The Vatican has been a recognized state for many years, and is accorded many of the same rights and privileges of other states/countries in the various international organizations. For instance, the Vatican has a seat at the UN, although it is admittedly not one as powerful as that of the US or other Security Council members. Indeed, it is the only religion I know of whose headquarters has such a distinction. If I am mistaken, please point me to the other countries which constitute nothing more than the hierarchy of a religious organization. I know the SBC is pretty powerful in Nashville, but even that city (and Tennessee) have secularly elected governments. So even that would be apples to oranges.
I've seen many posts by people who argue that the Pope is just a religious leader and we shouldn't attack him for his past actions or even current beliefs. Well, regardless of how one feels about his actions or beliefs, the Pope isn't *just* a religious leader. He is also a head of state, and is subject to criticism just as people like Mugabe, Milosovic, Blair, Chavez and Castro are. Or even *gasp* George W. Bush. Should the criticisms be factually accurate? Of course. But a criticism of the Pope is no different than a criticism of Bush. Both are world leaders, both are heads of state, and both have the ability to shape world policy by virtue of their political positions.
For those who either don't believe me or didn't know that the Vatican is its own country, with its own army, etc., links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Cityhttp://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761551674/Vatican_City.htmlAs much as Falwell and his ilk would like to have the power of the Pope, they do not. So I find it ironic that some people on DU are arguing that it's ok to criticize the Falwells and Robertsons of the world, but not the Pope who holds so much more power. :crazy:
The Vatican has lobbied against, outright opposed and threatened to boycott certain treaties or conferences on environmental issues if contraception was so much as mentioned in relation to overpopulation issues. Rio, anyone? As powerful as some other religions and religious leaders are, they do not have that ability, because they are not member states to some of the international organizations. The Vatican is.
There are many Catholics who understand how important this distinction among religions is, and have called for a change to the status of the Vatican.
http://www.seechange.org/media/101600WorldMarch.htmhttp://www.seechange.org/media/Catholics%20bid%20to%20strip%20Vatican%20of%20statehood%208%2029%2099.htmBut I guess those Catholics for a Free Choice are really just anti-Catholic, right? :)