The American Spectator

To suggest that Pope John Paul II is a pacifist is not only intellectually dishonest; it belies the Pope’s long life under the Nazis and Communism. He was no “shrinking violet.” Quite the contrary, he kept in the face of the communists, doing everything he could to help liberate his country and Eastern Europe. In this particular regard, no one has a greater appreciation for the past efforts of the United States in combating evil, then the current Pope.

I suggest that Neumayr exercise “prudent reserve” and not let his emotions run away with him on such an important issue as a war. On the other hand, this article was not really about the war with Iraq, but with Neumayr’s own war with the post-Vatican II Church. For Neumayr’s sake, I pray that both wars are over soon. Although, I have no doubt as to the outcome of both of these wars.

According to Catholic teaching, it is the decision of the leadership of the country that is concerned about the defense of its citizens to determine weather or not its actions might be justified by the Just War teaching. Personal opinions aside, this is the bottom line. The Pope’s responsibility is to always plead for peace and pray for a quick limited war.

Personally I believe we will have to go to war. I pray something may happen to avoid that, but I doubt it. Perhaps that is my own lack of faith. However, if our conscience is clear then we must proceed. The Pope is making sure our conscience is informed by the Gospel, not just well meaning platitudes.

p>In some regard, we are having to clean up a mess we helped create. It would be nice if we didn’t create any more of these messes. If we had been listening to the Pope since WWII we might have avoided this. br> — Jerry Bonney br> Aurora, Colorado br> /p>