"(I get sick of the bashing, if one doesn't like people of faith no one is shoving their beliefs at you or forcing you to believe anything"

Peoples faith is indeed that persons business. But, these issues go far beyond individual faith, and does impact others....RC, non RC Christian and a whole gaggle of other people in this world.

This current Pope (and past ones) has put his views in the public domain on many issues, beyond individual faith, that impact many folks, RC and otherwis. So a discussion of that is indeed proper and I suspect responsible.

Consider this statement in regard to the issue being limited to birth control. The issue is loglically broader. Marital fidelity is a worthy goal, as is no sex prior or outside marriage. But, is likely not realitic: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7951839.stm