This is nonsense, JP2 was the peoples pope, he had many decades to build up his persona, he also was just as contraversal. What Benedict has said is inline with catholicism, if you do not like it, then leave for a different faith, I am a catholic, and what he says, is in line with our faith.

I am not a religious person but have read much of the bible and while I do not agree with the Popes veiws regarding homosexuals and women in the church I do find it strange that those who claim to be religious would not abide by the rules set out in the bible, after all it is the word of their God.

Jesus said the world would hate his followers because the world first hated him. I applaud the pope for standing up for biblical values and refusing to compromise in deference to the world. God forbid that the Catholic church commit spiritual suicide like the Uniting church and others are doing.

Pope Benedict teaches the truth that comes out of the bible and gospels. If you do not like it, turn away just as people did to Jesus when he said that they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. This is a very hard message for many so called Christians today.

I am catholic but find the message of Jesus to be of love and acceptance. He washed the feet of his disciples, spoke to the children (who weren't deemed worthy) and took care of the lepers, whores and alike. To speak hate or nonacceptance towards any person or living being is not Christian IMO.

The Pope preaches that the church is against homosexuality (which it is). This does not mean we should hate or shun them. God will forgive. I find it interesting that the people who seem to flare up the most at things the Pope says are not actually Catholic, so why does it concern them so?

Every Pope is different, this soapbox is unecessary, but perhaps this is due to because this pope is only new and is publicised or seen as old fashioned.

Faith THE FINAL FRONTIER as many would say the pope is a devotee to his faith as last pope as the one before is not a popularity vote if it where they would be ellected by church goers as story in bible teaches not to judge other like book cover story may be great

A greater wisdom than mans ego or dellusion a quest for truth vanity may rule many humble masters have greater wisdom than own perception of vanity a wisdom of faith a humble master whom cast the first stone for truth and the wisdom of world beyond heavenly kingdom

I believe everyone has a right to their opinion but if they want to voice it so loudy, they need to look at other people and find out why their beliefs differ from others. I've just finished a book called, "Defending my god-given right to not be a christian" by Jimmy D. Kuratz. A good eye-opener!