have read the Bible through a couple of times, and I never found that little vote thing. I also noticed that in the New Testament, there is no pope. You Catholics claim Peter was the pope, but when Paul was converted, they took him to James (head of the church in Jerusalem) not Peter. I also seem to remember a miracle, where Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law, meaning that Peter was married.
  
  I also happened to notice in the NT, that the Church is local, and does not fall under a world government system, like your Roman Catholic Government.
  
  While reading the Bible, I also noticed that there is no purgatory, no prayers to Mary, not priests that we call father, no burning of candles for the dead, no holy water, no making the sign of the cross when you pray, no attending confession to a man, and no baptizing babies…..
  
  Your religion is just that, it is a set of manmade rules that lead people away from the Bible. Salvation is by grace and grace alone.
  
  You are nothing more than a pimp that whores out the false catholic religion.
  
  If you actually read your Bible and believed, you would stop being called “father”, stop dressing like mother, and would ditch all the man made rules and get back to the good old fashioned Bible.
  
  Biblically, all Christians are saints
  
  ~Saint Ranger Skippy
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:33am
  oops, I double posted that one.
  
  Never hurst to get the truth twice.
  
  ~Saint Skippy
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:34am
  No, the Associated Press (this article is from AP) wants you to believe he is a socialist.
  Listen to his words from Argentina
  “The challenge to eradicate poverty could not be truthfully met as long as the poor continue to be dependents of the State.”
  
  That doesn’t sound socialist to me.
  
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- johnthebabtist
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:12pm
  not pope, not cardinal, not bishop, not even priest. he’s just another Vatican 2 man that happens to be a heretic. mission of the true catholic church is to save SOULS.
  
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- johnthebabtist
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:33pm
  amen, but he was “ordained?” in 1969, so he’s not really a priest. all anti popes since Vatican 2. could be worst since then although paul would be hard to beat.
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:04pm
  JOHNTHEBABTIST I happen to be a conservative Catholic, I agree that the new mass has too much of a Protestant flavor to it. I have faith that the church can work this out but the one thing I know for sure is that shouldn’t concern ant noisy non-Catholic spectators.
  
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- Caleb-Texas
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:52pm
  Dear RANGERSKIPPY,
  
  Due to time constraints I won’t address each of your points, but I can assure you that for ever point you made there is a Catholic answer based on scripture and back up by the practices of the early christian church of the first century.
  
  I will like to ask you where in the bible says that the only source of authority is the bible alone? Christ did not write nor told his apostles to write everything down. Jesus on the other hand did establish a Church and gave here ultimate authority:
  
  1. Christ founded one Church Matthew 16:16-19.
  2. The Church has ultimate authority Matthew 18:15-18
  3. The Church is the Pillar and Foundation of Truth 1 Timothy 3:15
  
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tradcatholicgirl
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:54am
RANGER SKIPPY,

You have every right to your own faith practices. But, really, your argument does not work because it is based on your own belief in Sola Scriptura.

How can you subscribe to something that isn’t written in the bible? No where does it say in there that the practice of Christianity is limited to what you find in scripture.

It is a circular argument and a real problem for you.

(FYI: “Sola Scriptura” literally translated is “Scripture Only” – it means if it isn’t in the bible, it isn’t Christianity.)

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- Locked
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:16am
  “How can you subscribe to something that isn’t written in the bible? No where does it say in there that the practice of Christianity is limited to what you find in scripture. ”
  
  Neither is it written in the Bible that we must follow the popes, or the Catholic church. Why do you follow Catholic dogma and consider it as relevant as the Bible? For the same reason other Christians follow only the Bible – because of faith.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:18am
  TRADGIRL….I’ve known Catholics that actually thought the scripture was written in Latin. Ha ha.
  
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- Dudley Do-Right
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:22am
  Sola Scriptura, a doctrine that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation, yet no where in the bible does it say that…kinda like sitting on the branch you’re cutting off.
  
  And again I ask, did all those early Christians have Bibles? Did they all know how to read? Or did everyone have to wait until the mid 1400′s when the printing press was invented?
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:52am
  And I know Protestants that think the bible dropped into the lap of King James, leather bound and in English, straight from heaven. What’s you’re point?
  
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- joboww
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:24pm
  @Locked:
  SO when Christ gives the Keys to Peter that was not important. When he changed his name like he changed Abram and Jacob, that was not important. When he gave the authority to loose and bind that was not important. When he said he who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejecs me and the one who sent me, that was unimportant. When he makes Peter the Shepard at the end of John over his flock, that was unimportant. When Paul was told to go and present himself to Peter, that was unimportant. When Peter declares at the council that “we believe” as to James’ “I believe” that was unimportant. When the faithful needed to know what scriptures were to be used, and which ones were actually not to be regarded as such and the Pope made the decree again and again in the councils of Rome, Hippo and Laterin that was unimportant. When Pope Leo condemned the monothysistes of their heresy and bound it on the faithful that Chist has a hyposttic union, that was unimportant. When all the worlds Christains abandoned the truth that contraception was evil, when prior to it they all professed just as we the Catholics continue to do, that was unimportant.
  You see @Locked you set up man made rules when even scripture shows you that authority is given to Peter and the apostles in communion with him. Paul goes on to give this authority to People like Timothy and Titus via the laying on of hands. You see when you set yourself apart from Peter, you become your own Pope, +JMJ
  
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- joboww
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 12:27pm
  @Max
  
  Ive known christians who dont know where they even get the scriptures from…LOL
  
  heres looking at you! :-)
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:17pm
  ‘t think you get it. My scriptures are the manuscripts. I still need help with the languages. Greek is very easy for me but the Aramaic is a puzzle sometimes.
  
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- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:12pm
  Max jones
  
  Say max I don’t want to embarrass you but have you ever heard of the Jerome biblical commentary?
  
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Detroit paperboy
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:51am
I could not care less about the ” professional poor “…….. They sit on their lazy asses all day smokin crack and drinking malt liquor, while I work 15 hour days to pay for them…..if you don’t wana work, does that make you poor ? I’m tired of being behind 350 lb slobs paying for their groceries with someone else’s money…..screw em,,,,,hunger is a wonderful motivator to work, let em starve…or god forbid….WORK.

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:18am
  How will the Catholic church ever survive without your generous donations?
  
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elkslayer
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:50am
I think it’s great that the pope is giving sound advice. I worked in a paper mill for 29 years and I saw what went down the drains. Some on accident and some on purpose.

Do any of you know how hard it is to visit some one in jail? Unless you are a clergy or family it is extremely difficult.

How many of us have visited the sick? When was the last time you did this?

And how many of us have given to the poor?

Good advice is good advice no mater where it comes from.

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firearm
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:50am
Next verse.

Thou shall spread Protestant propaganda throughout the world as it is the real Gospel truth and misrepresent what Catholics truly believe..

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Max jones
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:41am
Sounds like the Laodiceans have got their boy in office

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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:57am
  Dear Max
  
  Did you know that the Pope puts a beanie with a propeller on his head and flies around Vatican City until his clueless parishioners turn into gold?
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:36am
  Really dude. I’ve got nothing against any man till he crosses the line. Yall’s understanding of what is going on is nill. It’s too bad they taught you to worship idols, now, you haven’t got a clue. I wouldn’t even care, If there weren’t a billion souls at stake. I can tell you have never had a chance, so, maybe the LORD, will have mercy on you. Judgement starts at the pulpit. We’ll see if Francis has the goods, and divests some of that hoard and give it to the poor.
  In the long run….there is no long run. In my”sola Scriptura”, the RCC is not scriptural.
  We will never find common ground on this….so…go your way. Kneel at the altar and take your mark.
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:08am
  Dear Max
  
  Difficult to take seriously a man who says Catholics worship idols when you claimed to have once been a Catholic I could claim that Protestants worship icons but why should I lower myself to the same degree as you stooped to.
  
  Too bad you lost your way and left the original and true church of Christ founded by the Apostle Peter the first Pope as instructed by Jesus Christ..
  
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- barber2
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:16am
  FIRE: Mad Max has a zillion issues with the church which seems to be his Troll Target on the Blaze . He is hung up today on the infallibility issue and that early scriptures were approved as authentic and some were denied authenticity when the early Doctors of the church were dealing with the issue of truth versus heresy. Max seems to be of the New Age mind-set which relies on polls and constant ” change ” to move ” forward.” Converting him is a job for a Saint Paul ! Way beyond our pay grade here ! ( his avatar looks like Bill Maher with a very bad hang over ! )
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:26am
  Many non-Catholic Christians use Exodus 20:4-5, to “prove” Catholic worship idols.
  In fact, five chapters later God commands the Israelites to make two golden statues of angels as part of the lid of the Ark of the Covenant (Ex 25:17-19). That’s an image of something from heaven. Then, in 1 Kings 6, God commands that graven images of flowers and palm trees be made, as well as 15-foot tall statues of cherubim. And in Numbers 21, God commands that a bronze serpent be made and uses it to heal the Israelites. It was preserved for 800 years and then destroyed when some began to worship it (2 Kgs 18:4). (how’s that for non-biblical catholisim?)
  
  Catholics do not worship statues, because only God is deserving of adoration. The Catechism of the Catholic Church is adamant in affirming this (CCC 2112–2114). When a Catholic bows to a statue, he is not worshiping it any more than King Solomon worshiped Bathsheba when he bowed to her in 1 Kings 2:19. In other words, the honor given to images does not detract from the honor that is due to God. After all, if one member of the body is honored, the others should share in its joy (1 Cor 12:26).
  
  If someone enters your house, he should expect to find a picture of your mother. So, when someone walks into a Catholic Church—the household of God—he should not be surprised to find a picture of the mother of God, along with the rest of the heavenly family!
  
  Do Catholics Worship Statues? NO
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:34am
  BARBER2 if Dear Max’s avatar does’t look like a demon I’ll eat my golden chalice!
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:23pm
  FIRE….Anything that stands between the worshipper and YHVH, IS an idol ……like a priest or pope, or even the virgin Mary. Consult the law of Moses.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:48pm
  FIREARM
  
  Looking at Max’s avitor makes me want to say “Aflac”
  http://entertainment.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/04/26/new-aflac-duck-voice-chosen/
  
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- ph2691
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 4:37pm
  Max jones
  “What I do hate, is hypocrisy and blasphemy, and those are smeared all over this Laodicean version of a church.”
  
  Hmmm, you remind me of the The Sacred Name Movement within the Church of God or Seventh Day Adventist? Ellen White, doctrine is surrounded by her visions and hate of the Catholic Church? Remnant Jews? Hebrew Jews? St. Michael the Archangel is the same as Jesus Christ to this movement? Rev 3:9? Lots of blasphemy in that church teaching.. awful
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 5:48pm
  JW’s and others prophecy: Since the establishment of the Vatican City state, the end is predictable.
  Even though Jesus said only the Father knows, they think they know.
  Prophecy of the Seven Kings
  Lateran Treaty signed in 1929.
  1- Pius XI
  2- Pius XII
  3- John XXIII
  4- Paul VI
  5- John Paul I
  6- John Paul II
  7- Benedict XVI
  8- Francis (we are now on Pope #8…time to revise the prophecy)
  
  This is how it was supposed to happen:
  “When one of the seven kings reappears from the bottomless pit as the eighth king but in the form of a beast”
  Which would have required one of the seven to be “reappear” as #8. That did not happen. We have an entirely new person for #8.
  Revelations describes the whore sitting on 7 hills. Rome sits on 7 hills. True, but the Vatican sits on Vatican Hill. That would be an 8th hill across the Tiber.
  
  Don’t you just hate when facts interfer in a good fairytale
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:20pm
  BY FAITH, that isn’t very Christian of you to insult a duck like that. LMAO
  
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John in Jackson
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:38am
Interesting how people get so hateful about the details of denominations. Denominations are like high schools everyone thinks that theirs is the best, but they are pretty much all similar. The all present the basics schools-reading, writing/typing, and math; denominations-Jesus is Lord and will judge us all, God is the Creator and maker of moral law, belief in Jesus as the savior is the only way to Heaven, humans are all sinners and Jesus death paid the just price for our sins- eternal death. The rest is pretty much up to you to learn and style to your liking.

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- barber2
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:55am
  JOHN: Agree. Christ’s two great Commandments, to love God and your neighbor seem to be AWOL for the angry haters here ! Hate and anger seem to be more in style these days ! And the radicals have certainly worked to assure that . Old Lucifer’s Rules For Radicals seems to have co-opted the Golden Rule !
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:54am
  John- YOU are a Christian.
  Lord Love you, I wish everyone were as wise as you.
  
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barber2
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:36am
Sounds good to have a religious leader reclaim the role of protecting the poor and the weak by promoting the individual’s duty to do this, rather than hearing Big Brother Government mandating the population to do so. Free will and personal responsibility are much more in keeping with making the world a better place than by having Big Brother mandate, regulate and dictate.

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- firman
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:17am
  So true. If we are forced to give to the poor through taxes, what credit is that to us? Charity must come from the heart of the individual.
  
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firearm
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:34am
PROTESTANT GOSPEL page 1 verse 666

Thou shall envy the blessings and riches of the Catholics and curse the Catholics who shares any of their wealth with the poor.

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huskerfans6
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:09am
Wow, the vitriol. He’s not said one word about redistribution, he’s merely talked about taking care of the poor? While many here make comments and personal judgements about him you fail to hear his message is consistent with that of Christs. Didn’t He teach about taking care of the poor? Didn’t He spend most, if not all, His time with the worst of the worst of His day? Tax collectors, prostitutes….Does communicating our responsibility to be good stewards of the land mean he’s a radical environmentalist that believes in Cap and Trade? Really? I’m a conservative, probably leaning more libertarian, and a staunch Catholic and I see no conflict in these beliefs. Peace.

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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:17am
  Agreed
  
  Many of these supposed bible readers do not recognize the message of Pope Francis is the same message Jesus gave.
  Makes you wonder if they would accept Jesus if he stood in front of them. Maybe they would give Himn a Bible leason too.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:36am
  Yeah,yeah, yeah….with a couple hundred thousand in Artisan Gold on the table…….
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:38am
  I say you missed the message entirely.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:08am
  Max
  
  I say, go back to Shepard Chapel and learn about UFO’s in the Bible
  
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- HuskerDave
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:55am
  I agree that we’ve heard too little from Pope Francis so far to assume he’s going to be pro-this or anti-this.
  
  We do know that he’s a man of God, and cares deeply for the poor. We know that he has been at odds with the communist dictatorship of Argentina. We know that he is more concerned with outreach to people of many faiths than with his personal security.
  
  So far I can find no fault with the man.
  
  Oh, and since you’re a Husker too, GBR!
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:45am
  It’s an Associated Press story.
  He could have said, “The Governments of the world are corrupt and need to stop stealing from the people.” and they would have ignored it.
  
  They spin how they want to.
  
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BladerunnerKC
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:01am
This is just more socialism and climate change.

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- Obama Snake Oil Co
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:17am
  If you understand Argentina, you understand the concern for environment….
  
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BlackCrow
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:56am
Another “Social Justice” progressive, nothing but code talk for redistributionest communism.

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- johnthebabtist
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 1:50pm
  blackcrow: worse, “new world order”
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 2:13pm
  Protestant Rhino President George HW Bush was calling for the “New World Order”
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc7i0wCFf8g
  
  Look to the UN for a villain!
  
  Report this comment
justangry
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:52am
Sounds like religious altruism to me. So we know he’s not a virtuous man. As for the environment, the leaders, princes, sheiks… governments are the world’s biggest polluters. In our case the biggest polluter owns it’s own watchdog. It’s kind of like having Michael Moore guarding the cake… They go after the little guy (Get that, Pope?) for polluting while their radiation is leaking from under the ground. Perhaps he’s just stupid and doesn’t know any better. Many lefties are.

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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:00am
  He to the leaders, princes, sheiks… governments to care for the environment and you complain.
  You say they are the ones who do the polluting…they are the ones he told not to pollute.
  
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- TheSurrealTruth
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:25am
  He certainly isn’t forcing his altruism on you or me, so I don’t see the problem.
  
  He’s telling people to look out for one another, and be good stewards of the land. This isn’t just a Catholic idea, it’s a Protestant one as well. He’s keeping things very basic, as far as I can tell. Which is fine. The church needs to get back to the basics, after all.
  
  Sir, I suspect you’re, ahem, just angry . . . but you’re wrong to judge him so harshly, so quickly. So far, he seems to be a great man of God. Although I’m not Catholic, I will continue to pray for the Pope and his people.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:55am
  SURREAL….Won’t judge the man, that’s the father’s job. Judge the church?……you betcha.
  Certainly NOT Philadelphia or Smyrna. Those were the two churches that Christ did not condemn, or does the Catholic bible cover that issue?
  If the scripture doesn’t jibe with the church, do you change the church or edit the scripture? Maybe you force an encyclical that alters the original interpretation…or ignore that chapter altogether. Mystery Babylon.
- barber2
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:57am
  JUST: Regarding this particular topic, you are justly named.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:12am
  Won’t judge the man. That is the Father’s job…..judge the church?….you betcha. The church of Philadelphia and the of Smirna, were the two, out of seven, that Christ approved of. The words of this pope, puts the RCC in the Laodicean category…..you know what I’m talking about, right?….or do you even cover that issue?
  If scripture disagrees with the church, you edit the scripture, force an encyclical that alters the interpretation, remove it from the ‘approved’ bible, or just ignore it, right?
  
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rangerskippy
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:33am
Mr. Pope Dude,

Let me get this right, a bunch of dudes, sat around, and elected another dude (you), and then claim you speak for God?

I have read the Bible through a couple of times, and I never found that little vote thing. I also noticed that in the New Testament, there is no pope. You Catholics claim Peter was the pope, but when Paul was converted, they took him to James (head of the church in Jerusalem) not Peter. I also seem to remember a miracle, where Jesus healed Peter’s mother in law, meaning that Peter was married.

I also happened to notice in the NT, that the Church is local, and does not fall under a world government system, like your Roman Catholic Government.

While reading the Bible, I also noticed that there is no purgatory, no prayers to Mary, not priests that we call father, no burning of candles for the dead, no holy water, no making the sign of the cross when you pray, no attending confession to a man, and no baptizing babies…..

Your religion is just that, it is a set of manmade rules that lead people away from the Bible. Salvation is by grace and grace alone.

You are nothing more than a pimp that whores out the false catholic religion.

If you actually read your Bible and believed, you would stop being called “father”, stop dressing like mother, and would ditch all the man made rules and get back to the good old fashioned Bible.

Biblically, all Christians are saints

~Saint Ranger Skippy

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- huskerfans6
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:58am
  I’m sure you were saying what Jesus would say out of love and compassion? I’m sure it’s this example of humility that brings those around you closer to Christ? The Bible, being the Word of God, when left to amateurs, myself included, can be interpreted to justify almost anything anyone ones it to. That would explain the existence of over 2,000 ‘Christian’ denominations. So, how do you know yours or your interpretation of the Bible is the ‘right’ one? Based on who’s authority? Yours? Let’s go back to what you wrote and review the Christlike example you set……or let’s forgive you and move on to more pressing issues.
  
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- Marine25
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:07am
  After you are through making fun of the catholics will you return to believing a mistranslated book written by cave people is a reliable guide to the modern world? A book that says there’s an invisible man in the sky who likes to watch you while you’re showering. Two thousand years ago, an alter ego of this invisible man knocked up a Jewess whose husband wasn’t satisfying her. The progeny of this drunken coupling was both god and the son of god. This son of god was killed (but not really, since he’s also god, and gods can’t die) and then came back to life to seek revenge. His killing was a necessary sacrifice in order that we might be forgiven for the sins of Eve, the first woman in the world, who lived 6000 years ago in a magical garden, where a talking snake convinced her to eat a forbidden apple. If you don’t believe all the preceding items, then after you die you will be plunged into a lake of fire and tortured for all eternity.
  
  If our society wasn’t run by theists you would be committed to asylum or given psychotropic drugs for experiencing such delusions. But because the folks who make the rules are either believers or afraid of the electoral power of believers, you instead get tax exemptions and holidays.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:07am
  Good mornin’ ranger…Your post looks like two or three I built over the weekend….I enjoyed it, though I know it helped no Catholic. They are clueless as to what Idolatry is.
  This speech was hollow, mainly cause of the ostentatious wealth of the Vatican. In the picture with the chalice, there is probably $150,000 worth of gold on the table. Estimates on the accrued wealth of the RCC is in the tens of billions….this is perfect chance to put their money where his mouth is.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:14am
  Of the four Gospels, two were written by men who were not apostles, and yet their writings bear the stamp of divine inspiration and authentic teaching. There is no record anywhere of Luke’s ever having met Christ, and he was certainly not one of the Twelve. Mark may have seen Christ in the flesh and indeed may have been the young man in the garden who fled naked when someone tore from his back the sheet he’d wrapped himself in. Matthias was chosen as apostle by the other apostles to replace Judas Iscariot. This choice was, according to the Acts of the Apostles, made directly under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Once elected, he was treated exactly as one of the original Twelve.
  James was the head of the Church in Jerusalem, Peter was the head of the Church. The Bible does say Peter had a Mother-in-law, implying he has or HAD a wife. You bible only people cannot assume he has a wife. Anyway we have somewhere around 100 married priest in the US today. It’s a discipline not a doctrine.
  Jesus said “I will build my church” you think he left no one on earth in charge of this church?
  We already see you bible reading skills are not perfect…see above; no elections by a group of men.
  The Catholic religion predates the Bible. The Catholic religion collected, protected and authorized the Bible.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:14am
  Salvation is by the grace of God alone, on that we agree.
  We see clearly what you think about Catholics, but what do you believe? Man-made sola scriptura, or Man-made sola fida. Which of the30,000+ denominations do you belong to. Let me guess they are all wrong too. You are your own church…you and Jesus. Yea that’s biblical
  All hail Skippy Ranger…(that name has a weird sound to it. Like it should be said with a lisp)
  
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- huskerfans6
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:14am
  Marine25….and that’s the response of rational, stable person without an ounce of anger or resentment in his blood? Can’t wait to see how you respond to this. Peace brother.
  
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- Max jones
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:31am
  HUSKER……How many “versions” of the bible, do you think there is in publication, now? There’s even one out now that is LGBT ‘ friendly. I study with a man who knows the Greek and Hebrew. I, myself, am trying to wear out my strong’s concordance.
  The supernatural Nature of the scriptures is diluted with every new translation. Some of the versions are edited versions of other versions.
  Things like the ‘parable of the fig tree’, and ‘ the key of David’ that are crucial to understanding, are not taught, even in seminary. We are witnessing the great apostasy. “Organized religion” has failed.
  I feel blessed that I was able to escape ‘religion’.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:11am
  I love how folks get angry over what I wrote, then they turn around and claim the Bible not to be God’s word.
  
  So basically, many of these folks worship their own minds.
  
  I read the entire Bible, and never saw any mention of denominations.
  
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- e7705
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:17am
  Ranger,
  Might I suggest that you go to catholicanswers.com. You seem to be ill-informed regarding the Catholic faith. Perhaps this misinformation is what is fueling your anger.
  
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- huskerfans6
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:23am
  Max and Marine….just a few comments for you to ponder:
  1.) Did you know that this great country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles and, therefore, those ‘things’ you want to defend wouldn’t exist without those Biblical principles?
  2.) Did you know that the Church and, specifically, the Popes, including the last 2, have written extensively against Marxism/Socialism/Communism and even the United Nations? Who else has done so publically?????
  3.) And this is one to ponder, if I’m wrong in believing in God and trying to live my life according to those principles then I merely end up in the same place as you when I die……if you’re wrong, and live your life accordingly we could potentially end up in marketedly different places. I merely say this to encourage you to seek the Truth…..don’t let the errors of men lead you astray brothers. Peace.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:27am
  Max Jones
  
  You nailed it my friend.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 10:57am
  E7705
  
  Bud, I am not angry.
  
  I love catholic people, and have some good friends that happen to be catholic.
  
  Unfortunately, you believe in a manmade dogma that is not Biblical. No hate, just truth.
  
  Once again, we have a first amendment that recognizes your right to worship as you please. I will fight for your right to worship.
  
  I speak the truth, even when it is not popular.
  
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- by faith
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:13pm
  Ranger Skippy
  “I have read the Bible through a couple of times, and I never found that little vote thing”
  
  Matthias was chosen as apostle by the other apostles to replace Judas Iscariot. This choice was, according to the Acts of the Apostles, made directly under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
  Once elected, he was treated exactly as one of the original Twelve.
  
  Maybe you need to re-read Acts
  
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liltexasgal
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:32am
Envy is our biggest problem in the world today. If we see someone else doing well and living well, it should make us happy inside. Instead, we get jealous and hate them because they have more than we do. Instead of working hard and trying to emulate others success, we desire for their wealth to be redistributed to us for nothing. That’s the main reason this world is going to hell in a handbasket!

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Gr8ful1jim
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:27am
Piper60, I am a Catholic and protestants are not looked upon as “awful”. Some may say truly awful things about the Catholic Church, but that is frailty in mankind. Pope Francis has much work to do in renewing the faith and instilling upon all Catholics to follow the teachings of the Church. These teachings are inspired by the word of God and only serve to have all souls reach their final reward which is the Kingdom of God. Our time here on this Earth is short. While here we need to care for God’s creation and for each other. That is the simple message that Pope Francis is putting forth.

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biohazard23
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:55am
God bless him.

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piper60
Posted on March 19, 2013 at 7:51am
I am not Catholic my self. I’m one of those awful protestants. I always have respected the papacy, though. The new pope sounds like a good man. I hope He is able to do all the things for the church that he really needs to.

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- HappyBloodhound
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:05am
  Piper60, I am Anglican which is not Protestant but “via media”, the way between Roman Catholic and Protestant churches. I too, hope Pope Francis will have the strength to throw out the abusers and those who covered up the pedophilia in the Catholic Church. Being Jesuit, he has fought many battles, probably with the hierarchy itself. As they say, the Jesuits are “God’s Marines.” He can set things right for them.
  
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- circleDwagons
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:08am
  Piper60. I pray that he is guided by God to do His work. Looking out for the poor and needy is good but theChurches’ main purpose is to take care a the folk and bring the Lost to God.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:35am
  He is not guided by God. He is the leader of a false religin, that is contrary to Bible
  
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- firearm
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:40am
  RANGERSKIPPY has been mad at the Catholics ever since he tried joining the Crusaders and they rejected him because he has flat feet.
  
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- barber2
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:47am
  PIPER: While not one of you, I have never considered Protestants ” awful.” I was raised in Catholic schools and we were never taught to hate anyone of different religions. Mt parents paid taxes and sacrificed to pay for my education. I am grateful for them and for an education that taught me personal responsibility and a solid educational background in the basics. ( I remember early years walking single file ..in silence, no less…in school corridors ! and raising my hand and having to stand to comment in class ! )
  
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- Dury
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:54am
  @skippy & jones, you guys are out to lunch, suppose you belong to Westboro Baptist Church or some other very loving group of identity whackjobs.
  
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- joboww
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 9:55am
  @Happy
  
  there is no such thing as a middle way, either you are Catholic or you are not…that simple. Not confrontational just honest. And since the Anglicans rid themselves of the laying on of hands during the time of Elizabeth, and now have changed the very nature of ordination further by pretending women can be ordained we are not talking about the same church
  
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- sta
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 11:41am
  Why do you consider yourself to be “awful”?
  Did you know that the Catholic Church considers you to be brethren?
  
  A few years ago, the Vatican released a statement reiterating that non-Catholics have the same chance of making it to heaven (if they walk in the footsteps of Christ) and any Catholic who thinks otherwise is wrong.
  
  Catholics think that we have the doctrine right. But if we didn’t, we would be something other than Catholic, right? Hopefully, Lutherans think they have it right, Methodists think they have it right, etc.
  
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- rangerskippy
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 6:16pm
  I belong to the Christian church. It is the body of believers, just like the Bible stated. I attend the local New Testament churhc, just like Paul set up.
  
  I do not need to visit the cahtolicanswers.com. I have a 1611 KJV Bible. All I need to do, is open it up.
  
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- begreen
  Posted on March 19, 2013 at 8:57pm
  “Scripture for truth by the Holy Spirit” as you point out in your letter. . So where do we find this truth? John 8:32 ” And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” To set us free means to save us. This is critical for us to know the truth to be saved John 14:7 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. So truth is a person! To deny the truth is to deny Jesus. What did Jesus tell Pilot John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. So truth is obviously an important commodity. So what does Scripture say is the ” pillar and ground of the truth”? In 1 Timothy 3:15 hmm it reads the pillar and ground of the truth.” is what the Bible? NOPE. ” But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” So the Bible says, the word of God says it’s the Church not scripture. Therefore, the final authority is God’s Church.
  
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