1 edit
Originally posted by Conrau KCould you add more? I ask because I don't think how he got the stuff is pertinent. How hard would it be for the man to politely say "I appreciate the gesture but I don't think I can tell people to help the poor when the cost of my outfit would feed a village for a month."
Before hastily condemning the papacy, could someone highlight the section of the article which states that Benedict personally bought these accessories?
Originally posted by pawnhandlerWhat if the clothes are presented as a gift from a State ambassador or inherited from previous popes and therefore are historical artifacts? Many of his vestments were worn by his predessors; his shoes were donated; even his new mercedes was free. To refuse them would offer no monetary benefit for poverty.
Could you add more? I ask because I don't think how he got the stuff is pertinent. How hard would it be for the man to politely say "I appreciate the gesture but I don't think I can tell people to help the poor when the cost of my outfit would feed a village for a month."
I also suspect that it is an exaggeration to say that the cost of the Pope's clothes could provide for an entire village for a month.
And as it is Christmas, I suppose you followed your lofty words and gave all your gifts to charity or else encouraged others to do so?
Originally posted by Conrau KSell the Mercedes.
What if the clothes are presented as a gift from a State ambassador or inherited from previous popes and therefore are historical artifacts? Many of his vestments were worn by his predessors; his shoes were donated; even his new mercedes was free. To refuse them would offer no monetary benefit for poverty.
I also suspect that it is an exaggeration to sa ...[text shortened]... ollowed your lofty words and gave all your gifts to charity or else encouraged others to do so?