Quick Note: USA Supreme Court did not permit Vatican to be sued

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa / Va-Browser)

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Quick Note Article by Marc Aupiais

|Quick notes are not as researched as articles if researched at all|

Phil Lawler of Catholic Culture, has noted that media headlines that the USA (United States of America) Supreme Court has allowed the Vatican (Vatican City State/Holy See) to be sued de jure (by right of law), are incorrect. Instead it chose not to decide on the matter as yet, a slightly different move.

Here are the more that obvious results, and I may note that in South African Law, at least with the Anglican church in Province of the Church of Southern Africa, Diocese of Cape Town v CCMA et al, it was found that the priest was not even an employee of the diocese:

"By declining to hear the case, the Supreme Court did deal a minor legal setback to the Vatican, which had sought to have the case summarily dismissed. But the Oregon court’s ruling—which the Supreme Court let stand—only gives plaintiff the opportunity to argue that the Pope and the Vatican can be included as defendants. That argument is far from resolved.

In their effort to include the Pope as a defendant, the plaintiff faces an uphill struggle. The Foreign Sovereign Immunity Act protects the Holy See from liability unless the plaintiff can demonstrate that the priest who abused him was acting as an employee of the Vatican. By any of the normal legal standards—who signed his paycheck, who was his direct supervisor, who gave his assignments—the priest was working for the diocese, not the Vatican. Any effort to draw a connection between diocesan policies and Vatican directives would run into a further obstacle: the historical (and very prudent) reluctance of the American courts to become involved in the internal affairs of a religious body.

Even if an American court did give plaintiffs the right to take testimony from the Pope, the Pope would not be bound by that ruling. The Pope is not subject to American law-- nor to any other system of civil law. He is sovereign; in Vatican City he is the law.

Bottom line: If an American plaintiff takes testimony from the Pope, it will be because the Pope chose to give testimony—not because a court compelled it."

Phil Lawler, Catholic Culture (Catholic; Independent; American) 29 / 06 | June / 2010



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Pope Benedict XVI apologises to victims of sex abuse by clergy in Malta

Heading: Pope Benedict XVI apologises to victims of sex abuse by clergy in Malta

(Social Justice South Africa)

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Article by Marc Aupiais




|Clip from South African Catholic channel on Ustream, announcing the breaking news about the pope visiting abuse victims, this short clip, is less detailed than the article and audio of our service on this matter|

Pope Benedict XVI, who largely quashed sex abuse in the Roman Catholic hierarchy when he was given the jurisdiction to do so as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, around 2001, has once again moved against paedophilia in the Roman Catholic church. He did not note the sex abuse crises to reporters on the plane travelling to Malta, rather indirectly referring to actions which had hurt the church, and separating these from the church herself. Yet, surprising some, especially our service’s own editor, Pope Benedict XVI, officially in Malta to celebrate the 1950th year since Saint Paul was shipwrecked in Malta, met with eight (8) alleged victims of sexual abuse by clergy. Four (4) priests were allegedly involved in the abuse, years ago. The victims were all over the age of thirty.

The Associated Press, referencing one of the eight (8), claimed that the Holy Father was driven to tears while meeting the alleged victims. The pope expressed what Vatican Radio termed shame and sorrow: for the abuse suffered at the hands of clergy.

The Holy Father reportedly promised the victims that the church was doing all in its power, to combat the scourge of paedophilia and to protect young people, within the church. He promised it was doing everything to bring abusers to justice. Benedict XVI was noted by Vatican Radio as listening to the stories of the alleged victims, and prayed with them for healing. He noted their suffering, and that of their families due to the alleged abuse.

The move is significant, after some media had brought allegations without adequate evidence against the pope, involving sex abuse cover-up. Notably the New York Times, and additionally the Associated Press, who claim Benedict XVI did not act on a specific case of sexual abuse, despite the issue at hand being a priest’s request to leave the priesthood, and despite this being decades before it was in Joseph Ratzinger’s jurisdiction, to deal with sexual abuse cases.

The pope notably apologized to the victims, not the media, a very papal form of diplomacy and of acting. Benedict XVI has consistently attempted to root out sexual abuse in the church, since being given some jurisdiction over the matter in 2001, and especially since becoming pope. He has apologised for the church, to Australian victims, American victims, Ireland and its victims, and now to the victims in Malta. The Maltese victims, seemed very mature about the affair, and certainly could not have been portrayed as attempting to undermine the church, given their statements, as far as our service has had access to these.












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Will media attention stop Benedict XVI from pursuing justice against paedophile priests and their protectors?

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa)

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Analytical Article by Marc Aupiais

With high ranking Hierarchical official, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn of Vienna, having recently claimed, as reported by Reuters, that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, was prevented from adequately pursuing at least one case of sexual abuse, under the pontificate of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II: an impression has been made on many Catholics, that Pope Benedict XVI, who on becoming pope, made an effort to apologize for the paedophilic priest scandal cover-up, and to institute reforms, was the man to clear up the crisis. With attacks from anti-Catholic outlets, such as the New York Times, and slanted articles against the church, and papacy, appearing across the world, the question some may be asking is whether or not Benedict XVI, will take the short term risk, of continuing his attempt to revanche the church against those supporting immoral and criminal priests.

His overtures to the FSSPX earlier in his pontificate, suggest a more long term game plan on behalf of Benedict XVI, and while he has had to fight for his own credibility, something which has distracted him from his vendetta, it is certain that however weakened in his fight against these criminal elements in the hierarchy, that he will continue to try and expunge the corrupt elements from the church, though possibly in a more discrete manner, given his campaign’s reception.

Without the power of a loud voice, his efforts, may in fact be somewhat hampered, something the New York Times, and others must have foreseen, when they levelled their unsubstantiated claims of negligence against the Roman Pontiff.

His ignoring of the sexual scandal in recent homilies, could well suggest that the pontiff has decided that it is no longer worth pursuing it to the same extent. This would mean that the one man capable of attacking this issue may have withdrawn. It may also be the case, that having repeatedly apologized, and repeatedly stated his outrage against the conspiracy which allowed abuse, that the pope does not think it prudent to speak at the moment, having already caused the light of day to hit so many cases.

Either way, a wrong focus of media, on the pope, rather than on those who are certainly guilty, could well hamper efforts to root out the corrupt elements that have disobeyed not only civil law, but Canon Law, in their handling of abuse cases.

Most of the cases stem back to previous pontificates, where the issue was quietly swept under the rug, or kept latent, a purposely crafted arcanum.

Letter read to pontiff, by papal preacher sparks controversy

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa)

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Article by Marc Aupiais

In his Good Friday sermon at St. Peter's Basilica, to Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, who belongs to the Franciscan order, and is the preacher to the pontifical household, the man who’s preaching the pope has to listen to, made some comments which have gained global attention. His job, is not as a policy maker, but as a priest who is to preach to the pope.

Raniero Cantalamessa, compared the attacks in media outlets, such as the New York Times, to the work of the Nazis during the Shoah, or so-called Holocaust of the Second World War if major news services are to be believed. In truth he did not, he simply read a letter from a Jewish friend, which claimed that the alleged mass labelling of Catholics, and the papacy, without due process, was also bigotry and dangerous, and reminded the preacher’s Jewish friend of the work of the Nazis.

In his Homily, as published, by independent Catholic news service Zenit, but missing it seems from the Vatican’s own site, the preacher focused on violence, and how it was losing against what he saw as better forces. His statement noted solidarity with the Jews, while his unnamed Jewish friend’s letter attacked “the whole world”, which his friend claims to have seen as attacking people of faith.

Despite constant mention by some media of the accusations by the New York Times, and others about the papacy and the former Cardinal Ratzinger’s cancelling the ecclesiastical trial of a dying man, who faced no civil charges or sanctions at the time, though suspected of sexual abuse, and those involving Ratzinger’s time as Archbishop of Munich, and other accusations, these have yet to have been proven to contain apathy or conspiracy on the part of the pope, even on a balance of scales. The details are also mostly ignored, only the accusations being made, apart from the cases set out by accusers.

An article by the Associated Press, appearing in the Toronto Star, used the accusation by the Preacher of media allegedly purposely creating a tempest in a teapot: the article determined to recall Christian abuse of Jewish people, and attempted to liken the comparison by the preacher of anti-Catholic sentiment and anti-Semitism, itself to anti-Semitic claims.

The Associated Press is quick to note that Vatican representative, Rev. Federico Lombardi, contacted them afterwards, to distance the Vatican from the alleged claims by the preacher, saying that the comparison was not Vatican policy, and say the Associated Press, that Lombardi claims that the preacher was not speaking as a Vatican official.

The fact remains, that the preacher, whose job it is to mentally stimulate the pontiff, was speaking in his official capacity as Preacher to the Papal Household, though this is not a policy making position. The Associated Press also gives their opinion that the pontiff looked weary during the time in which the preaching occurred.

Vatican Radio, also notes being contacted on the issue by Lombardi, saying:

“The Director of the Holy See’s Press Office, Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi issued a statement to Vatican Radio explaining the position of the Holy See.

Fr. Lombardi said the Holy See does not consider the recent criticism of the Pope over the Church’s handling of abuse of minors by priests to be in any wise similar to anti-Semitism.

He went on to explain that Fr. Cantalamessa himself intended only to share an expression of solidarity from a Jewish brother.”

The Vatican’s run-ins with the New York Times are hardly a new event, with Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese located by New York, constantly alleging bias. The Vatican itself, has previously vetted an article alleging a conspiracy against it by the London Times, New York Times and others.

We noted this accusation in our article on the 1st of May 2009: "Vatican" vetted "Jesuit" Paper: "La Civiltà Cattolica" attacks credibility of the "Times", "New York Times" and "The Washington Post", "Le Monde", "the Italian press."

According to Zenit’s rendering of the Homily, the preacher gave to the pontiff, this is what the preacher’s Jewish friend is said to have said, analysis, shows this is the actual focus of news media, these words, allegedly by an unnamed Jewish man:

"I am following with indignation the violent and concentric attacks against the Church, the Pope and all the faithful by the whole world. The use of stereotypes, the passing from personal responsibility and guilt to a collective guilt remind me of the more shameful aspects of anti-Semitism. Therefore I desire to express to you personally, to the Pope and to the whole Church my solidarity as Jew of dialogue and of all those that in the Jewish world (and there are many) share these sentiments of brotherhood. Our Passover and yours undoubtedly have different elements, but we both live with Messianic hope that surely will reunite us in the love of our common Father. I wish you and all Catholics a Good Easter."

Pope Benedict XVI, and other bishops, have themselves claimed responsibility for a collective guilt, incurred by the clergy, and hierarchy, for the sexual abuse scandal, this was done in many of the papacy’s personal apologies on behalf of the church, to many victims.

Communist Vietnam blocks globally acclaimed Catholic World News (CWNews)- CWNEWS

(Scripturelink.net News)

Notation by Marc Aupiais

Catholic Culture / Trinity Communications' Catholic World News service has allegedly been blocked by the Vietnamese Government. The service has noted their reporting on the situation in Vietnam, as a possible explanation for what they are reporting as a block against them online.

Due to the makeup of the specific site mentioned- it is unlikely that Vietnamese will be safely able to use usual methods to bypass the specific alleged block.

Several services, including Zenit News Service, AsiaNews, and Catholic World News- have reported on alleged state brutality against Catholics, reportedly conducted by Vietnam's Communist government, and allies. It is uncertain which other services, other than Catholic World News, who reported on the alleged issue, and AsiaNews, Catholic News Agency, and Independent Catholic News - have possibly been affected- if indeed the Vietnamese internet is being filtered by their national grid's possible firewall.

There has been increasing friction between the Vatican State, and the Communist Vietnamese government- over land ownership and over anti-religious violence, and censorship claims. Catholic services have increasingly been reporting on alleged violence, intimidation, sanctions against Catholics, and arrests- as well as alleged censorship.

According to Catholic World News: those blocked include:

"VietCatholic News, a service staffed by Vietnamese journalists, has long been blocked to users inside the country. Now Catholic World News, AsiaNews, Catholic News Agency, and Independent Catholic News have all been added to the list of blocked sites."
Catholic World News (Catholic Independent; American) 06 / 08 | August 2009
http://www.catholicculture.org/news/features/index.cfm?recnum=60341

Unlikely to be an error if only a number of websites have been blocked, as seems suggested:

Scripturelink.net news, recently found itself unavailable in the Republic of South Africa, along with at least one United States of America government site, however- this could well have been an error in South Africa's local system.

The report alleging the censorring of a number of websites by the Vietnamese state- in contrast- has claimed that many of those sites which reported abuse, are no longer available by ordinary methods in Vietnam.

By-passing government blocks with proxy and information masking techniques, is a likely method to be attempted by Vietnamese if the claims are true:

In situations such as that alleged by CWNEWS: browsers such as Firefox have been quite easily set up to use a proxy for every operation- thereby bypassing government or organisational information blocks, while other methods actually masking specific internet activity are well known to work- and to be in use in many instances. Both kinds of methods: having been used during the Iranian Election Saga, are likely known more widely than before. It is considered: not advisable to enter identifiable information, or passwords- over proxy- the Catholic World News site demands that users log in, after a certain amount of activity, or be denied access to their resources.

Vatican vetted Jesuit Paper: "La Civiltà Cattolica" attacks credibility of the "Times", "New York Times" and "The Washington Post", "Le Monde", "the Italian press."

(See What We See news Archive ; c.f. Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 ; American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006; Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009; La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

Article by Marc Aupiais

Known for it's defense of the Catholic position against the use of condoms, purportedly to fight the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, and for being a journal which is purportedly vetted by Vatican officials, the Jesuit La Civiltà Cattolica (The Catholic Civilization) Journal, is known for something modern Jesuits, are not generally known for in recent times, if Catholic watchdogs are to be believed: perceived fidelity to the Catholic Faith.

The La Civiltà Cattolica journal, was noted on the 17th of February 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI:

"I am pleased to welcome you with all those who collaborate with you in various capacities. I know and appreciate the work that the Journal has carried out at the Church's service since 1850, when Bl. Pius IX, my Predecessor of venerable memory, founded it. He then endowed it with a permanent special statute that established its special connection with the Holy See."

(Pope Benedict XVI, letter/speech on Vatican site (Catholic; Hierarchical; Vatican based) 17 / 02 (February) / 2006 )

This same journal, which American Papist, a prominent Catholic service notes, via a quotation: is vetted by the Vatican (American Papist (Catholic; Independent; American) 22 / 05 (May) / 2006), when it was then defending the position of the church against the use of Condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS, has again taken a stand, which is news making.

In an article, seemingly by La Civiltà Cattolica, which seemingly laments, that Catholics still are perceived as funding some press organizations:

"La Civiltà Cattolica", has been noted by a "Catholic Culture" news brief, as ("Catholic Culture" (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009) apparently claiming severe media bias, against the Catholic Church in some Western Media : as seen in this English translation, as taken off "Catholic Culture" (additions by this service in "[]"):

"[these press organizations are part of an anti-Catholic campaign] which, at a universal level, tends to discredit the Catholic Church: "

(Catholic Culture (American; Catholic; Independent) 01 / 05 (May) / 2009)

Those mentioned by name, include: (The British/London) "Times", (The American) "New York Times" and (The American) "The Washington Post", (The French) "Le Monde", and "the Italian press".

In summarizing their article in English on their online site: La Civiltà Cattolica, writes [sections between [] are notes by us):

"[...]The article aims at demonstrating the evangelical purity of a scholarly, vigilant and attentive teaching ready to plug the possible leaks arising from the osmosis between Church and contemporary society. The lay front in Italy has certainly radicalized its position towards the Church. Moreover, the “lay” are always silent in regard to social services that would not exist if it were not for the contribution of the Catholic lay."

(La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the Vatican) issue "3813")

The word "lay": refers to "laity": to Catholics; who do not hold Holy Orders in the Catholic church. The so-called "lay front", seemingly refers largely to those attacking Pope Benedict XVI, or Catholic Doctrine, that is: in Europe or Italy, or to those supporting publications which do. The article is titled: "AN INCONVENIENT POPE?". The Full summary by the organization is accessible at (La Civiltà Cattolica (Catholic; Italian; connected with the "Vatican") issue "3813").

Polish Politicians: to try dislodge Opposition TV head, via new legislation

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. See What We See News Archive 13 / 03 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

--Yesterday--2009: 12th day of March--Poland--Politics--

Polish state media, is set to lose its independence. TVP, the polish television organization, is headed by an ex-neo-Nazi, and current Catholic: Piotr Farfal, who has renounced his neo-Nazi youth, in which he had edited a magazine for the said movement.

Like in South Africa, it is hard to dislodge a head of state television, due to apposing views expressed than yours. A bill, set to be passed in Poland in June, and likely to be apposed by Polish President: President "Lech Kaczynski", who blocked a similar bill before, is to be attempted again by political opportunists, in June: they hope to get a majority to overrule the Veto, of Poland's President. In many countries: State Television becomes a government spokesperson, rather than reporting actual events: this is why somewhat independent state broadcasting can be important to the life of democracy.

"Prime Minister Donald Tusk", of Poland: is attempting to use the bill, to oust: Polish Television's head, a member of, what Reuters names: the staunchly Roman Catholic "League of Polish Families (LPR)", a political opponent of the "center-right", as well as the left leaning SLD, and of the current Prime Minister: in Poland: "Prime Minister Donald Tusk".








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Venezuela; Chavez supporters attack Jews; Vatican Embassy: in further anti-religious possible voter intimidation

(Social Justice South Africa ; c.f. IOL (Independent; Secular; South African) 05 / 02 / 2009; Reuters (Secular; British; independent) 04 / Feb / 2009; Archive: 23 / Jan / 2009))

Article by Marc Aupiais

After an attack on an important Jewish Synagogue on Saturday, came an attack on a Catholic Diplomatic Embassy (Nuncio), on Wednesday: as forces accused of alleged links with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez: continue anti-religious campaigns.

While Reuters reports:

" Tear gas canisters were lobbed into the Vatican's diplomatic compound in Caracas on Wednesday, the head of the mission said, days after armed men vandalized a synagogue in the capital."

(Reuters (Secular; British; independent) 04 / Feb / 2009)

The head of the Catholic "Mission" (Nuncio), according to Reuters: is: "Giacinto Berloco".

IOL continues: focusing on the Synagogue, and ignoring the diplomatic attack:

"President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday condemned Saturday's attack on Caracas' main synagogue, which he said was being used by "the bourgeoisie" to fan unrest ahead of a crucial referendum next week on his bid for unlimited re-election.

"They accuse me of being anti-semitic. I don't hate Jews, and I call on all Venezuelan Jews not to let themselves be used," Chavez said during a military parade in Maracay, 80km southeast of Caracas."

(IOL (Independent; Secular; South African) 05 / 02 / 2009)

This comes some time after a Vatican Nuncio (Embassy to a political power), was tear bombed in January already, though by an alleged group: which claims they did not attack on Saturday, or Wednesday: and after Chavez kicked out the Israeli ambassador to Venezuela, over the Gaza Strip offenses in January.

The Venezuelan socialist, has also had confrontations with the country's Catholic bishops: who he alleged had a "plot" against him. The Bishops, fear for Venezuela's democracy, as the European Union's Parliament's Vice president fears for "Fundamental Liberties". Both the Jewish authorities, and the Catholic church: have been accused of plotting against the socialist: Chavez, who is attempting to change his country's constitution, to give him yet another term in office. A 2007 attempt failed: leading him to include longer terms in office for other leaders; to gain their support. Chavez supporters have been accused of attacking different obstacles to his sustained iron hand over Venezuela. His statements and actions against the Israeli government recently, are thought a possible cause for the outburst against minority Jews.

Of a previous January anti-religious attack: The Vice President of the EU (European Union's) Parliament: Mario Mauro (Archive: 23 / Jan / 2009) , who is also the representative on religious persecution in the: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, had condemned an attack on a Catholic Nuncio: which is the technical name for a Vatican Embassy, to a political power. The Nuncio, was in Venezuela, and government supporters, are: due to a past record, possibly: those responsible for both the January and February attacks.

Mario claimed then: that fundamental rights (He uses the word "Liberties" in the original quote): were consistently being scraped into non-existence and stolen from citizens: a statement in which he implicated the Venezuelan government(Archive: 23 / Jan / 2009).

Catholic bishops have lambasted the socialist, and others consider him a nuisance to world affairs. His attacks on the west, and attempts to derail capitalism and to attack capitalist systems, are well known.

Elias Farache, who is the current president of the Venezuelan "Jewish Association", is a voice which blames Chavez action over Israeli strikes in the Gaza strip recently: for the attacks.

Venezualan Foreign Minister, a certain Nicolas Maduro: claims that they will bring the culprits to justice; however: this seems doubtful, if those responsible are politically connected enough. He himself admits that the attack was professional. The group which claims to have attacked the Catholic Nuncio in January: "La Piedrita" ("The Pebble"), are still able to operate, able enough: to deny any recent activity.

Stop keeping Nigerians alive: Gay group to EU; as Socialist Spain forces child indoctrination program

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. LifeSiteNews 21 / Jan / 2009; 29 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

LifeSiteNews.com is reporting two interesting stories, firstly; following usual code: groups saying they represent "gay" "rights", have asked for EU (European Union) funding to be outright stopped: to Nigeria, which just rejected "Gay" "Marriage": considered evil by Islamics, and Catholics: and therefore democratically rejected in Nigeria. EU funding has been used in the fight against aids: based on religious views: Michael Cashman, Labour MEP and President of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transsexual Intergroup, is the source of these "suggestions". The European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, should receive a request from the "man", asking them to "re-evaluate" funding to Nigeria.

The EU recently past a resolution, attempting to force all member states to recognize "Gay Marriage": and action, considered the Matter of Mortal sin, and intrinsically evil, by the Catholic church. Barak Hussein Obama, Europe's friend in the White house on Abortion: recently lifted a ban on funding foreign abortions with US taxpayer money.

The Federal Government in America, was recently charged with a lawsuite: after helping fund Catholic Church efforts to rescue victims of human trafficking, because the church body, refused to fund abortions with the money given them. An attempt by the American so-called "Democrat" party: to bail out failing abortion clinics, recently failed.

Spain's socialist, and radically anti-religious government, spawned of an Al Qaeda strike, meanwhile: has remove the rights of parents: to remove their children from indoctrination classes: aimed at changing the views of their society on "Homosexuality". Spain's radical rejection of religion, has caused recent discomfort in Catholic circles: as a secularist government attempts to remove church symbols from public areas: and to force through ideological laws, and measures: on Spain's citizens.


According to LifeSiteNews.com:

"Spain's socialist political establishment, however, was jubilant.

"I celebrate that with this the debate is finished," said Spain's Justice Minister Fernandez Bernejo, who added that "this situation has been created by the bad decisions of some autonomous communities who haven't fulfilled their obligation to educate children well.""

The decision was upheld by their supreme court: another judge: who objected to government policy on homosexuality: was recently removed from the judiciary: purely on his belief that a certain lesbian couple: would not give a child they wished to adopt: a natural upbringing, and normal life. Those involved: such as: Benigno Blanco, President of the Spanish Family Forum, object that the decision by a judiciary, with a history: is unconstitutional, as with the Socialist decision to implement the policy.

Venezuela; Latin America: Catholic Embassy tear bombed, government supporters suspected

(Social Justice South Africa; Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Zenit News 22 / 01 / 2009 ; Archive : 25 / 10 / 2008; 13 / 11 / 2008; Zenit News 10 / 07 / 2007 ; 19 / 11 / 2007; CWNews 13 / 05 / 2006 ; Catholic Culture 21 / 11 / 2008; all sources quoted, are catholic, and independent; The First Two are South African; the Rest are American (USA) Based)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Vice President of the EU (European) Parliament: Mario Mauro , who is also the representative on religious persecution in the: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, has condemned an attack on a Catholic Nuncio: which is the technical name for a Vatican Embassy, to a political power. The Nuncio, was in Venezuela, and government supporters, are: due to a past record, possibly: those responsible.

Venezuela is ruled by the socialist: Hugo Chávez, who has had clashes with the church. During Last year's November 23rd elections, Hugo Chávez's socialist supporters, were accused of intimidating Catholics. Hugo Chávez, wants a completely socialist state, and has made controversial comments on the world stage. Tensions, between Hugo Chávez, who originally tried to create a coup, but later was elected, and the Bishops, in Venezuela; are high: due to his anti-life policies, education issues, possible interference with church structures, and accusations of an alleged plot against Hugo Chávez, made against the Bishops in the country. All of this and actual violence has created a tough circumstance.

The Attack is not the first, and previous experience means that the socialist government's supporters, and factions close to the president, called radical, and considered to have religious intolerance; by EU Parliament Vice President: Mario Mauro; who is also the representative on religious persecution, to the: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Mario Mauro condemned the attacks, saying that any future incidences would only make things worse for Venezuela, where he claims that fundamental rights (He uses the word "Liberties"): are consistently being scraped into non-existence and stolen from citizens.

He noted his solidarity with the Catholic community in the country, where this is not the first attack on the church. Previously, also: government supporters have attacked this embassy, somewhat creating suspicions, that they have something to do with the recent tear bombings!

Toronto Canada: Atheists set sites on buses: Canadian Children will be asking if there is a "good case" against God?

(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Canadian Globe and Mail (Canadian; Secular; Independent) 16 / Jan / 2009)
(Media Study South Africa; c.f. Canadian Globe and Mail (Canadian; Secular; Independent) 16 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Canadian Catholic church has a dark history, it is undoubted: implication in a pro-abortion march, along with the Canadian Arm of the Catholic Woman's League, had already blackened their name. Unlike Italy, where adverts such as this were rejected as unethical; Toronto, could soon see adverts promoting Atheism, at subways, and on buses.

In ancient times, atheism, was a civil crime: a crime against the state: at least, in Ancient Greece. The comparison between atheistic, and structurally, and organized in form: religious cultures: easily shows difference in happiness, success, and other such things: according to a Study in the New York Times (Which is quite liberal itself).

Claims that such will increase discussion on the existence of a God: are likely nonsensical: some people should be angered, and such could create antagonism between religious and Atheists, also: children will see these boards, which undermine parents at a critical age.

Even if it were "probable" that God did not exist, if he were a mythical creature, like a lepracon: it would be rude to create an advert which said lepracons don't exist, it would be a biased, and bigoted attack on Ireland.

To advertise that Santa Clause did not exist, even though Saint Nicolas is a true basis of the mythical creature: well, and English Catholic Priest, who announced such to his congregation: was slandered in the press: so that even BBC heard the story. Such things don't create discussion, they create animosity, and discord in a society.

To believe God does not exist, to discuss this with other adults: perhaps, but placing such on buses, is not acceptable: children see buses, and such can only further degrade family structures, in Britain, America, Canada and Spain.

Much like basically naked people, shown in adverts for a "Sex" convention, in South Africa, which were placed on street advertising, anything in the view of children: which encourages unhealthy behavior, as Atheism does: should be confined to the realm of adults, if accepted at all. Personally, I think, both sex conventions, and Atheism, should be kept out of the public realm, by law. Simply, because of the economic, and social effects such have to damage a society. Atheism takes from people hope and happiness, and for what: a "realism", "skepticism": are these not things which make life unbearable: even if there is not a God: the image of one would spur people on to be kinder and more just: communist, and other atheistic projections: have always had the affect of disheartening people: and such is bad economically. It was also a lack of ethics: which caused the current economic downturn. Belief in a real Hell, and individual judgment: makes people more moral: and morality creates integrity, and integrity is the maintenance of a society, in that morality creates concord, and creates economic profit, for more, and often brings a nation prosperity.

Once again, the Canadian Catholic church, doesn't get good marks, on their "respect" of such things. Sadly, Canada: risks falling further morally; even as to her southern border, the United States of America is about to be caught in the hurricane of her own butterfly wings, unless something is done to reverse, or prevent coming changes promised by Barak Hussein Obama.

People have a right to their views on religion, a freedom to do so that is: but to force and impose that view on another's children: and to force them to read it whenever at the subway; such is attempting to engineer, and propagandize a people, via a sort of coercing: into thought structures not their own.

If I were Canadian, I would raise issue on this, if not simply on a blog, or facebook: and I would be sure to be careful which political party I vote for in future.

Italian Rabbi Accuses Pope and some Discussions Stop

Strained relations between Catholics and Jews had made great advances during the 27 year-long reigning of Pope John Paul, who passed in 2005. He was the first pope to ever take a tour through a synagogue and pressed for relations with Israel and the Vatican. The fact that Pope Benedict XVI, has done the same, and more: even putting off the canonization, of a previous pope, in order to wait for secret Vatican archives to be compiled, to prove his innocence, as pope during World War II, is even more evidence of his kindness to the Jewish people. Those defending the man, include Jewish people.

Some Jews feel all the advancement that was made is being lost under the papacy of Benedict because of his will to make traditional Catholic identity his "only" number one priority. The fact, that the word ___ was recently excluded from Catholic public Worship, to accommodate Jewish people, and that the pope has not taken any biased view against Israel, and the French Catholics, have publicly made a stand for protection of French Jewish people is excluded by these Italian Jews.

A rabbi on Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009, Elia Enrico Richetti, chief rabbi of Venice, outspokenly flatly accused the Pope of destroying 50 years of progress with the Catholic-Jewish dialogue and said the Italian Jews will definitely be boycotting the annual Church celebration of Judaism, January 17, 2009.

The persecution in Jews, has increased since attacks on Hamas, a terrorist grouping, and statements, by a cardinal, who called the Gaza Strip: a concentration camp: may be the real source of these accusations. Interestingly, they appeared in a Jesuit publication, another worrying sign about the Jesuit movement: and more evidence why: at their last general conference: the Pope was so concerned, that they renew their pledge of loyalty to him.

They said their discussions with Vatican officials over their decision to revise a traditional prayer last year, a call to save Israel and convert them. The Jews felt infuriated over this move. They strongly feel this was just patronizing them or belittling the Jews. The Jews feel it wrong, that an old prayer: asking for the salvation of All Israel, has been reintroduced, due to Catholic Ecumenism, with the SSPX schism. They are insulted with the Catholic belief that they should recognize Jesus Christ as the savior of all men.

This current problem being dealt with is considered by some as secondary to add to the first issue that the Jews feel the wartime Pope Pius XII who reigned from 1939 - 1958, didn't offer any substantial support during their crucial time of need through the Holocaust. The Vatican states that is a false statement and Pius had worked behind the scenes to help save the Jews. some Jews are requesting the Pope to reconsider making Pius a saint, the pope responded, by delaying the issue, some time ago: so that all evidence could be made public, an issue, which would cost, Vatican time and money. Recently, a major Israeli party's fan website: had a picture of Pope Benedict XVI, along with Nazi imagery. Both that, and recent strains, have been putting some doubt about a coming visit, into the minds of many!

Benedict was to visit the Holy Land sites in Israel but the visit, to some seems highly unlikely because of Israel's involvement with Gaza at this time. Pope Benedict XVI: however, did not withdraw, after a personal attack on his own integrity, the likelihood of him withdrawing, because of an Italian Rabi, is very small, and the Gaza Strip situation, may be all the more reason to visit Israel.


http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE50C7KF20090113

Ha Noi, Vietnam: Update: Catholic Parishioners sue press, after period (they gave) elapses

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. AFP (Secular; French; Antagonistic at times; Liberal) 12 / Jan / 2009 ; Ha Noi, Vietnam; Asia: Vietnamese Communist administration: continues anti-Catholic Blitz 06 / Jan / 2009 ; Social Justice South Africa 06 / Jan / 2009; c.f. Catholic Culture (Catholic; Independent; American; This is a news alert of theirs) 05/01/2009; AsiaNews (Catholic; Independent; Asian) 05/01/2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

While this is from a separate news source, 2 women, amongst: the Catholics, who were allegedly wrongly reported in the news, as accepting guilt for charges leveled against them, by the Vietnamese government, and who have been given prison sentences, ranging from a year, to longer, are suing the Government Controlled, Communist Vietnamese, Press: for what they are claiming was distortion of the issue.

The relatively large Catholic population in Vietnam, periodically faces, what some fear is a government push to destroy the Catholic religion, parishes, and Catholic buildings are appropriated, often to be turned into parks, or luxury hotels: making it seem that the demolishing of these, is pointless.

The Parishioners, were allegedly involved in a prayer vigil, outside a parish site.

Details are accessible in our earlier article:

(Ha Noi, Vietnam; Asia: Vietnamese Communist administration: continues anti-Catholic Blitz 06 / Jan / 2009)

82 Year old allegedly defrauds Catholics

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular; Independent; British) 08 / 01 / 2009; 08 / 01 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

An 82 year old man allegedly advertised a non-existent investment scheme in Catholic papers throughout America. He was charged with mail fraud when his accounts were reviewed.

This is one of two such alledged schemes halted on Thursday: in the backwash after charges were brought against US billionaire: Bernard Madoff: who allegedly defrauded +- 50 million US Dollars.

Article

(Reuters is a secular; British; Independent news organization)

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressReleasesMolt/idUSTRE5076UI20090108

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE50787K20090108

Orissa, India: Top Indian court tells Orissa Officials: Protect Christian community, or Step down: Christians in the Areas have suffered a genocide

(Social Justice South Africa; Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Catholic World News (Catholic; Independent) 06/01/2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

India's top court has lamented: that it took +-50 000 people to flee their homes: before any protection to Christians: was given. Christians: who were raped, beaten up, murdered, and had possessions, and property: either stolen or burnt, have suffered "Ethnic Cleansing", Blitz, or Genocide: since Hinduist sectarians: have attacked them: blaming an assassination, of a radical leader: conducted by Maoist Rebels, on Christians: instead of on those claiming responsibility: and using this to springboard a genocide.

The Court: has demanded: that minority rights be protected: claiming that the government must either start to protect Christians, who still are endangered by roaming mobs of Hindu Nationalists, thought still to be operating, or these authorities should resign. It also lamented the fact: that no protection was afforded Christians: before the 50 000 or so fled their homes.

Nuns were arrested for crimes, such as kidnapping, of orphans in their care: which it was later proven (after arrests) that they did not do: and authorities have been accused of covering up negligence. Authority forces: have also been accused of standing by, doing nothing: as mobs attacked, beat up, stole from, and abused: minority Christians. Forced conversions: proved by violence to be done against fellow Christians: have occurred.

South Africa's the "Times" and "Sunday Times", has published several "letters" attacking Christians in India: in their articles section online. The paper: has regularly presented a certain view of Christianity.

India, recently fell foul of a terrorist attack, which authorities in India: are blaming on a Pakistani militant group.

Madrid, Spain: Persecution of Science and Catholicism continues: Judge fined, and banned from public office

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. News 24 (Secular) 24/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Fernando Ferrin Calamita, was not allowed to take science, and experience into account, he was not allowed to take the disgusting effect that having no father figure, and being an oddity to friends: would have on a child: instead: the socialist, and radically anti-religious Spanish government: banned him from Public employment for 2 years, and fined him thousands of Euros: because he did his job, and refused a lesbian couple the "right" to adopt a child they desired to adopt.

Somehow, the issue had made it to his court: and Catholics, unlike others are not permitted to ignore the mountains of Psychological evidence which shows the incapacity of a lesbian couple to give a child a normal upbringing. Socialist Spain recently removed crucifixes from schools, refused a Christmas display in a government building (refusing pleas from the lawyers who made it: that Christmas is not just religious, but cultural), Spain's socialists have increasingly attacked Roman Catholicism in any public area, and have forced through highly questionable laws. Spain has entered controversy by new laws: including gay "marriage", and "rights", and other such regulations deemed by Catholicism to be false rights, condemned as false by at least 60 nations in the UN of late, and by the Vatican; like adoption laws which are deemed to harm children. While the Vatican apposes imprisoning, or killing those who practice homosexual acts, attraction to those of one's gender is not condemned: only endorsement of such, and homosexuality: as far is it is practiced and endorsed: which are condemned, but not purely as dangerous activities as health is concerned, and as such not advisable: but further: condemned in the Bible: as fornication: and an activity for which salvation is lost.


Note: Our definition of false rights: is based on definitions of when a law is applicable, and when it is oppression: in the Catechism of the Catholic church.

While protection of homosexuals from unjust discrimination is not considered a false law: gay marriage is considered by the church to promote dangerous activities: and therefor is classed as against the common good: and condemned as abuse of power by the Catholic church.

Madrid, Spain, EU, Europe: Secular Spanish socialists seal icey grip on Christmas: Nativity scene latest in crackdowns on any religous symbolism: "Catholic Watchdog South Africa"

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. IOL (Non-Religious) 18/12/2008; BBC World News (Secular) __/__/__; South African Catholic 17/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Spain's socialist, and anti-religiously secularist government has done it again. Recently, a judge risked, and is contesting a three year jail term, and 18 year bar from practising, after refusing to give a child to a homosexual couple, desiring to adopt, despite the fact they were seen as incapable of being good parents. Other European persecution, includes the removal of many powers from Luxembourg's monarch: after he refused to legalize abortions. Spain itself, has forced the removal of crucifixes from public areas such as schools and universities, and is known for pro-abortion, pro-"homosexual" "Marriage" policies, and for socialist policies.

Now, when a state prosecutor erected a nativity scene in the prosecutors office, it was quite suddenly removed by a judge. No argument that Christmas was part of Spanish culture could prevent the removal.

Laws are being examined in Spain to further define what is implied by so-called "Separation of Church and State". Such policies, from their route in the French rebellion, have always had the obvious target of Catholicism, however the removal of power from a moral watchdog was aptly demonstrated in the Second World War, as was brought up, after a previously Fascist politician in Italy, accused the Vatican of not doing enough: despite Italy existing after militarially conquering the papal states (previous report 17/Dec/2008).

Islamic citizens in Spain, increasingly feel persecuted, as exemplified in the Madrid train bombings (c.f. BBC World News (Secular) __/__/__). Catholicism, however of late has borne the brunt of institutional attacks.

Italy, EU, Europe: Italian Speaker of house (who entered politics as a Fascist) Tries to place blame of WWII attrocities on Catholic: In another attack by the Italian establishment on the church

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa;(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. BBC World News (Secular) 17/12/2008; Other Stories covering it listed by Google News (Secular) :accessed by us: 17/12/2008; See What We See News Archive 17/12/2008; The British "Times" (secular) 17/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Gianfranco Fini, leader of what was once officially a "neo-fascist party" (BBC World News (Secular) 17/11/2008;The British "Times" (secular) 17/12/2008) "Alleanza Nazionale"(The British "Times" (secular) 17/12/2008) who BBC says droped his neo-Fascist agendas earlier in his career, in order to appeal to mainstream politics, has seemingly slipped back into old ways. As speaker of the Italian parliament, one of those parliaments in "Catholic" nations: in Europe: which has periodically of late passed laws hardly representative of a Catholic viewpoint, he now lays the blame for the deportion of the Jews, by the Fascists: to Nazi Germany: on the Vatican.

He says that the Vatican did not make any real effort to appose racial legislation, despite claims, aired in the article by the British "Times", that the Vatican made sharp condemnations of the laws.

Missing in his accusation, as "speaker" of the "Italian" "Parliament", is the fact the Italy exists, having militarially conquered the Vatican, and that it was a treaty by the Fascists during such rule of Italy's politics, when the Lateran treaty was created: confining the Vatican to what is now the country bearing its name. Also excluded are the many iniatives by the Pope of World War II, which: against established customs: caused Religious organizations of Catholics (such as nuns and others) on masse, especially religious organizations such as nunaries: to habor Jewish people.

Also missing is the fact that Vatican further condemnations, would have meant little at this time of persecution, the Vatican certainly could not have taken military action, what possible lack of action may be the source of the accusations is hard to immagine.

 Italy had kicked Catholicism out of that role via force, as it still does, via voices such as those of that man. This seems another anti-catholic attack, and the source of it, in a party, once known for its fascism: is revealing. Placing guilt on those who don't object loud enough, or can't object as they would have desired: is a typical strategy of those attempting to throw guilt away from themselves. Still, if there were guilt there might have been some place for apology: there is none: Pope Benedict XVI assures us of this, and we will see it ourselves, when the Secret Archive of the time are made public to scholars in a few years time. Currently, they are being organized.

Of interest in the news: The following is not an endorsement

The following is automatically posted to South African Catholic by a
contributor, other than the editor.

A Vietnamese court convicted eight Roman Catholics on Monday on charges of
disturbing public order and damaging property during a series of prayer
vigils to get back confiscated church land, but gave them light sentences.
One defendant received a warning while the others were given suspended
sentences ranging from 12 to 15 months. They received up to two years of
probation and were sent home.
Hundreds of Catholics cheered as the defendants emerged.
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/08/asia/viet.php

Middle East, Eurasia: Iraqi Genocide on Christians: will disabilize the region: Archbishop Louis Sako: Italy

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. CNA 28/11/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

An Archbishops has noted the disastrous effects of the genocide against Christians, by radical Islamics. He notes, that Christians flee kidnappings, killings, rapes, murders: human rights abuses perpetrated on them. This is disastrous for relations throughout the region. He clearly does not believe America, or the Iraqi administration controls Iraq, where Christians are second class, (even what seems to many, although the Bishop did not say this directly is by human rights standards treated as subhuman) citizens: "dhimmi".

He believes that foreign terrorists control the country. His language hints that: as though they were a rat infestation, Christians are persecuted, and hunted down: but really, are only a scapegoat for those seeking an Islamist state.

This information is from a conference on inter-religious dialogue: in Italy.