Okay, How can the Pope's views not be the Vatican's views??

[Are_grits_groceries]

But Vatican spokesman, Reverend Federico Lombardi, told AP that the Pope’s “absolutely indefensible” decision to reinstate Williamson did not reflect the Vatican’s views: “They are his personal ideas ... that we certainly don't share."

http://www.bild.de/BILD/news/bild-english/world-news/2009/02/03/pope-benedict-xvi/german-archbishop-calls-for-resignation-over-holocaust-denier-williamson-rehabilitation.html

I am not up on any Catholic/Vatican/Pope hierarchy, but this statement confused me. The Vatican has different views than the Pope?? These views are made known?? The Pope reinstates people due to personal and not religious views??
Talk me somewhere...........

[Donnachaidh]

1. It's pretty disgusting when the Vatican has to implement spin to cover

for ratboy's personal views, ain't it?

[Are_grits_groceries]

2. I'm still confused. nt

[Donnachaidh]

3. When I was in Catholic School, the Pope was the FINAL WORD

Anything coming out of his mouth was the *official stance* of the Vatican. No ifs, ands or buts. It seems now the Vatican has implemented what we lovingly call *the opposite day excuse*. Anything the Pope says is opposite what we want to be official on.

It is confusing, but if they were honest, they couldn't get behind ratboy and his reinstatement of Holocaust deniers. I'm sure the descendants of Catholics that were killed during that time frame are just as confused as you are. Probably even a wee bit outraged. :shrug:

[Are_grits_groceries]

4. I had never run into this bit of sophistry before.

If 2 views are correct, I've missed it as I said. However, I don't keep up.

[pnwmom]

5. What they are claiming is that the Pope took a personnel action they didn't agree with.

This isn't a theological matter per se.