I didn't know if I wanted to write about the Pope's trip to Africa as the PPP has very mixed feelings about the Catholic church. However after reading about Pope Benedict's sermons throughout his tour of African countries, I was left wondering if his tour did more harm than good.
First of all the Pope created much controversy whilst still in his Alitalia jet as he told reporters that condoms were not the answer to Africa's severe AIDS epidemic, suggesting that sexual behavior was the issue here.
How can a spiritual leader preach a dogma that can literally lead to the death of countless humans. Africa is not in the position to have the luxury to preach abstinence. They are in a life and death situation and although it may go against dogma, a spiritual leader should realize the true nature of humans and help them not hinder them. It is this staunch, inflexible interpretation of the Bible that is going to be the end of the Catholic church as they seem incapable of evolving into modern times.
Africa is still the "dark" continent as they suffer from genocide, modern day slavery, an AIDS epidemic, rape used as a weapon against women, famine, extreme poverty, lack of education, corruption and a complete disrespect for human rights.
While making a strong appeal for woman's rights, he stated, "It is nearly always the woman who maintains intact human dignity, defends the family and protects cultural and religious values," the pontiff said, lamenting that the importance of family "is not given the consideration it deserves."
Many peace movements in Africa have been started by women of all religions praying for peace and it was admirable of the Pope to recognize and encourage this. He condemned sexual violence against women, but also chided the 45 African countries that have approved abortion in cases of rape or incest or when a mother's life is in danger. One step forward, three steps back.
The strongest messages Pope Benedict XVI related in his sermons dealt with the many wars taking place in Africa due to corruption. Speaking from a tented pink altar, the pope said evils in Africa had "reduced the poor to slavery and deprived future generations of the resources needed to create a more solid and just society. How true it is that war can destroy everything of value," said Benedict.
If the Catholic church is to do any good in Africa (the continent with the fastest growing Catholic population in the world) it must continue to focus on the evils of war, rape and poverty and not interfere in their health crisis and a woman's right to abortion.
It seems unlikely that the Catholic church will learn to evolve in today's world. To live in the thoughts and morality of thousand of years ago has proven to not be very helpful or even spiritual in today's world. I can't see how it will survive past the 21st century. I can't see Jesus being pleased with how his sheep are being tended to in the poorest nations on earth. The Catholic church does a disservice to third world nations today but of course, those are always the nations with the most Catholics as Catholicism and poverty seem to go hand in hand.
Chow for now!
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