• Sibbo@sopuli.xyz
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    5 months ago

    On June 6, 2007, a German man tried to jump into Benedict XVI’s uncovered popemobile as the pontiff began his general audience. The pope was not hurt and did not even appear to notice that the man had jumped over the protective barrier in the square and had grabbed onto the white Fiat popemobile as it passed. At least eight security officers were trailing the vehicle as it moved slowly through the square. They subsequently grabbed the man and wrestled him to the ground, before he was interrogated by Vatican police.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Popemobile

    • Glent@lemmy.ca
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      5 months ago

      Bullet proof glass, security goons. Why all this when prayer would keep him safe? Perhaps the pope only pretends to believe prayer works? Christopher Hitchens said he met with top clergy several times and they openly discussed with him they knew it was all bullshit. When asked why they chose to preach known bullshit they said its what the parishioners expected and they felt it was mostly “good” bullshit.

      • backpackn@lemmy.ml
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        5 months ago

        Do you remember any source for Hitchens on that, like a book or speaking event? I’d enjoy hearing more about that specifically.

        • Glent@lemmy.ca
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          5 months ago

          Sorry, Ive listened to so many hours of hitchens interviews I couldnt tell ya. Ive specifically heard it twice in two interviews/lectures. Usually its intertwined with him discussing the church inviting him to, and him acting something like an antagonist in debates within the clergy. Which is usually intertwined with criticism of mother theresa. Sorry I cant be more helpful. Good excuse to listen to lots o’Hitch however.

      • IzzyScissor@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        “Well, it’s all bullshit, but as long as I’m in power, you have nothing to worry about” -every religious leader ever

      • NostraDavid@programming.dev
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        5 months ago

        Why all this when prayer would keep him safe?

        You’re thinking of American Baptists and Evangelicals. Catholics are a little bit more practical, in general. Like protecting pedos, instead of ejecting them. Very practical.