pope (Page 4)

Wonder why the Pope didn’t get a flu shot this year? If hehad, he probably wouldn’t have the flu right now. Theanswer? He probably doesn’t really have the flu.

The Pope receives the best medical care the world has tooffer, and despite the fact that there was a shortage of fluvaccine this year (there isn?t anymore), he would have beenat the top of the list to get vaccinated from the smallamount of vaccine that was available. Actually, he probablyDID get a vaccination; the breathing difficulties he’sexperiencing are most likely a result of aspirationpneumonia, a side effect of advanced Parkinson’s.
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Until recently, 82-year-old Pope John Paul was so frail that some photographers declined to take pictures of him, out of kindness. His voice was so weak that he could hardly be heard or understood, and many in the Vatican thought he should resign. But in his public appearances just before Easter, he suddenly seemed more healthy. He spoke clearly and with a firm voice, and stopped to chat with worshippers on his travels. He even improvised a sermon on Good Friday and wished the world happy Easter in 62 languages. What’s behind the Pope?s “miracle” cure?did he get hold of some of the white powdered gold that Laurence Gardner says the Egyptians developed?
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Roman Catholic bishops should avoid telling congregations that their parish priests sexually abused children if the bishops believe the priests won?t do it again, according to Vatican official Gianfranco Ghirlanda. He says church leaders have no legal or moral responsibilities if such abuse occurs.

The Vatican appeals court judge says church leaders must protect the “good name” of their priests. “From a canon law perspective, the bishop and the superior are neither morally nor judicially responsible for the acts committed by one of their clergy,” says Ghirlanda, who is dean of canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.His statements are in the influential Jesuit magazine Civilta Cattolica, which reflects the thinking of the Vatican.
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African Americans won both Best Actor Oscars this year. Now it looks like the next Pope may be black. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican?s doctrinal chief, says an African papacy would ?only be to the Church?s benefit? and a ?wonderful sign for all Christianity.?

Cardinal Ratzinger, 74, is viewed as a major decision-maker in the conclave that will eventually choose the Pope?s successor. He says that the Church?s African leaders have all the qualities required for the papacy and that it?s entirely possible that the ?next Pope may come from there.? Yet he admits that racism could prevent an African succession and that there are still ?great misgivings in the West about the Third World.?
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