Just had a gander through this thread for the first time.

As ever, stereotypes to the fore!

Joe Offer sees the logic in the old German dude's reasoning and wishes everybody would see him in context rather than soundbite.

Akenaton goes back to form with his homophobic rants.

Most others can't see what ramblings of the Pope has to do with them.

So, is there anything left for Willie to cover? (Sorry.. couldn't resist it.)

Well actually, there is.

Despite my misgivings of the Pope's power of influence over a huge percentage of the world's population, despite my concern that the "control" side of religion is more prominent than the "moral living" side of things...

I actually applaud him for coming off the fence somewhat. Yes, he has said things in a way that doesn't alienate the bigoted end of his congregation, he hasn't said anything that could be misinterpreted as condoning promiscuity.. But, he is the first leader of left footers to actually come out and acknowledge the advantages to society of contraception.

It doesn't mean I suddenly applaud gilded palaces being built alongside unsanitary slums in South America. it doesn't mean I agree with Catholic clergy having unregulated access to vulnerable people, it doesn't mean I have any time for sexist homophobic excuses for the general position of the Vatican on many issues...

It just means this dude has shown a bit of courage and humility for once and allowed a pragmatic stance prevail.

I don't actually mind that.