Guiltiest looking Pope ever! |
Pope Benedict, Joseph Ratzinger, has scheduled a meeting with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano for Saturday, February 23 to discuss securing protection and immunity from prosecution from the Italian government, according to Italian media sources.
Ratzinger's meeting follows upon the apparent receipt by the Vatican of a diplomatic note from an undisclosed European government on February 4, stating its intention to issue an arrest warrant for Ratzinger, who resigned from his pontificate less than a week later.
In response to the February 23 meeting, the International Tribunal into Crimes of Church and State (ITCCS), through its field Secretary, Rev. Kevin Annett, has written to President Napolitano, asking him to refrain from assisting Ratzinger in evading justice.
The ITCCS letter states, in part,
"I need not remind you, Mr. President, that under international law and treaties that have been ratified by Italy, you and your government are forbidden from granting such protection to those like Joseph Ratzinger who have aided and abetted criminal actions, such as ordering Bishops and Cardinals in America and elsewhere to protect known child rapists among their clergy.
"Your obligation to the Vatican through the Lateran Treaty does not negate or nullify the requirements of these higher moral and international laws; nor does it require that you give any protection or immunity to a single individual like Joseph Ratzinger, especially after he has left his papal office."
So let's see if we have this straight. On February 4th the Vatican receives a note saying that there is a warrant being issued for the Pope.
Seven days later, on February 11th, he resigns ostensibly due to "poor health."
And now we understand that he has a meeting scheduled with the Italian President asking him for immunity against prosecution for crimes against children?
You know I am not a mathematician, but I can add. And in this case two plus two equals"the pope's guilty of some crime having to do with pedophilia."
Anybody disagree with that?
Update: There have been a number of people who have suggested that this news is not reliable. That may be true, though it has been reported in a number of places on the internet.
However the idea of the Pope having a warrant for his arrest is now a non-issue at it appears he has not intention of exposing himself to the possibility of having it served on him.
This from GMA News:
Pope Benedict's decision to live in the Vatican after he resigns will provide him with security and privacy. It will also offer legal protection from any attempt to prosecute him in connection with sexual abuse cases around the world, Church sources and legal experts say.
"His continued presence in the Vatican is necessary, otherwise he might be defenseless. He wouldn't have his immunity, his prerogatives, his security, if he is anywhere else," said one Vatican official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"It is absolutely necessary" that he stays in the Vatican, said the source, adding that Benedict should have a "dignified existence" in his remaining years.
So take it for what you will. But to my mind the fact that the Pope suddenly resigned, the first time in 600 years, and is now going to stay in the Vatican where he cannot be legally prosecuted, speaks volumes.
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