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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Vatican Insiders Call Pope 'a Disaster'

Gaffe-prone and out-of-touch Benedict aggravates Holy See

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(Newser) – As Benedict XVI continues his pilgrimage in Africa, sources inside the Vatican say that the pope's frequent gaffes and difficulties with modern communication are threatening to undermine him. One member of the Vatican told the Telegraph that Benedict is "a disaster" who is "out of touch with the real world," citing his recent explosive remark that condoms aggravate the AIDS crisis.

Benedict's lifting of the excommunication of a bishop who questioned the Holocaust, along with inflammatory remarks about Islam and homosexuality, have unleashed a torrent of bad press for the Vatican. The Holy See's reluctance to embrace the Internet and long traditions of secrecy have made matters worse, said one source in Rome, who lamented, "The Vatican is far removed from the reality on the ground."

Angela Merkel, German chancellor, called on Pope Benedict XVI for a
Angela Merkel, German chancellor, called on Pope Benedict XVI for a "very clear" rejection of Holocaust denial after he rehabilitated a bishop who questioned its existence.   (AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano)
Pope Benedict XVI walks in front of an honor guard as he departs from Yaounde, Cameroon Friday, March 20, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI walks in front of an honor guard as he departs from Yaounde, Cameroon Friday, March 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Pope Benedict XVI recently departed for Angola on the second leg of his first papal visit to Africa.
Pope Benedict XVI recently departed for Angola on the second leg of his first papal visit to Africa.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Pope Benedict XVI kisses a young girl as he leaves the Amadou Ahidjo stadium to celebrate a Mass, in Yaounde, Cameroon, Thursday, March 19, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI kisses a young girl as he leaves the Amadou Ahidjo stadium to celebrate a Mass, in Yaounde, Cameroon, Thursday, March 19, 2009.   (AP Photo / Osservatore Romano, Pool)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during a Vespers prayer inside the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during a Vespers prayer inside the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in Rome, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
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13 comments
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stw111
Mar 20, 09 8:22 AM CDT
So a Catholic man who is saying what he believes (a lot like Catholics I know) is presenting a PR situation for the Vatican? I'm neither for nor against the religion, I just think it's interesting how desperate are to get this guy to can it. Reply
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Robert_Dada
Mar 20, 09 8:27 AM CDT
The entire Catholic Church is a disaster. Reply
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ClingingToHope
Mar 20, 09 8:58 AM CDT
...but Islam is the religion of peace? Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
Robert_Dada
Mar 20, 09 9:26 AM CDT
All religions are equally worthless.
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0
IN RESPONSE:
Rob
Mar 20, 09 9:35 AM CDT
No, robert, all religions are not worthless, although they are of equal veracity.
Vote up! Vote down!
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