Pope Denounces Events in Iraq to Bush

[Barrett808]

Pope Denounces Events in Iraq to Bush
By TOM RAUM, Associated Press Writer

ROME - President Bush got a sharp dose of Europe's opposition to his Iraq policy Friday, quietly in the halls of the Vatican from Pope John Paul II and loudly in the streets of Rome from thousands of demonstrators.

The ailing pontiff complained about recent "deplorable events," an apparent reference to the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. troops. In the absence of a commitment to shared human values, "neither war nor terrorism will ever be overcome," he said, struggling to speak.

However, the pope welcomed the recent establishment of an interim government and called for a speedy transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis.

Not far from the Vatican walls, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate through central Rome, many with signs demanding Italy withdraw its troops from Iraq. A score of demonstrators hurling stones clashed with police during the march. Others threw firecrackers and set a trash can on fire.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040604/ap_on_re_eu/bush&cid=518&ncid=1480

[0007]

1. What a guy!! Three cheers for God.

"junior presented the pontiff with the presidential medal of freedom, America's highest civilian award, calling him "a devoted servant of God."

Shit, he didn't give a medal to Tenet.

[Gman]

2. JPII told Bush to his face last year...

"If you go to Iraq, you go without God."

I wonder what JPII told him privately.

If Bush was Catholic I would think he should be denied Communion.

[louis c]

3. The Pope and Bush

The Pope and Bush met today to give a joint address to the world. I could hardly understand a word he said. I had trouble understanding the Pope, too.

[BrotherBuzz]

4. Good one...

Welcome to DU!

[Unperson 309]

6. WELCOME to DU. Louis C!

Always glad to see new faces!

[Unperson 309]

5. *TENS* of Thousands?!

From what I've heard, that is SUCH a frickin' lowball number!!

try 500,000!

Tens of thousands of demonstrators, my speckled ASS!

309

[Politicub]

7. Imus played the Pope's audio of him reading his statement

It was very sad. The words seemed forced. It was painful to listen to him slowly mumble through the statement.

I don't have a link to it, but it's worth listening to. This pope is clearly near the end of his days. It will be interesting to know who is his successor.

[grytpype]

8. link to Guardian article..

... sounds like the Holy Father tore Gee Dub a new corn chute...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1232050,00.html

from the article:

The Pope yesterday subjected George Bush to a very public, relentlessly critical assessment of the US administration's performance in Iraq, attacking "deplorable" abuses of prisoners and calling for an international solution to the country's crisis.

During the president's visit to the Vatican, which the administration had hoped would help him win Catholic votes in November's presidential election, the Pope warned Mr Bush he would never succeed in the war on terrorism if he failed to ensure respect for basic human rights.

[cliss]

9. George probably sat next to the Pope

and nodded and smiled, all the while not understanding a word he said.

"Finally, someone who sounds worse than me", he thinks.

[truthisfreedom]

10. tens of thousands? try a million. sheesh. we live in the age of lies in

the face of facts... where anybody who wants to use the media to lie can try, but is obviated by their own farce.

[dArKeR]

11. Bush takes a tongue-lashing from the Pope

The Pope on Friday subjected George Bush to a very public, relentlessly critical assessment of the United States administration's performance in Iraq, attacking "deplorable" abuses of prisoners and calling for an international solution to the country's crisis.

During the president's visit to the Vatican, which the administration had hoped would help him win Catholic votes in November's presidential election, the Pope warned Bush he would never succeed in the war on terrorism if he failed to ensure respect for basic human rights.

And he urged him to involve the United Nations in an oper ation for the swift return of sovereignty to Iraq.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=67463