Another reason for me to not like the current Pope

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Regarding Benedict's statement being of surprise to anyone except non-Catholics: that's just not true. A large wave of modern Catholics have been taught that a person has the right to practice the religion that they believe in, and we are not meant to condemn. I came from a pack of (somewhat more) open-minded Catholics, and we were happy for anyone who was able to connect with their spirituality in any way that helped them and helped those around them. While, yes, we were taught that Catholicism was built on the rock of Peter, the roots from which we sprung... we were not taught that those who did not believe in Christ were going to hell.

For that matter, my diocese sang a blessing that had two verses, which started:
"May the lord bless and keep you, may he let his face shine upon you..."
and
"May the lord bless and keep you, may she let her face shine upon you..."

Certainly I have had major problems with some of the edicts of the church and some of the crises that were ignored (from the association of the church during WWII, to the cowardly action that led to the abuse of children, to my first-hand experience with the treatment of a wounded woman outside of the Vatican walls just two weeks ago.)

But my preference (in most situations, really) is to appreciate the good around me. The influence and guidance of those who I watched treat others kindly because it is a good thing to do (and not just because it "reserves a spot in heaven.") Religion may be an opiate for some masses, but for others, it is merely a rock upon which to lean for strength in times of need. And whether that religion is Catholicism or any other sect of Christianity, or Islam, or Judaism, or the Church Of Walt, for that matter... their faith IS the one true faith. To them.