I wouldn't flock to go see him in Bakersfield, but I am not Catholic so he holds no importance to me. I am sure alot of Catholics would flock to go see him because they cherish him and live by his words and teachings. 

 Actually Eek we live by God's word and teachings. The pope is the spiritual head of the Catholic church, but he is not God. He is definitely looked up to by Catholics. Would I go to Bakersfield to see the Pope? Heck, yes! It wouldn't be quite as cool as going to Rome to see him, but it sure would fit in my budget better. :)

People idolize movie stars and the rich and famous. We get updates on their every move and people "flock" to see them. Heck, even PAY to see them and what do you get out of that?? I would much rather flock to see a man with a great message and morals to aspire to than to flock to see some trashy, drug and alcohol addicted, no moral, starlet or singer, but then I guess that just goes to show you what our generation holds as "important".

 I'm an Atheist and I like the Pope!  He's a good man, he's anti-War, and he helps people.   wouldn't flock to see him or camp out but I like the man. Gube I know why you posted this blog, you are upset that the Pope donated money to help build a shelter here in the US for illegals.  Gube, the Pope is not thinking of our politics.  He's a man simply wanting to help people.. all people. I 'm good with that.  He probably heard of all the illegals dying in the desert and just wanted to help out.  Don't go crazy on everyone who helps people simply because they help illegals as well.  Both Democrats and even the Republicans are ready to deal with this cause for you.  You need not obsess over this.

Geez, all we have to do to keep illegals out of our country is to quit giving them jobs... it's that simple!!!!  We don't have to turn into hate mongers.

Now get a grip and knock it off...  don't make me come down there and spank you Gube.

Sorry Countygirl I did not mean it that way you took it...I meant it as him being a leader such as a pastor that teaches the Bible and the ways of the Bible. Sorry I was no specific enough...And Yes I agree he is a good man and does alot of good things for everyone... 

 Eek, I wasn't offended. I was just clarifying a bit! :) Again, that's the bummer with blogging, typing, etc. You can't pick up a persons tone. No apologies necessary.

 your going to spank me....heck I better write more lol

The reason that I posted this is I was watching fox news early this morning and they where showing the pope conducting Mass. After the Mass was over and the Pope was leaving every one with in arms reach of him where either touching the Pope or kissing his ring. I have always found it strange. To me its almost like worshiping false idol.

I do have my Opinions of why the pope supports illegal immigration into this country and I has alot to do with money. The more parishioner's the more money going into the collection plates but thats another topic......................

 I'm not Catholic either and I don't understand the idolization, but the Pope is a great man with a heart and he is a thinker.  Here is the last half of his speech he gave at the White House yesterday.  What a true inspiration and what a true leader...

 Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience -- almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good, and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one's deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate.

In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good. Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in Eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows time and again that "in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation," and a democracy without values can lose its very soul. Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent "indispensable supports" of political prosperity. 

For well over a century, the United States of America has played an important role in the international community. On Friday, God willing, I will have the honor of addressing the United Nations organization, where I hope to encourage the efforts underway to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world's peoples.

On this, the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity -- as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God's bounty has set for all his children. America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress. In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish -- a world where the God-given dignity and the rights of every man, women and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.

 Mr. President, dear friends, as I begin my visit to the United States, I express once more my gratitude for your invitation, my joy to be in your midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation and its people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace. God bless America.

 - Pope Benedict XVI, South Lawn of the White House, April 16, 2008, 10:52 A.M., EDT

 This is a portion of the speech. For the whole speech visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/n...

 Awesome speech, Pope Benedict....

(/Bush impersonation)

;-)

Thanks Countygirl for not being offended..I need to learn to clarify a little better...One of my many faults!!!  

 As I answered on the Bako twin of this blog, I wouldn't slow down on the road to look at the pope if he were standing on the streetcorner. And ring-kissing is just downright gross and disgusting, when you consider everything that has probably touched that ring.

I'm with you charlee! Yes, gube, he's just a man, I'll bet he even pees standing up, especially wearing those robes.

I was ticked off because my regular morning show was pre-empted. I'm not Catholic, I couldn't give a rat's behind about his visit. I ended up watching Magnum PI with my morning coffee, give me Tom Selleck over the Pope anyday! Not to mention how much money is spent/wasted on a papal visit.

I have a problem with people idolizing a man, whether he is a religious leader or not. The fact that this man is the leader of a religion that turned its head and ignored the child molesting until it got too big to ignore makes it worse (they are just as bad as the Mormon cult that claims freedom of religion to molest their children). At least Pope Ben admitted right up front just how awful it truly is.

I did admire the late Pope as a wonderful human being. And it was odd to hear a German accent coming from this Pope, lol, I don't know why...and he does have good speech writers!

 I would totally go to see the Pope if he were in Bakes.  And if I ever happen to be in Italy, I will definitely go to the Vatican (as long as I'm smart enough to remember what to wear!).  Who knows, maybe I'll suffer a spontaneous conversion, lol!  My mom would die of happiness :)  How could you not be fond of a man that 1 billion people call 'Papa'?  I liked his predecessor too and would have been extremely happy to have seen him as well.

 I just read the Pope's speech...  I was not impressed at all...  Can I take back my above statement?   Gube I will not be spanking you anytime soon.   When you are right you are right., it is about money..   I was wrong on this one buddy...just want you to know that..