Fan of this Pope so far...

[JohnStOnge]

Again: I don't think Jesus would be out there talking about some particular economic system prevalent in the world like Capitalism, Communism or whatever. He would not be talking about how income is "distributed" and stuff like that.

He'd be saying, "If you want to follow me, you should help the poor." That's it. End of story. He'd be talking about what you need to do in the context of whatever the reality is...the economic system as it is and everything else as it is...to enter his Father's House. He wouldn't be talking about changing the economic system.

[Chizzang]

Again: I don't think Jesus would be out there talking about some particular economic system prevalent in the world like Capitalism, Communism or whatever. He would not be talking about how income is "distributed" and stuff like that.

He'd be saying, "If you want to follow me, you should help the poor." That's it. End of story. He'd be talking about what you need to do in the context of whatever the reality is...the economic system as it is and everything else as it is...to enter his Father's House. He wouldn't be talking about changing the economic system.

I love this ^
Mostly because nobody in the history of the world has been misquoted more than Jesus
He's attributed to a whole bunch of stuff he never said or did

Pair that with the overwhelming desire for the power hungry to act like they KNOW what Jesus would do and how exactly he would handle all situations - and you get what we've got today...

A clusterf*ck of bullsh!t piled on top of scant (at best) hear say

Save me Jeezus (from your idiotic followers)

[JohnStOnge]

I don't know if you're agreeing with me or not agreeing with me Chizz. But either way I'd tell anybody to just read the Gospels. You will never see a hint of Jesus worrying about the injustices of government, economic systems, or anything like that. What you'll see is him talking about what each individual person should do.

[Skjellyfetti]

A year ago, Timothy Schmalz's bronze sculpture "Jesus the Homeless" had been rejected by St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto.

But in late November, Pope Francis blessed the sculpture at one of his weekly general audiences in front of thousands of eager pilgrims. The pontiff touched the knee of the sculpture and prayed for a few moments. Afterward, he told Schmalz he thought the sculpture was a "beautiful piece of art."

When Schmalz saw Pope Francis touch the sculpture, he said, "I thought well that's just it, this sculpture is symbolically representing what he's doing. He's out there touching the homeless people; he's reaching out to them every single day."

Appropriately, "Jesus the Homeless" may have found a permanent home in Rome, very close to the Vatican. The plan is for the sculpture to be placed close to the Vatican Radio offices near the Tiber River in memory of a homeless woman who slept there every night before dying outside in the cold.

Schmalz grew up outside of Toronto, and his interest in producing religious sculptures was born when he became "disenchanted" by the abstract artwork he saw being produced at Ontario College of Art, where he studied for several years.

After undergoing a religious conversion, the artist realized he wanted to produce artwork that would "contribute to the world." Inspired by the work of great religious sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini, the sculptor opened his own studio and began producing his own religious artwork. Schmalz says that Christian artwork has provided him with an "endless well" for creativity.

"I realized, if you wanted to make a great epic sculpture or painting, you needed a great epic subject matter," Schmalz said.

In 2011, inspired by a section of Matthew 25, the artist began working on "Jesus the Homeless," which is perhaps his most famous work. The bronze sculpture depicts a weary Jesus wrapped in a blanket, face covered. With only the feet exposed, Schmalz says viewers are forced to take a second look at the sculpture, realizing after a few minutes that the sculpture is Jesus.

"I can imagine some people walking on a city street, walking by thinking it's another homeless person, and then they'll realize it's actually a representation of Jesus. They will have that moment of reflection."

A true believer that art has the ability to change people's lives, Schmalz says, "you see the most beautiful buildings, and then you look down and you see the most marginalized humans. It's not that we don't have money in our society, we just do not have awareness or connection, and I think that art can become that bridge."

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/storie ... 305240.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[D1B]

A year ago, Timothy Schmalz's bronze sculpture "Jesus the Homeless" had been rejected by St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto.

But in late November, Pope Francis blessed the sculpture at one of his weekly general audiences in front of thousands of eager pilgrims. The pontiff touched the knee of the sculpture and prayed for a few moments. Afterward, he told Schmalz he thought the sculpture was a "beautiful piece of art."

When Schmalz saw Pope Francis touch the sculpture, he said, "I thought well that's just it, this sculpture is symbolically representing what he's doing. He's out there touching the homeless people; he's reaching out to them every single day."

Appropriately, "Jesus the Homeless" may have found a permanent home in Rome, very close to the Vatican. The plan is for the sculpture to be placed close to the Vatican Radio offices near the Tiber River in memory of a homeless woman who slept there every night before dying outside in the cold.

Schmalz grew up outside of Toronto, and his interest in producing religious sculptures was born when he became "disenchanted" by the abstract artwork he saw being produced at Ontario College of Art, where he studied for several years.

After undergoing a religious conversion, the artist realized he wanted to produce artwork that would "contribute to the world." Inspired by the work of great religious sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini, the sculptor opened his own studio and began producing his own religious artwork. Schmalz says that Christian artwork has provided him with an "endless well" for creativity.

"I realized, if you wanted to make a great epic sculpture or painting, you needed a great epic subject matter," Schmalz said.

In 2011, inspired by a section of Matthew 25, the artist began working on "Jesus the Homeless," which is perhaps his most famous work. The bronze sculpture depicts a weary Jesus wrapped in a blanket, face covered. With only the feet exposed, Schmalz says viewers are forced to take a second look at the sculpture, realizing after a few minutes that the sculpture is Jesus.

"I can imagine some people walking on a city street, walking by thinking it's another homeless person, and then they'll realize it's actually a representation of Jesus. They will have that moment of reflection."

A true believer that art has the ability to change people's lives, Schmalz says, "you see the most beautiful buildings, and then you look down and you see the most marginalized humans. It's not that we don't have money in our society, we just do not have awareness or connection, and I think that art can become that bridge."

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/storie ... 305240.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Well coordinated PR campaign to try to stem the massive outflow of catholics to secularism and other religions.

His PR person and Image Maker used to work for Fox News.

[D1B]

A year ago, Timothy Schmalz's bronze sculpture "Jesus the Homeless" had been rejected by St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York and St. Michael's Cathedral in Toronto.

But in late November, Pope Francis blessed the sculpture at one of his weekly general audiences in front of thousands of eager pilgrims. The pontiff touched the knee of the sculpture and prayed for a few moments. Afterward, he told Schmalz he thought the sculpture was a "beautiful piece of art."

When Schmalz saw Pope Francis touch the sculpture, he said, "I thought well that's just it, this sculpture is symbolically representing what he's doing. He's out there touching the homeless people; he's reaching out to them every single day."

Appropriately, "Jesus the Homeless" may have found a permanent home in Rome, very close to the Vatican. The plan is for the sculpture to be placed close to the Vatican Radio offices near the Tiber River in memory of a homeless woman who slept there every night before dying outside in the cold.

Schmalz grew up outside of Toronto, and his interest in producing religious sculptures was born when he became "disenchanted" by the abstract artwork he saw being produced at Ontario College of Art, where he studied for several years.

After undergoing a religious conversion, the artist realized he wanted to produce artwork that would "contribute to the world." Inspired by the work of great religious sculptors like Michelangelo and Bernini, the sculptor opened his own studio and began producing his own religious artwork. Schmalz says that Christian artwork has provided him with an "endless well" for creativity.

"I realized, if you wanted to make a great epic sculpture or painting, you needed a great epic subject matter," Schmalz said.

In 2011, inspired by a section of Matthew 25, the artist began working on "Jesus the Homeless," which is perhaps his most famous work. The bronze sculpture depicts a weary Jesus wrapped in a blanket, face covered. With only the feet exposed, Schmalz says viewers are forced to take a second look at the sculpture, realizing after a few minutes that the sculpture is Jesus.

"I can imagine some people walking on a city street, walking by thinking it's another homeless person, and then they'll realize it's actually a representation of Jesus. They will have that moment of reflection."

A true believer that art has the ability to change people's lives, Schmalz says, "you see the most beautiful buildings, and then you look down and you see the most marginalized humans. It's not that we don't have money in our society, we just do not have awareness or connection, and I think that art can become that bridge."

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/storie ... 305240.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Francis has managed to fashion himself as something fresh and appealing, but he did not become Time’s person of the year by radically reimagining anything. He did it by mastering the art of gesture and symbolism. Herein lies the crucial component to understanding Francis’ image: his keen eye toward public relations as matter of theology.

Francis’ rapid transformation into universally celebrated celebrity figure — despite promulgating familiar church doctrines under a more easygoing guise — is ultimately a testament to the current Vatican PR operation, headed by former Fox News reporter Greg Burke. A member of the ascetic Opus Dei order, Burke is wedded to lifelong celibacy and professional communications services. Prior to Fox, Burke did a stint as the Rome correspondent for — you guessed it — Time magazine.

[Skjellyfetti]

Pope Francis has the hit headlines for dropping the F-Bomb during a Vatican public blessing.

The pontiff was speaking from a window in St Peter's Square when he accidentally muddled the Italian word "caso" — which means "case" — with "cazzo" — which can translate to "f--k" or sometimes "s--t."

"If each one of us does not amass riches only for oneself, but half for the service of others, in this f--k," he said, before pausing.

"In this case the providence of God will become visible through this gesture of solidarity," he continued after correcting his error.
Footage of Sunday's gaffe went online and has since gone viral, according to The Local.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/w ... -1.1708732" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pwns]

So does the word refer to fecal matter or fornication?

[Ivytalk]

Pope Francis has the hit headlines for dropping the F-Bomb during a Vatican public blessing.

The pontiff was speaking from a window in St Peter's Square when he accidentally muddled the Italian word "caso" — which means "case" — with "cazzo" — which can translate to "f--k" or sometimes "s--t."

"If each one of us does not amass riches only for oneself, but half for the service of others, in this f--k," he said, before pausing.

"In this case the providence of God will become visible through this gesture of solidarity," he continued after correcting his error.

Footage of Sunday's gaffe went online and has since gone viral, according to The Local.


http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/w ... -1.1708732" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cazzo-man! Vatican superhero!

[D1B]

Cazzo-man! Vatican superhero!

He still continues to allow children to be raped. Has done nothing to address the rapidly widening child abuse problem within the church.

The catholic church - all talk, smoke and mirrors, but ultimately they do nothing.

[Ibanez]

Again: I don't think Jesus would be out there talking about some particular economic system prevalent in the world like Capitalism, Communism or whatever. He would not be talking about how income is "distributed" and stuff like that.

He'd be saying, "If you want to follow me, you should help the poor." That's it. End of story. He'd be talking about what you need to do in the context of whatever the reality is...the economic system as it is and everything else as it is...to enter his Father's House. He wouldn't be talking about changing the economic system.

This is rich coming from the guy that is fine with abusing animals and discrimination against women, gays and anyone who isn't a white man.

[Grizalltheway]

Again: I don't think Jesus would be out there talking about some particular economic system prevalent in the world like Capitalism, Communism or whatever. He would not be talking about how income is "distributed" and stuff like that.

He'd be saying, "If you want to follow me, you should help the poor." That's it. End of story. He'd be talking about what you need to do in the context of whatever the reality is...the economic system as it is and everything else as it is...to enter his Father's House. He wouldn't be talking about changing the economic system.

This is rich coming from the guy that is fine with abusing animals and discrimination against women, gays and anyone who isn't a white man.

John is a perfect example of why Christianity is dying on the vine.

[Skjellyfetti]

Pope Francis called Friday for governments to redistribute wealth and benefits to the poor in a new spirit of generosity to help curb the "economy of exclusion" that is taking hold today.

Francis made the appeal during a speech to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the heads of major U.N. agencies who met in Rome this week.

Latin America's first pope has frequently lashed out at the injustices of capitalism and the global economic system. On Friday, Francis called for the United Nations to promote a "worldwide ethical mobilization" of solidarity with the poor.

He said a more equal form of economic progress can be had through "the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the state, as well as indispensable cooperation between the private sector and civil society."

Francis urged the U.N. to promote development goals that attack the root causes of poverty and hunger, protect the environment and ensure dignified labor for all.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ ... 9-06-31-28" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[HI54UNI]

Pope Francis called Friday for governments to redistribute wealth and benefits to the poor in a new spirit of generosity to help curb the "economy of exclusion" that is taking hold today.

Francis made the appeal during a speech to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the heads of major U.N. agencies who met in Rome this week.

Latin America's first pope has frequently lashed out at the injustices of capitalism and the global economic system. On Friday, Francis called for the United Nations to promote a "worldwide ethical mobilization" of solidarity with the poor.

He said a more equal form of economic progress can be had through "the legitimate redistribution of economic benefits by the state, as well as indispensable cooperation between the private sector and civil society."

Francis urged the U.N. to promote development goals that attack the root causes of poverty and hunger, protect the environment and ensure dignified labor for all.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/ ... 9-06-31-28" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

He can start by selling the papal art collection and putting the proceeds toward charity. Then he can talk about redistributing everybody else's wealth.

[JoltinJoe]

He can start by selling the papal art collection and putting the proceeds toward charity. Then he can talk about redistributing everybody else's wealth.

Profits from the Vatican Museum are placed into the Vatican's account with the Institute of Religious Works (IOR), which invests the money on the Vatican's behalf and distributes at least 50 million euros a year to fund the Vatican's charitable activities.

In essence, the Vatican has turned its art collection into an annuity for the benefit of the poor. Selling it would provide but a one-time pop; treating the art as a revenue generator to fund an annuity for the benefit of the poor is far more prudent.

The Catholic Church is the world's largest charitable organization.

[D1B]

He can start by selling the papal art collection and putting the proceeds toward charity. Then he can talk about redistributing everybody else's wealth.

Profits from the Vatican Museum are placed into the Vatican's account with the Institute of Religious Works (IOR), which invests the money on the Vatican's behalf and distributes at least 50 million euros a year to fund the Vatican's charitable activities.

In essence, the Vatican has turned its art collection into an annuity for the benefit of the poor. Selling it would provide but a one-time pop; treating the art as a revenue generator to fund an annuity for the benefit of the poor is far more prudent.

The Catholic Church is the world's largest charitable organization.

And now for the truth:

The IOR is the Vatican Bank...you know, those corrupt assholes in the news seemingly every week.

Liar Joe also conveniently leaves out that the money is supposed to used for works of charity and religion.

A minuscule percentage of Church revenue is used for charitable endeavors. Of those dollars that actually are used for charity, a large percentage comes from government grants and requirements related to their non profit/tax exempt status.

They reap millions more in tax breaks than they give away.

Joe, you're a stone cold liar. SMFH.

[JoltinJoe]

The Vatican Bank -- which in fact scored higher on the Moneyval transparency test than many of the banks which criticize the Vatican Bank. The Vatican Bank was listed as a "white bank" on its first test, despite all the reports it would not achieve "white bank" status. I guess there is spin, and then there is truth, and you and your ilk are spinners.

Your post is just a pack of lies. No point in responding.

[HI54UNI]

He can start by selling the papal art collection and putting the proceeds toward charity. Then he can talk about redistributing everybody else's wealth.

Profits from the Vatican Museum are placed into the Vatican's account with the Institute of Religious Works (IOR), which invests the money on the Vatican's behalf and distributes at least 50 million euros a year to fund the Vatican's charitable activities.

In essence, the Vatican has turned its art collection into an annuity for the benefit of the poor. Selling it would provide but a one-time pop; treating the art as a revenue generator to fund an annuity for the benefit of the poor is far more prudent.

The Catholic Church is the world's largest charitable organization.

How many pieces are in storage and can't be seen? How much is the art collection worth? Is it worth $1 billion? $2 billion? $10 billion? If the whole collection is worth $1 billion (and I would bet it is worth more than that) $50 million is only a 5% rate of return. Doesn't seem like a very good investment in the poor to me.

[kalm]

Supply Side Jesus would be proud.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/1080 ... years.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[JoltinJoe]

Profits from the Vatican Museum are placed into the Vatican's account with the Institute of Religious Works (IOR), which invests the money on the Vatican's behalf and distributes at least 50 million euros a year to fund the Vatican's charitable activities.

In essence, the Vatican has turned its art collection into an annuity for the benefit of the poor. Selling it would provide but a one-time pop; treating the art as a revenue generator to fund an annuity for the benefit of the poor is far more prudent.

The Catholic Church is the world's largest charitable organization.

How many pieces are in storage and can't be seen? How much is the art collection worth? Is it worth $1 billion? $2 billion? $10 billion? If the whole collection is worth $1 billion (and I would bet it is worth more than that) $50 million is only a 5% rate of return. Doesn't seem like a very good investment in the poor to me.

Talk about finding a reason to hate, hater.

When some other charitable institution comes remotely close to the amount spent by the Catholic Church on charity, talk to me.

[Skjellyfetti]

When some other charitable institution comes remotely close to the amount spent by the Catholic Church on charity, talk to me.

I'm not knocking the Catholic Church... I have a lot of respect for their charities... and, I've done work with their refugee resettlement.

But, how much do they give to charity per year? The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation would be about the only one that I can think of that could give the Catholic Church a run for their money... but, I have no idea how much the Catholic Church gives... so, I'm not sure...?

[HI54UNI]

How many pieces are in storage and can't be seen? How much is the art collection worth? Is it worth $1 billion? $2 billion? $10 billion? If the whole collection is worth $1 billion (and I would bet it is worth more than that) $50 million is only a 5% rate of return. Doesn't seem like a very good investment in the poor to me.

Talk about finding a reason to hate, hater.

When some other charitable institution comes remotely close to the amount spent by the Catholic Church on charity, talk to me.

In other words, you got nothing.

And don't say I hate the church. You know nothing about me or my relationship with the Catholic Church.

Let me know when you want to have an adult conversation about this topic.

[D1B]

The Vatican Bank -- which in fact scored higher on the Moneyval transparency test than many of the banks which criticize the Vatican Bank. The Vatican Bank was listed as a "white bank" on its first test, despite all the reports it would not achieve "white bank" status. I guess there is spin, and then there is truth, and you and your ilk are spinners.

Your post is just a pack of lies. No point in responding.

2000 years of corruption and paying for pope hats and jewels and gay fuck palaces. They still don't have their shit together.

The vast majority of money the Church has bilked from idiots like you does not help the poor, rather it funds catholic bullshit.

You, Joe, have no credibility here whatsoever.

[D1B]

How many pieces are in storage and can't be seen? How much is the art collection worth? Is it worth $1 billion? $2 billion? $10 billion? If the whole collection is worth $1 billion (and I would bet it is worth more than that) $50 million is only a 5% rate of return. Doesn't seem like a very good investment in the poor to me.

Talk about finding a reason to hate, hater.

When some other charitable institution comes remotely close to the amount spent by the Catholic Church on charity, talk to me.

Fact, they gain more from tax exemptions than they give to charity. Much of their charity dollars actually comes from government grant. WE are funding their efforts with our tax dollars and the church takes all the credit. They're scumbags of the highest order.

[JoltinJoe]

D1B broadcasting coast to coast, on NBC -- the National Bullshitting Corporation.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrHWmUpZFyI[/youtube]