Papal billboards vandalism 'does not respect people's sentiments'- Curia

m. warrington

Apr 13th 2010, 17:54

Continued: Regarding the roads, if I recall correctly, the same thing happened when we had the Queen's visit for CHOGM. The comments were similar.. So for us to have good roads, we have to wait for an' important' head of state! And we only arrange the ones where they pass from! Typical Maltese mentality and inferiority complex. So we do things "Ghal wicc in-nies' and not for us. We must not be worth it then!!! It always was and will be like that unfortunately, no matter what government!!!! Like the Pope cares if the roads are good or bad! Or better still, if there is a phallic monument in Luqa which we suddenly want to remove for him not to see! I think WE are the hypocrites! Come on! I am sure he cares about other things which are way more important than such trivia.
As for me, I respect Pope Benedict as the spiritual leader of my faith which goes beyond such trivia. A human being in such a venerable yet vulnerable position. I will be there! Let his followers be.Non believers don't have to be there!

m. warrington

Apr 13th 2010, 17:31

Perhaps we need to remember here that the Pope is coming to Malta to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the coming of St. Paul to Malta in AD 60. No more, no less. It is very unfortunate that it happens to be in the middle of the paedophilia controversy apart from the fact that he isn't as charismatic as his predecessor!Otherwise, I am sure he would receive a better welcome. It is true that priests should be exemplary. But there was a case of paedophile dad last week. Does that mean that all fathers are paedophiles? I don't think we should judge the Pope because of a small number of horrid priests in relation to the great amount of good priests who are doing a marvellous job in practising what they preach.The case of paedophile priests makes me angry, disgusted, sick! These priests should be removed from their duties as priests and be locked away in some psychiatric cell or something similar, as these people are sick. The pope probably acted the way he did with such priests, with the mentality of his age. Hide everything! Things are different now. Leave people who support the pope enjoy his visit.

Joe Zammit

Apr 12th 2010, 19:55

Vandals are immature people. And when vandals hit at night, they clearly prove to be cowards as well.

Through vandal acts, no intimidation will result, but only courage in favour of the Pope and the Catholic Church.

Roanna Borg

Apr 12th 2010, 12:58

and what about the pope not accepting persons who are separated at the mass?? that's totally nottt catholic! I am agains vandalism but this is not a good example u judging !

Daisy Decelis

Apr 12th 2010, 12:58

The fact that as a young boy he was made to participate in teh war was not hidden and is not anything the pope, or anyone else who was still too young to decide for himself, be ashamed of. BUT the fact that as a cardinal he allegedly protected paedophiles in the name of the church is something which the pope or anyone else committing such an offence should aswer for. No one can be excused for directly or indirectly assisting paedophiles. In such cases the protection of the innocent should take top priority always.

Kenneth Zammit Tabona

Apr 12th 2010, 12:58

Why the surprise? Why the outrage? People do read and are well informed. Not that I condone the action of the vandals by any means but in view of what is going on..................?
Instead of those gynormous posters all over the place why not keep it low key? Or is the Pope really Malta's head of state coming on a brief inspection visit?
There is something very basic called 'Cause and Effect'.
Think about it

cazcrutchely

Apr 12th 2010, 12:35

I have just returned from spending easter in italy and this situation with the pope was high priority on the news . Every news bulletin carried the story. It will not go a way as more abused have the courage to step forward and be counted . The pressure will build for a fundermental change. Priests must have the chance to be married ( male or female partners if need be) and have a legitamate outlet or their sexual needs.

Christopher Grech

Apr 12th 2010, 12:18

Whoever thinks that the Catholics are doing Christ's wishes on earth, could not be more mistaken. Big fallacy.

Taken from the authority from Christ Himself, he said in Matthew:

5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least COMMANDments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.

The Catholics go beyond the above. Pope John Paul II signed the new Cathecism lessons including the false set of Commandments, proving to the whole world that they are the "least" in the Kingdom of heaven. They have taken out the 2nd Commandment on purpose.

Catholics offends God and Christ, big time!

The blind leading the blind. How can you trust therefore someone who lies to you for 2000 years!?

John
14:21 He that hath my COMMANDments, and KEEPETH them, HE it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

Who hates Jesus breaks the Commandments!

simon cutajar

Apr 11th 2010, 01:13

.................so ! what does respect the poeple's sentiments' ? shall I ask the Pope , the curia , the priest next door or the brothers who teach our children religion at school ? Minn jiskongra irrid ikun purr !

Jacob Gauci Cunningham

Apr 10th 2010, 22:06

Ohhhh So The Church is in the position to judge ???I’m not saying that vandalism is right and neither do I agree with insulting the pope but if we take a look at it the "Church" but hasn't the catholic people including Priests, Bishops etc discriminated other people Gays,Trans Sexuals,Agnostics Other Gods.Now they claim that showing what the pope was and could still be they are saying that it doesn’t respect people's rights oh boo hoo should've thought about that before they destroyed the society with their religious crap

G.Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 21:53

Min ghamel dan l-att vandalu huwa bezziegh mill-kbar! Jekk ghandu l-kuragg ghandu jistqarr l-ghemil tieghu pubblikament.

leo attard

Apr 10th 2010, 20:51

Arnold Schwarzenegger came from a Nazi background --- no one calls him a Nazi and is a popular governor. Whoever painted the moustache needs a lesson in history --- Hitler's moustache was one piece, not divided into two.......If these vandals are trying to make a statement that the Pope tried to hide the issue and didn't come out in the open, well they are doing just the same and carried out their actiions in the darkness of night...At least the church had the guts to give a oublic apology! I don't think these vandals' guts go that far!...

Dr Francis Saliba

Apr 10th 2010, 20:49

Malta's real attitude to H.H. the Pope and his impending visit will be demonstrated by the thousands who will flock to see him and not by a handful of anonymous persons who, like thieves in the night, stoop to deface welcoming billboards during the hours of darkness.

Irene Galea

Apr 10th 2010, 20:48

my previous post wasn't published....but I have every right to express my opinion about this article.

Funny there should be talk about respecting people's sendiment's.

Is it wrong that as a maltese citizen MY sentiments are hurt, because me and my country seem to be given no importance in comparison to a man who visits malta for 2 days? ...a man who only represents a religion which is followed by a number of (certainly not all) maltese citizens?

All around Malta, roads were rebuilt...not for residents who've had car accidents in bad roads, or pedestrians who've tripped over potholes. no....but for a pope who will be visiting for two days. (how hiprocritical of this religion!)

In a couple of weeks, a stage was built in floriana..for the pope. but OUR beautiful city of Valletta has been and WILL be in ruins for YEARS! what's more, walls and buildings have been painted over...not for residents who've wished something would be done to improve their environment, but for a pope.

and these people are complaining about a moustache drawn on a billboard. malta, get your priorities straight...love your country! malta tal-maltin, mhux tal-papa.

Roderick Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 20:19

Dear Wilfred L Camilleri, I am sure you would put things in perspective if your children were abused by priests. The pope has been accused simply because there are facts that back up the allegations, we are living in a new era, every one can get all the information he/she needs and gone are the days where the church has control over the majority.
On the contrary, nowadays not only the church is loosing it's grip but the real truth is emerging out, slowly but surely the real truth will prevail.
On the contrary to what the Curia says, the person that depicted the Panda and the moustache didn't judge anything or anyone. I would rather look at it as a sign of protest, it would be better if the church does what it preaches.
All the money and work being spent on the Papal Visit should have been invested on people with real needs, after all this is what the church constantly preaches doesn't it? All this propaganda, the church is looking like a political party trying to win some kind of election and then Curia wants the priority of this pastoral visit to be spiritually benefitial? Sure Thing!

Mr.J.Borg

Apr 10th 2010, 20:05

The big qestion is Had the Pope been another nationality rather then a German Pope would the vandels have scribbled a Hitler's moustache on the billboard, think about it ? I very often travel to Italy mainly the north and many a time i see graffiti on walls in Italy saying IL Duce, so whats the difference, its only a question of some idiots reviving the dark days and this time i suppose they have found a good excuse to bring this sort of nonsence to our country. Some people need to be educated and respect the head of the church and form their own opinions rather then being cowards.

joseph grech-attard

Apr 10th 2010, 19:54

Never should ANYONE (including the Catholic hierarchy) judge anyone. Our little island passed through enough torture during the 60's. We still feel them now, especially people of my age. Forgiveness and prayer are the best tools.

@S.Porter - There are many Christians who are not Catholic. Whoever shows disrespect to the Catholic Church, (or, rather, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church), is not necessarily showing the same feelings to Our Lord Jesus Christ. The problem is that the hierarchy really believes it IS Jesus. However it is only such when it administers HIS sacraments.

B Mallia

Apr 10th 2010, 18:58

Honestly, why bother reporting about such a silly thing? Why promote this imbecile's behaviour?

George Frendo

Apr 10th 2010, 18:51

let's put it the other way round... let who is without sin judge the person who done the vandalism to the billboard... what goes around comes back around... don't use words and phrases for your convenience ;)... don't judge just try to do the best possible for youselves and be nice to others...

sorry for being a pain in the... only god can judge!

Martin Schranz

Apr 10th 2010, 18:39

Yes it does.

Chris Fenech

Apr 10th 2010, 18:13

It's a striking coincidence that these graffiti should emerge in the same day this article is published: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/10/pope-paedophile-priests-cover-up

Mercieca Franco

Apr 10th 2010, 17:30

No wrongdoing can ever be justified by another wrongdoing

Hatred never got mankind anywhere.

Negative feelings are waste energy

S Porter

Apr 10th 2010, 17:25

Sexual abuses of children are repellent, disgusting and immoral.
However for the usual commentators who jump at any excuse to get at the Catholic Church these abuses are simply another load of fuel for them to manifest their real hate against Jesus Christ and His church. They seem to be winning the argument partly because the Church won't fight back with any spirit.

Paul Smith

Apr 10th 2010, 17:02

Wilfred L Camilleri
f
what are you on about?
from sky news as well as news orgs all over the world:

The Pope has been accused of refusing to throw out a paedophile priest so he could protect the reputation of the Catholic church. In a letter written before he was elected Pope, the then cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said any action would have "grave significance".
The correspondence is the strongest challenge yet to the Vatican's insistence that Benedict played no role in blocking the removal of paedophile priests.
He was head of the Catholic Church's doctrinal watchdog office at the time.
The letter was typed in Latin and is part of years of correspondence between the Diocese of Oakland in California and the Vatican.

Kevin Borg

Apr 10th 2010, 16:10

Condemning these acts is what every citizen of this country must do. But after condemning, one must sit down and ask himself why these acts have been carried out?

The Catholic Church is surely under siege lately from all those who feel that some kind of justice must be done with those who have suffered at the hands of pedophile priests. But what has the church done?

Absolutely nothing, and to add insult to injury the ecclesiastical bunch surrounding this Pope and the previous one have done their utmost to hide these cases from the media. But so many cases have been propping up that it is becoming impossible to hide them all.

The Church must publish the names of these priests and excommunicate them from the Church and allow the Courts to proceed criminally against these criminals dressed as priests. It must also seek to help all those who suffered these acts. Once this is done the credibility of the church will be restored.

A ruined billboard can be changed dear Archbishop. A child who suffered abuse has to live with the trauma for all his life.

Joe Xuereb

Apr 10th 2010, 15:57

@ K.Zarb. You're absolutely right. In all likelihood, the vandals would complain that this visit is costing the country a lot of money. Defacing the billboard is a way of showing the disapproval of this hyped up visit.

It is interesting to see that some commentators are playing down the implications of these crimes. Calling them mistakes and unproven. A mistake is tendering not enough money when you buy a snack at the kiosk in Putirjal. THAT'S a mistake, easily corrected. As for lack of proof about the alleged crimes - nothing alleged about these. They happened. The Pope's shortcoming, as I understand it, is that he did not do quite enough to prevent further abuse and his failure to deal with the child abuse once it had happened. A mistake if you want to call it that. But a very, very serious one.
I can understand people's reluctance (and the Vatican's) to fully acknowledge these crimes and hedging round the issue to limit damage. It's so transpart. Unfortunately, once something unsavoury is acknowledged and taken on board, the onus from then on is for the individual to deal with the fallout. It is not a comfortable place to be.

Wilfred L Camilleri

Apr 10th 2010, 15:54

The person who did this is a moron. The Pope has not been accused of anything. Yes there have been incidents of abuse throughout the church and those responsible should be brought to justice and if found guilty should be jailed. That said, if a child is molested by a citizen of Malta, we don't hold the President of Malta or the Prime Minister of Malta accountable for the crime. We just punish the perpetrator. I agree that the Church must be held to a higher standard then a normal citizen, but let's face it, the percentage of children abused by parents, relatives, and others is huge compared to the number of children abused by priests. So let's put everything in perspective and not hurl accusations before we have facts proven in a court of law.

Kristina Ciantar

Apr 10th 2010, 15:52

Jiddispjacini nghid, imma bl-istess injoranza li qeghdin tghajjru lil dawn in-nies qeghdin taghmluha intom, meta ssostnu li l-abbuzi li kien hemm fuq it-tfal kien zball li seta' jaghmel kulhadd. Ghalija zball huwa meta twaqqa' xi barmil taz-zebgha mal-art u mhux meta xi hadd ‘joqtol’ l-innocenza tat-tfal. Minix nghid li dak li ghamlu n-nies hawnhekk mhux hazin, (ghax fl-ahhar mill-ahhar biex ghamlu dawn il-billboards, min butna hargu) imma ma niflahx nara lil min jiskuza dawn l-atti u jiddeskrivihom bhala 'mistake'. Kieku dawn abbuzaw lit-tfal taghkom kontu tirrispondu bl-istess mod?? Ma nahsibx jien u jiddispjacini nghid li dawn in-nies 'injoranti' mhumiex, specjalment meta tara s-simbolu li uzaw biex iwasslu dan il-messagg.

Mario Mizzi

Apr 10th 2010, 15:43

This is not the proper way to sound one’s views & feelings.
However the timing of the Pope’s visit to Malta could not come at a worst time, with all the news of child abuse going on in every part of the world.
Child molesters exit everywhere, and only God is to Judge.
However, Jesus spoke very sternly on such or similar situations.
Matthew: 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Unfortunately, some people might find the time very opportune to throw mud at our religion, Christ’s.
But we also need to reflect. Is our church on the right track?
Maybe one would say, like I sometimes feel, who am I to comment?
We need to see our Church, Christ’s Church, refresh itself and its ideas.Stagnation brings about a loss in faith on a wide scale.
That’s how our church can grow bigger and stronger.
Defend the Church where it needs defending, but black has to be called black, and white has to be called white.

Alan Joseph Adami

Apr 10th 2010, 15:26

Qrajt xi kummenti ta' hawn taħt.Kulħadd jgħid li jaqbillu.Kulħadd jakkuża l' Papa meta fil-verità din hija kampanja kontinwa biex iħammġu lil Vigarju ta' Kristu.Hija kampanja biex lil Papa jtappnulu ismu u isem il-Knisja.Dawn il-vandali huma nies li tant huma ddipressati li ma jafux jargumentaw li jiddeċiedu li jivvendikaw ruħhom minn affarijiet li b'hekk huma biss jinstemgħu u ħadd ma jista' jirribatihom.Hija tal-mistħija!Biss infakkar lil insara kollha li jgħidu x'jigħdu n-nies li nsew li d-din ta' artna dejjem żammitna u rebbħitna vittorji kbar li kieku ma kienx għall- din il-fidi żgur li aħna ħafna għar,u lil dawk kollha li jitqabdu kontra dan il-mewġ iblah,taqtugħx qalbkom għax il-Knisja ta' Kristu m'hi ħa tmut qatt...[Mt:16:18] U jiena ngħidlek: Inti Pietru, u fuq din il-blata jiena nibni l-Knisja tiegħi, u s-setgħat tal-infern ma jegħlbuhiex.U min għandu l-għali jkompli jżidu, VIVA L-PAPA!

JOHN MANGION

Apr 10th 2010, 15:18

“He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
john 8: 7

charmaine mangion

Apr 10th 2010, 15:16

Mr Albert Borg i found your comments so disgusting that i cant comment at all.

And why all this fuss because the pope is coming for a 24hr visit?!?!?

a million euro for a day visit, how much better Malta would be if the money was used in better ways

Mike Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 15:15

Let him who is without sin.............. vandalise the first billboard???

J. Huber

Apr 10th 2010, 15:07

During his life and especially during the passion, Christ received insults much heavier than the action of some people whose judgments stand to be corrected by history. Christ's retort to the insults and injustices received was: Father do not count this as a sin because they know not what they're doing.
The only reaction of believers should be to pray for the perpetrators of such acts that the Lord may have mercy on them so that He won't judge them summarily in the same way they are judging others.
To the editorship of The Times I say that giving publicity to such acts is simply not a service but free publicity to those few who would go to any lengths to disrupt such an important occasion as is the upcoming visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

J.Tonna

Apr 10th 2010, 15:07

There you are generalising again. Why say "the stupidity of maltese!! " when it was probably the work of a sick mind. No body knows if s/he is Maltese or not.

Whever did it, did it because s/he is unbalanced.

Jesmond Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 15:03

As a very proud Maltese Roman Catholic, I look forward to his Holliness Pope Benedict XVI visit on the proud Maltese Islands.

All Maltese people, both in Malta and abroad, are looking forward to this visit and his Holliness will definitely be greatly wellcomed. Malta has been preparing for this visit since quite a while and all the arrangements are indeed being carried out in a very professional manner. His Holliness knows this.

This act of vandalism here is the work of a .........................(my own censorship) and it does not represent the collective Maltese spirit for his Holliness's visit.

The crowds will let his Holliness Pope Benedict XVI know how much his visit will mean to the Maltese.

MSciberras

Apr 10th 2010, 14:46

These acts of vandalism are to be deplored, that is obvious. But I for one will not be seeing this Pope in Malta, and have no wish to. His record speaks for itself; his views are wrong and damaging to the church on priestly celibacy and homosexuality and I certainly never subscribed to the doctrine of papal infallibility which means that would have to accept the word of another mortal man as gospel truth. The church is hugely important (it is the worlds largest charity for example) and needs a true leader who ensures it remains relevant. And what spiritual benefit? People who live in many other countries where there is much less religous hypocrisy than there is in Malta fast know what I mean when I say that we Maltese are no more special, no more Christian as a result of our professed devotion. If anything, we see nothing wrong in bespoiling our environment and as one church-going lawyer said to me recently, wihout a hint of irony, resolving problems secretly,keeping things under wraps in order to preserve a common good, such as faith in the Church or the judiciary or government is the way things should be done.

David Cassar

Apr 10th 2010, 14:45

"Vandalise" as defined by the Oxford dictionary : A person/s that willfully or ignorantly destroy or mar something beautiful or valuable.

Yes, they did IGNORANTLY attempt to destroy and mar a beautiful object, but alas they did not succeed. Faith is not a poster but a spiritual attitude complimented by a Christian action..................our full presence at il fossos on Sunday morning in broad daylight will totally wash out what they did in secrecy during the dark of night.

D. Buhagiar

Apr 10th 2010, 14:34

Dear Church,

For hundreds of years you yourselves have been taken the position of judge imposing your morality and values on humanity......well......now it is your turn to be judged!!!!

ray sacco

Apr 10th 2010, 14:30

these vandals are really stupid. they have turned the catholic church and it's leader into victims, when actually they are the accused!

Anthony Roberts

Apr 10th 2010, 14:05

This is appalling but just goes to show what small minds some people have.

I would like to point out that neither Marsaxlokk nor Birzebbugia have been included in any of the Pope's tours. He is going as far as Gudia and Ghaxaq. Why have we been excluded from this special occastion?

Sandro Agius

Apr 10th 2010, 13:50

@ Joseph Borg - ghax ma tghidx li hija kospirazzjoni tal-media biex tattakka lill-Knisja...Mhux ovja li min abbuzza zbalja bl-ikrah, u min hbielu huwa komplici mieghu...imma mbaghad ftakar li hadd m'ghandu dritt joffendi s-sentimenti religjuzi tal-Knisja, (li sa prova kuntrarja m'humiex biss is-sacerdoti imma wkoll il-miljuni ta nsara li huma mghammdin.)

Mela Papa Gwanni Pawlu 2 talab skuza ghall affarijiet li hu u l-poplu Polakk sofra fit-2 Gwerra Dinija, in prima persona u Papa Benedittu XVI talab skuza ghal affarijiet li hu hadem kontrihom...min ma jafx ahjar jigdem ilsienu biex zgur jaghmel figura ahjar. Dawn ix-xnighat sa prova kuntrarja jibqghu xnighat bhal bosta ohrajn...bhal meta pruvaw ihammgu lill-hu l-Papa...

Din li l-Papa kien nazista ma ddoqliex lanqas, ghax fil-fatt il-Papa qatt ma ggieled u ta min jghid li kull tifel u tifla germaniza kienu jiddahlu...jridu u ma jridux fl-armata nazista...mhux ser nippruvaw inpoggu l-Papa ma min ghamel l-attrocitajiet issa wkoll hux...Ta min ifakkar li kien hemm bosta Germanizi li ghalkemm parti mill-partit nazzista hadmu bis-shih biex issalvaw lill-Lhud ez. Schindler....jew isqfijiet bhal Papa Gwanni 23 li salva mijiet ta tfal Lhud meta kien fit-Turkija. Insomma mill-banda tieghi - EGO SUM PAPA SEMPER

Paul Smith

Apr 10th 2010, 13:45

Jimmy Zammit
what on earth are you on about? You say: f one want to see this sort of silly attitiude towards the pope, one only has to go to the UK, there its even worse against the Germans,

I honestly have no clue what you are on about and neither do you buy the sounds of it. I think any prejudice against Germans died a long time ago - many decades.
Anyway, enjoy your pope visit, i cannot think of any worse than celebrating a visit from a man whom gives child abusers sanctuary - awaiting attacks from the Maltese religous talaban

David Caruana

Apr 10th 2010, 13:45

“It appears that these acts of vandalism were made by ELEMENTS WHO, FOR THEIR OWN REASONS, DECIDED THAT THEY ARE IN A POSITION TO JUDGE,” the Curia said.

Are they saying it could have been a man of the cloth? lol

James De Giorgio

Apr 10th 2010, 13:39

Anyone condoning acts of vandalism on this blog has NO CREDIBILITY.

Any vandalism is wrong, it goes against the rules of law, of civil conduct and respect for property.

Moreover, it has created an eyesore.

Shame on the vandals and on anyone else dismissing this act of vandalism as "u ija..". Let's see what they would say if the same things were sprayed on their home.

Pope Benedict, it's persons with criminal behaviour who are not welcoming you on our shores with these acts.

On behalf of many who are in agreement with me, allow me to say WELCOME POPE BENEDICT.

Joe Cassar

Apr 10th 2010, 13:34

"“It appears that these acts of vandalism were made by elements who, for their own reasons, decided that they are in a position to judge,” the Curia said."

Nice one - coming from an entity which thinks it has the right to decide who goes to heaven and who goes to hell.

Mind boggling.

John Portelli

Apr 10th 2010, 13:24

Very stupid people indeed. I wonder who they are. The mistakes of a few in the church should not be the cause for this nonsense and these individuals should be brought to justice to offending the people.

C.Caruana (323)

Apr 10th 2010, 13:17

Shame! Utterly shameful!

Leo Mifsud

Apr 10th 2010, 13:16

@ Ernest Vella

Missierijiet,nanniet,zijiet,coaches u ghalliema li abbuzaw minn xi minuri jittellaw il qorti....smajna b'xi wiehed minn dawk il 45 qassis li tressaq quddiem il gustizzja... filkas fakkruni ghax ma nistax niftakar.

Ian England

Apr 10th 2010, 13:09

Completely normal behaviour for a democratic society.

Leah Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 13:09

This act of vandalism only serves to reflect the undercurrent mentality present amongst the Maltese at the moment - one of frustration, disappointment and anger towards the Church.

It is immature and stupid, yes, but I think it's important to remember why incidents like these are starting to happen. The Church's popularity on this island is dying quickly, especially amongst the younger generation and, may I say it, the higher educated. The sooner paedophile priests are investigated and taken to court, the sooner justice is done, the sooner the Church stands a chance of repairing its reputation and restoring some dignity to the Catholic faith. But - now more than ever - what we all really need is a separation of Church and State. The way these abuse scandals have been handled is an outstanding reason why this distinction is needed.

By the way, it is not fair to call this Pope a Nazi. He was drafted into the Hitler Youth because children at that time were forced to. It was not his choice. Criticise him all you want, but calling him a Nazi goes too far.

Edward Camilleri

Apr 10th 2010, 13:02

@Albert Borg
I only know of one case against 3 priests in the law courts. Where are the other cases against the 42 priests (45-3 from 1999 only till now)? refer article http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100410/local/abuse-victim-says-church-apology-too-little-too-late

This number was given by the curia!

And why do you think the local archbiship & bishop of gozo have issued an apology? do you think one issues an apology for the sake of it, on such a serious matter? Do you think the archbishop is "jumping into unfounded conclusions", to use your words?

Miriam Ellul

Apr 10th 2010, 13:00

Jiena mhux lil Papa nitħassar b'dan l-aġir, imma l-min għamlu, għax b'hekk wera' kemm mhux kapaċi jagħmel aħjar! Il-Papa xorta se jkompli jaqdi dmiru u din il-banalita' mhix ser twaqqfu. Ħaġ'oħra li ddejjaqni hi, illi ma dan jew din il-miskin jew miskina jeħel il-poplu Malti kollu.
Jiena seta' kien min kien ... mhiniex qed nitkellem bl-ebda simpatija lejn ħadd, pero dawn l-affarijiet jirrabjawni għax bihom nuru kemm għad hawn nies lura f'pajjizna ... u mhumhiex denji li jissejħu Maltin!!

Chris Frendo

Apr 10th 2010, 13:00

@ Albert Borg

I think that the other two correspondents are justified in their concerns. The AP yesterday published an exclusive and said that years ago Ratzinger had intentionally stalled a pedophilia case for years among other reasons; 'for the good of the universal church'. The vatican confirmed the signature but they said that the letter does not mean anything.

If such a high ranking cardinal opts for silence and cover up, I dread to think what low level clergy would do... But we know what they do don't we? 60 years abuse covered up in Ireland etc etc.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100409/ap_on_re_us/us_pope_church_abuse

maria galea

Apr 10th 2010, 12:49

the stupidity of maltese!! -.- why are there only few people who can really accept other people's opinion again....stupidity of the maltese!

Peter Paul Agius

Apr 10th 2010, 12:37

Shame on us Maltese. We have really reached a limit here. Hope no accidents happen during the Pope's vist. Peter Paul Agius

M Mifsud

Apr 10th 2010, 12:15

Whoever did this is a stupid person, imbecilli!

joseph borg

Apr 10th 2010, 12:06

i think its a world wide sentiment at the moment. And to call molesting children a mistake is atterly absurd.

Mike Micallef

Apr 10th 2010, 12:04

I m not much of a church goer myself, but I find the act of vandalising these billboards to be offensive. Besides not respecting the inalienable right of any organisation to promote its activities, jumping to hysterical and judgemental conclusions on the basis of unproven slander and insinuation is to say the least, grossly UNFAIR. ...besides being cowardly and illegal , that is.

Ernest Vella

Apr 10th 2010, 11:59

Min qieghed jghid li dan mhux vandalismu, nahseb huwa komplici ma dawn in-nies ghax min jaqbel ma dawn l-affarijiet sinjal li hu m'ghandux gazz bizzejjed jaghmilhom. Jekk bl-argument ghax kien hemm xi qassisin abbuzzaw, il-Papa, u l-Knisja huma hatjin ukoll, u ghalhekk haqqhom l-istess trattament, mela nibdew induru wkoll ghal missirijiet, zijiet, nanniet kollha, ghax kien hemm kazi fejn fil-familja saru l-abbuzi, induru ghal coaches kollha ghax xi darba nstema li xi hadd abbuza, lejn l-ghalliema ghax gieli kien hemm min abbuza u nibqghu sejrin hekk.

Hija socjeta bla bazi ta gustizzja - socjeta li takkuza grupp jew istituzzjoni shiha ghal htija ta percentagg zghir hafna minnha. Forsi l-holma ta Martin Luther King li kull persuna tigi iggudikata fuq eghmila ghanda tigi mhabbra u mgedda mill-gdid. Immishom jisthu dawn in-nies li jridu jiredikolaw il-Papa.

J.Tonna

Apr 10th 2010, 11:30

Most probably these stupid persons do not know how to do anything better than that.

I pity them.

William P Flynn

Apr 10th 2010, 11:19

No need for this. Whoever did this is liable to get arrested and it's not worth it; he's not worth it. Nor would carrying placards with messages condemning priest raping children likely be allowed within his sight.

Someone might check whether it is illegal to show up to a public meeting at a public place or along the streets, turn around and show a visiting dignitary your back? Such a dignitary would get the message.

Albert Borg

Apr 10th 2010, 11:17

@Edward Camilleri / Jo Zammit

Please get your facts right before jumping into unfounded conclusions. The court cases are still in course and we should leave it up to justice so that everyone will pay for their dues.

Anthony Weitz

Apr 10th 2010, 11:09

No institution should be above the law. This is an issue about accountability.

Jo Zammit

Apr 10th 2010, 10:49

Well, if you consider pedophilia as just a mistake that everyone makes, clearly you have a problem

sure, some people do do that 'mistake' Albert, but in society they are arrested. but since it's the clergy I presume it's just a 'mistake' that we ought to forget about.
as you can realise, 'we all do mistakes' is really the wrong phrase to use with pedophilia

and yes, I think pedobear is very appropriate for the situation

Jimmy Zammit

Apr 10th 2010, 10:46

Just because he is a German, and people are depicting him as a little adolf, why the big fuss, i just laugh and take it with a pinch of salt, if one want to see this sort of silly attitiude towards the pope, one only has to go to the UK, there its even worse against the Germans, perhaps maybe instead of forgiving but not forget, most uneducated people tend to :unforgive for the sake of it. Its sheer stupidy and alot in Britian seem to follow like sheep and unfortunitly in Malta as well. In anycase this sort of thing to see in Malta and if i may add i also noticed not just the pope but also some billboards of politicians. Place more security cameras same as in most countries, the culprits or jokers will think twice the next time.

KZarb

Apr 10th 2010, 10:42

Issa ara hadd ma jgorr fuq l-ispejjez extra... probabbli l-istess vandali huma l-ewwel nies li jokorbu ghax iz-zjara hierga minn flus il-poplu.

Michael Spiteri

Apr 10th 2010, 10:41

I think this person who "vandalised" this billboard obviously had something to say no?

T Mifsud

Apr 10th 2010, 10:34

Richard Borg,

Quick and clever witted I have to say to your comment! Absolutely a gem! Well done!

Edward Camilleri

Apr 10th 2010, 10:28

@Albert Borg
Yes we all do mistakes, but when we do make mistakes we are taken to court and possibly to prison, unlike what happened in the catholic church. Most of the offenders were merely assigned to another diocese, to do the act all over. this is why all the fuss, and in my opinion this is nothing. We should have done more.

David Mizzi

Apr 10th 2010, 10:19

Omerta' Hbieb, ghax triq bhal dik fil-Marsa, zgur xi hadd inzertah jilghab mal-billboard f' nofs ta' lejl.... u mobile bil-camera kwazi ghandu kullhadd !!!

Albert Borg

Apr 10th 2010, 10:00

This is a disgrace to our nation. Amongst the wrong doings of the church, we should be more appreciative to the good values and invaluable aid it gives to the society in general, especially those in need.

These are people like you and me, and we all do mistakes. Do we???

richard borg

Apr 10th 2010, 09:55

It could very well be a charlie chaplin moustache, depicting a pope as one against nazism as did chaplin in ihs film "the great dictator". whatever it is i think we are making just a tad too much fuss over facial hair.

K. Pullicino

Apr 10th 2010, 09:55

How babyish! These people are also supposedly mature adults.

Just for your information, the panda is the "Pedobear" symbol: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4chan#.22Pedobear.22

kevin schembri

Apr 10th 2010, 09:28

Dawn x nies huma! ara vera kontra l injoranza m hemmx fejqan! Issa nibdew inwehhlu fil gvern ghax ma tefghax security mal bilboard.

Patrick Abela

Apr 10th 2010, 09:27

I find it more ironic that the vandals also made two stencils of the popular internet meme Pedobear which is a staple symbol of pedophilia. Anonymous strikes again.