Avveneur / Italian Bishops: True secularism, doesn't bar crucifixes from public classrooms!

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Avvenneur (Catholic; Italian Bishops' Paper; Italian) 03 / 11 | November / 2009 ; 03 / 11 | November / 2009 )



According to the Italian Bishops (Italian Episcopal Conference: IEC), quoted in their official paper Avveneur, the decision to bar crucifixes from spanish classrooms, made by the European Court for Human Rights, in Strasbourg, seems ideological in nature. According to the paper, the decision neglected what they claim to be the great significance of the crucifix, which they say is not only a symbol which is religious, but one which is cultural.

The Italian Episcopal Conference further notes their belief that the decision: "does not take into account that, in reality, the Italian experience of the Crucified exposure in public places is consistent with the recognition of the principles of Catholicism as 'part of the historical heritage of the Italian people' reaffirmed by the Concordat of 1984".
(Loose translation by Google)
(Avvenneur (Catholic; Italian Bishops' Paper; Italian) 03 / 11 | November / 2009)

The Italian Bishops claim to fear that the decision will forcibly separate the Italian National Identity, from its alleged cultural and spiritual mix. The Bishops, in their statement: claim that the form of secularism being promoted is that which is hostile to all forms of political and cultural religion, and to any religious symbol in public institutions.

The case was brought by a secular woman, who did not want her children to learn with crucifixes on the walls of the classroom, allegedly believing that the children would be influenced away from their secular upbringing. The decision, has sparked outrage among many in largely Catholic Italy.

Avveneur further quotes Monsignor Vincenzo Pagalia, of the IEC's Committee for Interreligious Dialogue, saying:

"Bishop Paglia, IEC responsible for Interreligious Dialogue, rejected the argument that the crucifix in classrooms represents an imposition. "I do not think - he said -. It is a reminder of what happens to humans when justice is not respected, and which shows a value of generosity that we all need faith in any apartment." "In this sense - he concluded - there is also a dimension of cultural and educational weight that it is irresponsible really want to delete."" (loose translation by Google, only acronym altered)

Avvenneur (Catholic; Italian Bishops' Paper; Italian) 03 / 11 | November / 2009 )

Italy: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may lose Catholic Vote!- Bloomberg

(See What We See News and Archive; Bloomberg (Secular; Independent; American) 29 / 10 | October / 2009)

[English; Afrikaans; français]

Note by Marc Aupiais


According to Bloomberg:

"Oct. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi may face the biggest challenge from Catholic voters since he entered politics in 1994 as his sex scandals alienate some values voters and opposition Catholic leaders unite.

“The Catholic vote had been dispersed, but it could carry more weight if they all get back together,” Antonio Noto, director of Rome-based IPR Marketing, said in a phone interview.

The Christian Democrats dominated politics in a country where more than 95 percent of the population is Roman Catholic until a corruption scandal led to its dissolution in 1992. The remnants of that party are now attracting other Catholic opposition politicians and values voters who are abandoning Berlusconi after a series of sex scandals."

(Bloomberg (Secular; Independent; American) 29 / 10 | October / 2009

The Italian Prime Minister's anti-abortion, anti-euthanasia stance has previously gained him Catholic support, but he has been accused by some of causing women to be treated more like objects in Italian society, and sex scandals, and an attack on an influential Catholic editor, the previous editor of the Italian Bishops' conference's l'Avvenire, by a paper, owned by his family, have not helped relations with the church.

Pope Benedict XVI falls, hurts wrist, hospitalized, but Vatican says: condition isn't serious

(See What We See News and Archive ; c.f.  AP [ Associated Press] (Secular; independent; American) Friday 17 / 07 | July / 2009 : via Yahoo News ; Friday 17 / 07 | July / 2009 : via Yahoo News : Update ; Sky News ( British; independent; Secular) 17 / 07 | July / 2009 ;  Scripturelink's Catholic Search; Scripturelink's 'Mainstream News Search'; Vatican Site 17 / 07 | July 2005; 23 / 07 | July / 2006 ; some information was also taken from V.I.S. [Vatican Information Service] 13 / 07 | July / 2009: 090713 (300) ; 17 / 07 | July / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Pope Benedict XVI (Formerly: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger; Pope since April 2005), has fallen in the bath, thus hurting ('breaking' / 'fracturing') his wrist. The pope is expected to wear a cast for a while, after a successful surgery in a nearby town. Vatican Spokesperson: Father Federico Lombardi, has downplayed the incident, noting that the fall happened on Friday morning.

The pontiff was on holiday in Les Combes, Valle d'Aosta in Northern Italy, in the Italian Alps: nearby the border with France. The pontiff was  staying in the same chalet as previous stays in the area: overlooking the famous Mont Blanc peak- the highest in the Alps. He had spent a number of other 'vacations' as pope, in this chalet. Pope John Paul II, also enjoyed the area, when he was alive. Benedict XVI, was staying in the in the same chalet (belonging to the Salesian Order), as the Late John Paul II, used when on Vacation in the area. Benedict XVI, vacationed in 2005 and 2006, in the alps also.

His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI: is reported to have eaten breakfast, and said mass, before being taken off to hospital in the nearby town of Aosta (to Umberto Parini hospital). He is said to have walked into the hospital, with an aid accompanying him, having arrived via motor vehicle. According to hospital spokesman: Tiziano Trevisan, an x-ray of the 82 year old pontiff, found a small fracture in the Pope's wrist. The Pope was being kept for observation. According to the BBC: the Vatican is calling the incident minor.

The hospital concerned, has successfully performed a twenty (20) minute  surgery on the pontiff, under local anesthetic. He is expected to have a cast over his arm for about a month. The pope, who enjoys playing the piano, will likely not be able to gain pleasure from music via playing the piano this holiday, as he has reportedly previously done while on vacation.

Benedict XVI, has generally had good health, despite his age. He had planned a vacation, with plans for 'some work' during it. It is expected, that he will keep to his schedule, including appearances, especially his Sunday Angelus, despite the interruptions to his holiday, which were, and will be brought about by his injury.

The Pope arrived in the Italian Alps on Monday July 13, and is due to finish his vacation on Wednesday, July 29.

According to V.I.S. [Vatican Information Service]:

"POPE SUCCESSFULLY OPERATED FOR WRIST FRACTURE

VATICAN CITY, 17 JUL 2009 (VIS) - This morning Benedict XVI underwent surgery at the Umberto Parini hospital in the Italian town of Aosta for a fracture to his right wrist. He had suffered a fall last night in his chalet at Les Combes in Valle d'Aosta where he is spending a brief holiday.

The Holy Father arrived at the hospital at 9:45 a.m. this morning. "Even so", declared Holy See Press Office Director Fr. Federico Lombardi, "he celebrated Mass and had breakfast early this morning".

Later the Pope "underwent an operation to realign the fractured fragments and fasten them through osteosynthesis, using a local anaesthetic then applying a cast. The Holy Father's general condition is good" added the Pope's doctor Patrizio Polisca, specifying that "the Pope will return shortly to his residence".
OP/FALL HOLY FATHER/LOMBARDIVIS 090717 (120)"

(V.I.S. [Vatican Information Service] 17 / 07 | July / 2009)

Italy, EU, Europe: Catholic Prolife objects: Father can't "murder" his sick daughter

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. LifeSiteNews (Catholic; Independent; Canadian; Pro-Life) 06 / 02 / 2009; Reuters (Secular; British; "Independent") 06 / Jan / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Italy's president: leftist, and pro-death, "ex"- Communist pro-euthanasia: "Giorgio Napolitano"; has refused to sign a degree passed by the Italian Parliament's "Council of Ministers", under Premier: Silvio Berlusconi, which would prevent: the Father of: "Eluana Englaro"; despite a lack of cost in keeping her alive: she is a pro-life icon, through her situation, and was sustained in a Catholic hospital: from intentionally slaying her. Patients who have been declared brain dead, have previously made full recoveries. Unless one is to admit the Divine, as the pro-death community is unlikely to do: it must at least be admitted that those who are considered brain dead: are often not dead, and can still recover. Even aids patients are not murdered: those who cannot recover: are given as much life as is possible, and viable. Cancer patients also.

If there was evidence at the time, that "Giorgio Napolitano", of the Left leaning Democrats, otherwise called: the DS, in Italy: then those who voted for him, are as fully responsible for the possibility of murder as he is. Italy, like South Africa: has a largely pro-life population, however: just like South Africa: certain influencial politicians: have completely ignored these opinions, on the sacredness of life.

Euthanasia is intrinsically evil: and is epitomized in the Nazi choice to "Euthanize" Jews, Homosexuals, and objectors to their regime.

If "Giorgio Napolitano" prevents "Eluana Englaro", from clutching onto life: against a decisive decision by the: "Council of Ministers", the "Republic of Italy"'s representation on the matter as yet: then he risks showing why the Catholic church openly condemns communism itself. He is noted as an ex-communist by reuters, however: his communist party was disbanded in 1992, wherein he has since joined Italy's left.

"Eluana Englaro", was transfered from a Catholic hospital: "Catholic clinic in Lecco "; to the pro-death, and complicit: "La Quiete clinic" ("Calmness Clinic"), in "Udine", Italy. "Eluana Englaro", has been in a Coma, on life support since 1991, and is now 37, according to archive reporting. Her Father: "Beppino Englaro", along with her neurologist: "Alberto Defanti": have been spicing up the killing of this woman: as peaceful: as though starving to death were peaceful.

The "council of ministers'" ruling co-insides with efforts, by "La Quiete clinic", to kill her: they have begun to starve her today. Leftist, ex-communist party: "Giorgio Napolitano": plans to prevent interference with the intentional killing of "Eluana Englaro".

His refusal to sign a bill labeled:

" “Urgent Provisions on Nutrition and Hydration,”"

Of which LifeSiteNews notes:

" The text of the law, entitled “Urgent Provisions on Nutrition and Hydration,” reads, “Pending the approval of a complete and comprehensive legislative framework in the field of end-of-life, nutrition and hydration, as forms of life support physiologically designed to alleviate suffering, cannot under any circumstances be rejected by the person concerned or suspended from caregiver subjects unable to provide for themselves.”

Today the Council of Ministers voted unanimously to support the measure despite the doubts of some. “Even those who had doubts were convinced to vote because the government has the opportunity to express its decision but also offers a way to Parliament to decide,” one member said. In November, legal expert Luca Silvestri told LifeSiteNews.com that a decree law was the best hope of stopping the court-mandated dehydration death of Eluana as well as protecting others by closing the legal “back door” to euthanasia by dehydration.

Thousands of pro-life groups and individuals across Italy have been begging the government to intervene. Archbishop Pietro Brollo of Udine said on Wednesday, “The only duty society has towards this young woman is to help her to live.”

“Udine is ready to embrace Eluana Englaro, a daughter of this land. Upon learning of her arrival, I ask first of all that this woman be guaranteed care, hydration, nutrition and every means that someone who is sick, particularly someone who is very incapacitated, is due by those who have the professional duty in conscience to provide a cure,” the archbishop wrote in a statement"

LifeSiteNews (Catholic; Independent; Canadian; Pro-Life) 06 / 02 / 2009)

According to Reuters: there is hope for Pro-lifers: they say:

"Berlusconi said that if the president did not sign the decree he would quickly call an emergency session of parliament -- where he has a comfortable majority -- to enact a law."

(Reuters (Secular; British; "Independent") 06 / Jan / 2009)

While some hope is seen in anywhere but Italy's President: the Vatican fears that the woman's father, and doctors, with the country's president complicit in such: could well manage to end the tragic life of: "Eluana Englaro".

Western Nations, in the grips of secularist, liberalism politics, and culture: have increasingly marginalized the weakest members of society: sufferers from illness, those needing care, and babies: unprotected in the womb. Support of popular musicians, such as the band U2, of groups like his which support the likes of "Human Rights Watch", or "Amnesty International": have caused any Catholic, or other supporting their music, or favorite causes: just as in the tragedy of any Catholic who supports "Amnesty International": to be complicit, in the intentional killing of children, unable to protect themselves: and still in the womb.

The pro-life movement allege a second, ten times larger holocaust in modern times: one which; like the original holocaust: is not apparent to those allowing it to continue. Hitler killed ten million helpless Jewish citizens of humankind. America alone has killed over fifty million babies: still helpless in the womb. Catholic structurally connected sources such as Britain's Tablet, or South Africa's "Southern Cross": need to assess their impact: in their choices to appose the Vatican on life or Family issues.

Support of Barak Obama: in the Southern Cross: is easily accessible to American voters: the fact: that this man has chosen to support what fits the material description of Article 2 section d of the UN (United Nations) declaration on the crime and punishment of Genocide: whether or not the children of his victims, are also alive, and victims: makes this beyond an issue of faith. The protection of children: and the prevention of societal decline: as is so clear in Europe's aging population: is both a human rights bombshell: and endangers global populations: and poverty.

British aims: at implementing a two child limit: and reducing population via abortion, and contraception: not only fits the UN declaration on Genocide, and incitement to Genocide: but further: raises suspicions as to why Britain would enact such, and what connection it could have to large immigrant populations, or to abortion groups.

Atheists don't get away with intrusive, unprovable bus ads in Genoa, Italy

(Catholic Watchdog South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Independent; British; Secular) 17 / 01 / 2009)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Atheist bus ads, denying the existence of God, without proving their unfounded views, which were set to hit the Italian city of Genoa, have been banned: the advertising company; due to a violation of advertising ethics: withdrew, and conservative politicians objected. Italy is largely Catholic.

In Washington DC, America; ads were allowed. In London, Britain, they were used, but these, those in Britain, are possibly to be challenged: as the atheists cannot prove their advert is accurate. In Barcelona, in secularist, socialist, anti-religious Spain: the adverts also appeared on buses.

Vatican City, Europe: Vatican rejects Italian lawmakers: in sign that it views Italian Parliament's laws as oppressive

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular; British; mostly accurate) 31/12/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The Vatican is making a break from a policy it has had since the Lateran treaty established it; after the papal states had been conquered by force: by Italy. In Catholic doctrine, a law must be logical, and for the good of the people. If it is rejected: the church only ligitimately can reject laws it sees as evil and oppressive: illogical, and not for the greater good.

The Vatican will no longer automatically adopt Italian law; while rejecting individual laws: instead: it had decided that Vatican representatives will read over each law made: to decide whether or not: individually to adopt these. This is seen as an open rejection of the government formed by Catholic laity in Italy.

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.

Italy; EU; Europe: Vatican apposes introduction of ("up to 7 weeks") abortant pill in Italian Hospitals

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. News 24 (Secular) 15/Dec/2008)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Two thirds of Italian Doctors refuse to perform abortion: and this stance against abortion in Italy, is purely legal because of Catholic: Vatican influence. Still, the Italian government refuses to make abortion illegal, and if plans by a French firm are successful; an abortive pill will be available in Italy's health care sector... In weeks. The Pill itself is extremely dangerous for a young (or old) mother and the infant she wants to kill off.

Abortion is the aim of it, which is why a government representative, the minister for youth: strongly warns: that anything which takes human life is not a victory for all involved: more; this form of drug is risky, but especially this drug, and for this: it seems to only be prepared for availability in hospitals. As another form of abortion is to find profits, the Vatican, and Catholics in Italy: understandably are outraged.

Italian Finance minister: Pope Benedict predicted financial crisis first: paper about dangers of economic conditions such as those in America in 1985

(Journey in a Broken World; c.f. Bloomberg 20/11/08; group of sources added 21/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

As the Vatican advises the world on the current financial crisis, Italy's Finance Minister has called global attention to the fact that the Leader of Italy's landlocked neighbor: the Vatican; estimated that such a crisis would occur back in 1985, when still Cardinal Ratzinger.

The cardinal had warned of a connection between ethics and economics: saying that when ethics decline, financial collapse can follow!

In 1992, the Republicans, along with controversial Senator McCain, no relation to the brand of chips that we know of: had sponsored a bill to clean up America's financial regulations; it was rejected by the "Democrats", who currently hold the white house in America.

G.K Chesterton: suggested an economic proposal which is different from free-market economics, which may be of use to governments now. Essentially, the wisdom of "God's Rotweiler", has again proven why he was such a good candidate for the papal chair. "God's Rotweiler" being Benedict XVI, who hopes to guide the world into wiser market ethics, and systems. Morality, is what is seen in early Catholic doctrine, as the acting of what materially is sanity.

Milan, Italy- Italian court permits father to kill his daughter- in "first" slaying permitted by the Italian state

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. Reuters (Secular) 13/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

After a ten year court battle, and against the strong condemnation of both Vatican and Catholic politicians, Italy's highest court, has permitted a man to kill his daughter, coma-bound for 16 years. People have been known to wake up from such a state. This case is expected to yield other cases, despite Euthanasia officially being illegal in Italy.

Milan, Italy- Father in ten year effort to legally off sick daughter- Catholic church disapproves

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. The Star 12/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Spending an amount of time which may well have borne fruit- if it had been used by praying rosary after rosary, an Italian Father is in a landmark case to pull the plug on his sick, coma bound daughter. The church in Italy, and Catholic politicians say that the removal of the tube is nothing less than euthanasia- illegal in Italy.

The way in which the counter-society, against life rights often encourages for human persons choose to end lives as soon as possible in suffering is not mirrored in sea mammals, which recently were recorded- trying to keep a dying fellow floating to stay alive- for as long as possible. Germany is one of the places euthanasia was most powerfully used in modern times, where elderly, sick, and also others, such as homosexuals and Jewish people were killed by the German government in the 1930's, in what they generally saw as euthanasia, "mercy killing", or used similar justifications for, how merciful the victims saw it as is not reasonably debated.

Should a person under torture beg for mercy, is their oppressor's killing them euthanasia? The problem with what Catholics cannot but see as the depraved request of this Italian father to have laws seen differently in the country- is that whenever a small exception is gained against human dignity, a small rule broken- it always accompanies an avalanche of further defeats of human dignity. The church also believes that suicide is a substance of mortal sin, assistance in this is also material mortal sin, as with killing a living person as with so-called mercy killings. Evil is always the disproportion of good- "mercy" is only right so far as it is just, is how the church views this issue.

Africa- Human Rights News- Italian Nuns kidnapped in Kenya, by Somalians

(Social Justice South Africa; c.f. BBC World News 10/11/08)

Article by Marc Aupiais

Sparking an international incident- involving the Italian government, Catholic Papal Nuncio in the region, the Kenyan government, and Somali elders- Somali gunmen have kidnapped two Italian by citizenship Catholic Nuns. The two reports of the incidence differ, with an aid worker claiming they were taken in a gun battle by a church, while another source, the Red Cross- says they were kidnapped at their place of residence.

Kidnapping, and terrorism are considered evil in themselves by the Roman Catholic Church structures, and theology. The area of Kenya where this happened, the BBC says largely has many Somali descendants living in it. Somalia is in a state of humanitarian crisis, has no effective governance, and is in the midst of a civil war. Kenya likewise has seen the murder of many for political reasons, and accusations of electoral fraud. The Kenyan authorities claim to be in contact with Somali elders, to try to attempt some kind of securing of reclaiming the nuns for freedom. Catholic targets are beginning to appear as especially favorite targets for militants in the region, due to repeated attacks on Catholic targets, along with aid workers which are kidnapped and killed by Somali groupings.