Rupert Murdoch, Papal Knight

marty1985

I just learned tonight that Rupert Murdoch was given an honorary knighthood by the Pope, after he contributed 10 million dollars for the construction of a cathedral in Los Angeles.

The man is not even a Catholic, has divorced his wife for another woman, presides over some really sleazy publications, and presided over some really unethical behavior at his publications, and yet the award is given to people of "unblemished character".

Couldn't have hurt his business interests in Italy though to be rubbing shoulders with the Pope. He said himself yesterday that he has some tough competitors in that area.

I'm a Catholic - on paper - and just find it laughable.

Surely this is an unethical practice of the Vatican? Indulgences, anyone?

CiaranMT

The Vatican involved in unethical practices?


Say it isn't so.

alex73

Yes. Cardinal Sodano approved it and pushed it. Disgrace in my opinion. But then again cardinal sodano covered up a lot of things. He has a lot to answer.

marty1985

I hadn't actually heard of Cardinal Sodano before to the best of my knowledge. Can you elaborate on what he has to answer for, particularly for anyone reading on a mobile device?

Regarding Murdoch, the whole thing is so sleazy. Who would've ever thought that money could buy you influence in the Vatican? :rolleyes:

gimmebroadband

marty1985 wrote: »

I hadn't actually heard of Cardinal Sodano before to the best of my knowledge. Can you elaborate on what he has to answer for, particularly for anyone reading on a mobile device?

Regarding Murdoch, the whole thing is so sleazy. Who would've ever thought that money could buy you influence in the Vatican? :rolleyes:

Many in the Vatican got too 'worldly', and neglected things spiritual, and what you see now is the fall-out!

Manach

As opposed to what? For instance the UK has a habit of handing out external honours to such notables Robert Mugabe: Knight Grand Cross.
Indulgences are AFAIK internal to Catholics, and to repentant sinners. If you are aware of criminal activity on Mr. Murdock's behalf?

CiaranMT

marty1985 wrote: »

Who would've ever thought that money could buy you influence in the Vatican? :rolleyes:

I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic or not at this stage...

alex73

Cardinal Sodano, Not the most spiritual person.


http://ncronline.org/news/journalist-probes-church%E2%80%99s-murky-finances

gimmebroadband

alex73 wrote: »

Cardinal Sodano, Not the most spiritual person.


http://ncronline.org/news/journalist-probes-church%E2%80%99s-murky-finances

The link you posted, The National Catholic Reporter is not recommended. This so-called "Catholic" newspaper is very liberal & does not fully follow the teachings of the Church. See: What is the National Catholic Reporter’s Real Agenda at link below!

http://catholiccitizens.org/press/contentview.asp?c=13519

alex73

gimmebroadband wrote: »

The link you posted, The National Catholic Reporter is not recommended. This so-called "Catholic" newspaper is very liberal & does not fully follow the teachings of the Church. See: What is the National Catholic Reporter’s Real Agenda at link below!

http://catholiccitizens.org/press/contentview.asp?c=13519

On this particular topic I can claim some inside experience. Cardinal Sodano coverer up and pushed his own agenda. Many wealthy and influential people gave him bribs for favours. I know of 1 concrete abuse case that was pushed under the carpet and that the Cardinal did not bring to attention of JPII, because the abuser had bought favours with the Cardinal. Great organiser I give him that, he got things done. A Saint. No. Whatever link is irrelvent because I know the truth. So am I not surprised Murdoch bought his honor.

His newphew was given a Job for no other reason than the fact he was the newphew of Cardinal Sodano. And he got paid for doing nothing.

P.S. The abuse case that was covered up and hidden by Sodano was made public be Pope Benedict and the abuser defrocked and reported. Priest went to excile to avoid prosecution on his home country.

CerebralCortex

:pac:

Doctor DooM

Manach wrote: »

As opposed to what? For instance the UK has a habit of handing out external honours to such notables Robert Mugabe: Knight Grand Cross.

I really hate this type of argument.

The UK government engaging in despicable activities does not excuse the Vatican from doing so.

antiskeptic

Doctor DooM wrote: »

I really hate this type of argument.

The UK government engaging in despicable activities does not excuse the Vatican from doing so.

Always be prepared to give a reason for the hatred you have. In this case it's quite simple: the English Government isn't setting itself up as the One True Paragon of Moral Authority.

I'm not too sure I like the (somewhat ironic) rogue cardinal defence either. The pope is the one handing out the honour. The responsibility for doing so rests with him.

alex73

antiskeptic wrote: »

Always be prepared to give a reason for the hatred you have. In this case it's quite simple: the English Government isn't setting itself up as the One True Paragon of Moral Authority.

I'm not too sure I like the (somewhat ironic) rogue cardinal defence either. The pope is the one handing out the honour. The responsibility for doing so rests with him.

I have to defend JPII here. He never made any award in person to Murdoch. It was requested Archbishop Roger Mahony of Los Angeles and vetted by Cardinal Sodano, Yes it was approved by the Pope, Sadly, but the whole process was done given to him.

It should not have been done in my opinion.

You will find in the history of the church, of any church really or organisation, that there are people who use there position for the wrong ends. Cardinal Sodano is one of them, he was bought in my opinion.

mikemac

There hasn't been a worse choice for Papal Knight since Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III

Corsendonk

alex73 wrote: »

On this particular topic I can claim some inside experience. Cardinal Sodano coverer up and pushed his own agenda. Many wealthy and influential people gave him bribs for favours. I know of 1 concrete abuse case that was pushed under the carpet and that the Cardinal did not bring to attention of JPII, because the abuser had bought favours with the Cardinal. Great organiser I give him that, he got things done. A Saint. No. Whatever link is irrelvent because I know the truth. So am I not surprised Murdoch bought his honor.

His newphew was given a Job for no other reason than the fact he was the newphew of Cardinal Sodano. And he got paid for doing nothing.

P.S. The abuse case that was covered up and hidden by Sodano was made public be Pope Benedict and the abuser defrocked and reported. Priest went to excile to avoid prosecution on his home country.

Sounds like Cardinal Sodano is just a traditionalist! Bribes are part of Italian and Vatican culture down the centuries.

gimmebroadband

alex73 wrote: »

On this particular topic I can claim some inside experience. Cardinal Sodano coverer up and pushed his own agenda. Many wealthy and influential people gave him bribs for favours. I know of 1 concrete abuse case that was pushed under the carpet and that the Cardinal did not bring to attention of JPII, because the abuser had bought favours with the Cardinal. Great organiser I give him that, he got things done. A Saint. No. Whatever link is irrelvent because I know the truth. So am I not surprised Murdoch bought his honor.

His newphew was given a Job for no other reason than the fact he was the newphew of Cardinal Sodano. And he got paid for doing nothing.

P.S. The abuse case that was covered up and hidden by Sodano was made public be Pope Benedict and the abuser defrocked and reported. Priest went to excile to avoid prosecution on his home country.

Just saying that the Catholic Reporter isn't a good resource generally, and can sometimes be wide of the mark! I have been warned about them by others!

charlemont

Its hilarious really. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.

alex73

gimmebroadband wrote: »

Just saying that the Catholic Reporter isn't a good resource generally, and can sometimes be wide of the mark! I have been warned about them by others!

Sadly... And a catholic it pains me to say it, but it's true. On this particular topic. I remember in Rome when ratzinger was cardinal that they also tried to buy him... But he was never interested in money or favours, he walked to work, no choffeur. Sodano was not of the same school.

stimpson

mikemac wrote: »

There hasn't been a worse choice for Papal Knight since Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part III

*cough* Peter Sutherland *cough*

goose2005

Manach wrote: »

As opposed to what? For instance the UK has a habit of handing out external honours to such notables Robert Mugabe: Knight Grand Cross.
Indulgences are AFAIK internal to Catholics, and to repentant sinners. If you are aware of criminal activity on Mr. Murdock's behalf?

Mugabe was stripped of his knighthood, and "sure they're all at it" is hardly a valid defence when you claim to be the greatest moral authority for the human race.