Is the Pope right that rich nations are thieves?

Question

Pope Benedict appeared to reach out to the anti-globalisation movement yesterday, attacking rich nations for having "plundered and sacked" Africa and other poor regions of the world. The Pope's 400-page book, entitled Jesus of Nazareth, is to be published on April 16, his 80th birthday. TPC: Jesus Wouldn’t Bomb a Soul: Camara is noted for once having said, “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a Communist.” Leonardo Boff in particular drew Ratzinger’s wrath. Boff, another Brazilian clergyman, was even more radical in the eyes of the Church than Camara.

http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/articles/0,,2050255,00.html

Answer 1

The evidence in Africa seems to support the pope, yes. The world at large doesn't seem to notice anything in Africa unless it threatens the flow of oil, gas, gold, diamonds or other natural resources. Does a Darfurian care whether the Catholic Church or Halliburton profits as his family dies? I doubt it. The point isn't who's profitting as he suffers, it's that he suffers and nobody lends a hand.

Answer 2

Of course he's correct. The only people who would disagree are those who stand to make a buttload of money giving high interest loans to third world countries that have no resources with which to pay them back. To the IMF and the World Bank, poor nations are human resources -- not the kind you have in your office. The kind where you treat people like coal and burn them for whatever they're worth. The classic argument is that all 3rd world countries have to start somewhere; that at least we're giving them jobs. They say that by giving them back breaking work at nominal pay, we're doing them a favor and entering them in the global economy. What they never mention is that this has yet to actually work. The only nations that have managed to crawl out from under the World Bank's thumb are those that have parlayed national profit through illegitimate means at the expense of the people.

I've got nothing against wealth, but when the powerful exploit the powerless to accrue even more wealth on top of their already substantial fortunes, I can't help but balk when people try to convince me of the wonders of the free global market.

Answer 3

The Vatican the Roman Catholic Church is richer then any nation or country in the world. Just think of all the moneys they have payed out because of the perverts they have working for them in the name of GOD. I no that the little bit of money they have payed out over all these years doesn't put a dent in the Zillions of dollars they have.The catholic church is no better then some governments.

Answer 4

I agree with him on this issue. I am not a member of any religion, but I have read the Bible, and I must say that most so-called Christians aren't very good examples of it. The message of Jesus was to love and treat others as though they were your equals, no matter who they were. Large nations should be no exception.

Answer 5

Awesome. I also know many pro-union priests and others that lead anti-war demonstrations. John Paul II had already taken an anti-globalization stance. Benedict worked right with John Paul II for a long time. It is no surprise that he would continue John Paul II ' s policies. Peace be with you.

Answer 6

Yes

Answer 7

I suggest you read what the pope actually wrote, and not what the Guardian says the pope meant.

The Guardian isn't exactly known as a merchant of truth, especially when it comes to anything remotely Catholic.

Answer 8

Yes he is correct. Also rich religions are thieves too. The Pope is apart of the group of thieves.

Answer 9

I guess he should know, being head of the longest running and most successfull business on earth.

Answer 10

Hell yes he is right. Rich and powerful Nations are hogging the resources for their own use and pleasure.