Just plain wrong

(image credit: www.wktv.com)

"Pope Benedict XVI condemned unbridled 'pagan' passion for power, possessions and money as a modern-day plague on Saturday, as he led more than a quarter million Catholics at an outdoor Mass in Paris."

Okay.

I have no problem with Their Holinesses, whomever they may be, around the world. "Holiness" is a lot better ideal to strive for than, say, "Complete Debauchery."

But I have a big, BIG problem with someone who purports himself to be our Lord Jesus Christ's representative on earth. And it's not just the current version.

Here's what Jesus said about money, power, etc.:

"Jesus answered him, If you would be perfect, go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; and come, be My disciple." (Matthew 19:21, Amplified Bible)

And, let's just recap how Jesus lived -- AMONG the poor. Very few clothes. Just enough to eat.

Aaaaaaand ... then we have the Pontiff. Hardly living hand-to-mouth:

"The Vatican's assets are a well-kept secret but one which is the topic of much speculation. Estimates range from $1.5bn to $15bn and more. They include works of art and buildings which for the most part cannot be sold.

"Large parts of the Vatican's assets are in securities and gold reserves. Additional assets are in rental revenues, the sale of coins, stamps and souvenirs as well as monies from church taxes in the dioceses and the so-called Peter's penny - a special, annual collection for the pope."

As far back as 1688, the servant of all mankind's routine began thusly:

"The pope's bedroom door suddenly opens, and his Holiness appears. 'Buon giorno,' says the pope in a clear, distinct voice to his aged valet-de-chambre, Signor Zangolini, who is dressed in a violet-colored robe, and who occupies his leisure moments in disposing of unheard-of quantities of snuff. Signor Zangolini then enters the pope's room, shaves him, dresses him, and then leaves him in his privacy till seven o'clock."

It's the same to this day. This is how royalty is treated. They do NOTHING for themselves, not even dress.

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**So we've got our Lord Jesus, who maybe had one spare robe, and ate if someone was kind enough to share with Him;

-- and we've got Benny, living like the Sultan of Brunei. WHILE MILLIONS OF CATHOLICS AROUND THE WORLD STARVE.**

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Take a look at the bling my man's wearing. That piece ALONE could feed a village in Kenya for a YEAR. Much less the billions in art treasures the Vatican sits on. Does it really need all 72 Michaelangelo paintings? Statues? Whatever? When people are starving?

So don't give me any of this "unbridled 'pagan' passion for power, possessions and money." You've got ALL of that and a BAG OF CHIPS, homeboy. You are the ANTITHESIS of EVERYTHING our Lord Jesus tried to get across. You, and all your predecessors.

If I allowed myself, I'd actually hate this guy. But our Lord encouraged us to love everyone, so I won't go there. But I'm still deeply pissed off.

At least THIS Holiness walks the walk:

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