DoctorScribbles and Ivanhoe, please respond

Originally posted by Conrau K
Before hastily condemning the papacy, could someone highlight the section of the article which states that Benedict personally bought these accessories?

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."

Originally posted by pawnhandler
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."

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 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 K
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?

Sell the Mercedes.