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7:00pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By David Wiles

Pope Francis Pope Francis

CATHOLICS in Swindon have welcomed the appointment of the new Pope Francis, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – pope.

The Rev Canon John Cunningham, the parish priest of Holy Rood Church, in Groundwell Road, said: “I think it’s an inspired choice. I think the image he has created of being a simple man, a man of prayer, a man who doesn’t particularly like the trappings of power. I think he’s conveying the image of Christ that I really relate to.

“And I think choosing the name of Francis after presumably St Francis of Assisi, he’s trying to convey that in an even stronger way.

“From being very much a man of the people, he’s wanting to travel with the people, and his message he preached from the balcony of St Peter’s was love, simple but not the less powerful.

“There will be a sense of renewal in the church. Benedict was an absolutely excellent pope as well, but I think he might well put a different emphasis on the faith and reach out beyond Europe where the church is growing, but also within Europe.

“It’s positive that he can have a fresh look at issues that are facing the church of today and indeed the church of tomorrow.

“Pope Benedict was very much living in the Vatican area for 20 to 30 years before he was pope. This man is coming from a totally different continent.”

Comments(23)

PaulD says...
8:24pm Thu 14 Mar 13

praying for the poor from his enormous golden throne

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LordAshOfTheBrake says...
9:14pm Thu 14 Mar 13

Its going to be difficult to take this guy seriously when he looks like Jim Bowen and given the issues in the Catholic church one of Jim's catch phrases was "Nothing in this game for two in a bed"....!

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peatmoor pirate says...
10:51pm Thu 14 Mar 13

PaulD wrote:
praying for the poor from his enormous golden throne
If you had taken any time to actually find out anything about the man you would know that simply is not his style. Still, why let the truth get in the way of a good bit of catholic-bashing.

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whaddahey?! says...
12:19am Fri 15 Mar 13

Seriously though folks, I'm expect the new Pope will quickly demonstrate his humility and leadership as Gods chosen representative on Earth by liquidating the incredible wealth of The Vatican and pouring the multiple billions of euros into helping the poor, needy and oppressed - just like Jesus would have done. :-)

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dc the 2nd says...
8:16am Fri 15 Mar 13

On the day he was elected the arch diocese of los angeles settled for $10m with 4 victims of child abuse, Cardinal Mahony was accused of protecting the priest in question but was still allowed to vote on the new pope.

this was decades of abuse covered up http://www.nytimes.c
om/2013/02/02/us/chu
rch-documents-releas
ed-after-years-of-re
sistance.html

Good day to bury bad news I guess.

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PaulD says...
8:46am Fri 15 Mar 13

peatmoor pirate wrote:
PaulD wrote:
praying for the poor from his enormous golden throne
If you had taken any time to actually find out anything about the man you would know that simply is not his style. Still, why let the truth get in the way of a good bit of catholic-bashing.
I'm sure he'll be touring the slums of Africa this very afternoon seeing how many of the Vatican's billions can spent on eradicating disease and hunger, whilst giving out good contraceptive advice to help prevent the spread of HIV

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Compaq says...
9:52am Fri 15 Mar 13

Chosen by God?? Interesting, wasn't it the other Cardinals? Hardly a divine choice, perhaps the high odds at the bookies may have helped??

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house on the hill says...
1:40pm Fri 15 Mar 13

"""?! says...
12:19am Fri 15 Mar 13

Seriously though folks, I'm expect the new Pope will quickly demonstrate his humility and leadership as Gods chosen representative on Earth by liquidating the incredible wealth of The Vatican and pouring the multiple billions of euros into helping the poor, needy and oppressed - just like Jesus would have done. :-)"""

Not forgetting changing the age of consent in Vatican City from the current disgusting 12 to at least 16. How can they expect thier Cardinals to behave when they set their own "standards" so low. The typical double standards of religion. They have to create their own state and bank to avoid paying taxes or letting the world know just how wealthy they really are. The biggest con job the world has ever seen, they dont just help the weak and vulnerable they exploit them too while their coffers get higher and higher. Just a shame God doesnt really exisit as if he did they would have been the first to be struck down for their hypocricy.

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RichardR1 says...
11:05am Sat 16 Mar 13

The usual anti religion rubbish. Assuming none of you are Catholic, well you wouldn't be given your comments, what has it got to do with you who is elected.

Mind you it makes things difficult for the Falklands, Argentina have already said they have now God on their side.

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house on the hill says...
12:04pm Sat 16 Mar 13

God doesn't exist you idiot, it's a faith a belief system, no proof it's all stories and fantasies. The "religious" ones are usually the arrogant I can't possibly be wrong and you are stupid for not believing brigade. We are free to make our own choices and comment the way we see fit thank you, but because it doesn't fit your narrow minded views doesn't give you the right to have a go at others. If you want to believe good luck to you but a lot don't and have as much right to their opinions as you do. For me as far as I am concerned there is no proof either way but on balance I would say it isn't a reality but have an open mind and am prepared to be proved wrong. I just choose not to waste my life chasing something that more than likely is wrong as it is short enough already.

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RichardR1 says...
9:24am Sun 17 Mar 13

House, you have told us, you don't drink, or smoke, or eat unhealthy foods, now you don't believe or disbelive in God.

So exactly what is your existance based on.

It is always interesting that those of the Atheist pursuasion seem to be those who get hot under the collar about those with religious beliefs, why should that be.

If as an Atheist you are content that God does not exist why seek to decry those who do believe, or could it just be you are not sure so are hedging your bets.

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house on the hill says...
3:47pm Sun 17 Mar 13

I believe in myself, my strength comes from within me rather that from a bottle or a drug or a 1700 year old book. I live in the real world with my head ou t of my **** and in the reality of both the wonders of man but also the horrendous way we treat each other. Life is what you make it so so I choose my own way. Religion is the second biggest killer of man the world has ever known after malaria, if you are happy with that, not much more I can say to you really.

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blahblahblahblah says...
8:39am Mon 18 Mar 13

RichardR1 wrote:
House, you have told us, you don't drink, or smoke, or eat unhealthy foods, now you don't believe or disbelive in God.

So exactly what is your existance based on.

It is always interesting that those of the Atheist pursuasion seem to be those who get hot under the collar about those with religious beliefs, why should that be.

If as an Atheist you are content that God does not exist why seek to decry those who do believe, or could it just be you are not sure so are hedging your bets.
I think atheists get so hot under the collar, because being surrounded by naivity have is so extremely frustrating. Just like religious people get all hot under the collar because the local priest has had their son in the confessional for over 10 minutes.

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RichardR1 says...
9:08am Mon 18 Mar 13

Bla cheap shot. The vast majority of sexual abuse is committed by close family. Perhaps the dad was worried the chld may be confessing that truth!!!.

House, I have never heard an ordinary religious person trying to convert an Atheist, that cannot be said in reverse, this weeks, 'The Big Question' classicaly showed that.

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PaulD says...
12:45pm Mon 18 Mar 13

Atheists get fed up with the religious because of the stronghold religion has on laws throughout the world. From tax breaks to sharia law to enforced collective worship in schools to name but 3.

The Vatican has been fleecing people for hundreds of years on the pretence that they are 'giving to god', whereas in reality they are allowing a select few to live in opulence. That select few contains paedophiles and paedophile protectors and sympathisers amongst many other undesirable traits.

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blahblahblahblah says...
3:29pm Mon 18 Mar 13

RichardR1 wrote:
Bla cheap shot. The vast majority of sexual abuse is committed by close family. Perhaps the dad was worried the chld may be confessing that truth!!!.

House, I have never heard an ordinary religious person trying to convert an Atheist, that cannot be said in reverse, this weeks, 'The Big Question' classicaly showed that.
I remember once at bible camp watching as all these people go up and kiss the bishops ring. I had to hold his staff while they did it.

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semitonic says...
7:17am Tue 19 Mar 13

You have to laugh when old Robbo the compulsive liar, comes on here pontificating about religion which in itself is a collection of lies and myths. Rather fitting I suppose.

I think for people like Robbo, ex-copper, ex-landlord, not very bright, the actual proven science behind creation is just too difficult to understand. From quantum physics to special relativity, he'll just never understand it all.

So instead he'd rather believe stuff like "Adam and Eve" or "Noah's Ark" - it's just easier for him to get his shiny head around.

Anyway, how's life in Pompey Robbo?

Oh wait.. that was another lie..

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RichardR1 says...
12:12pm Tue 19 Mar 13

Perhaps semitonic if you were to speak to God occassionally he may well be able to help with your delusions and obsessions.

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semitonic says...
12:44pm Tue 19 Mar 13

Perhaps Robbo if you were to speak to god occoasionally..

err..

umm..

..well nothing would happen because god doesn't exist. I mean where would god even be located?

I think by speaking to god yourself you are merely pandering to your own delusions and obsessions.

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RichardR1 says...
6:27pm Tue 19 Mar 13

More delusions, so where have I (Richard) ever said I did talk to God. My faith or otherwise is a private thing, I have no wish to share that with anyone who simply has no concept of faith.

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semitonic says...
8:28pm Tue 19 Mar 13

Well Robbo at least you've admitted it is you masquerading.. not that it was ever in doubt..

Your faith is indeed a private thing, and as a (reformed) confirmed catholic I wouldn't want to know about your "faith or otherwise" as I know it's all nonsense.

Man created god - unless you can prove or at least give even the slightest proof that this isn't the case then please do not comment further.

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RichardR1 says...
10:50am Wed 20 Mar 13

I have no need to provide proof of God's existance. I am content he exists. Perhaps you as an Atheist could provide proof he doesn't after all it is Atheists who have the problem.

Once again of course your delusions take over. Referring to myself by my name, is admitting being someone else, how exactly.

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semitonic says...
1:06pm Wed 20 Mar 13

You are content "he" exists (it's a man is it?) you cannot, of course, provide any evidence whatsoever of his existence, you've never seen him, you can't hear him but you talk to him anyway.

You then have the audacity to call me delusional and insist it is me that has a problem.

Your imaginary friend is all in your tiny mind Robbo.

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