Sir, - David Whelan (December 22nd) condemns the visit of Jorg Haider to the Vatican. There have been many other critics. I suggest that in meeting Mr Haider the Pope did what Jesus himself would have done.In Christ's day His critics condemned Him for consorting with publicans and sinners. The Pope has met and welcomed to the Vatican people of all persuasions including Soviet leaders and heads of other Communist states. In his personal life Pope John Paul suffered at the hands of both the Nazis and Communists. Diplomatic considerations should not replace Christ's own directives. In meeting Mr Haider, the Pope took the opportunity to preach Christ's Gospel against racism.As to my own credentials, I am an enthusiastic English Catholic. During the second World War I was bombed out of my home by the Nazis. I fought against them for four years while serving in the British army and have very close and much loved Jewish grandchildren.In spite of criticism I would hope that leaders of any Christian community would not hesitate to do as the Pope did. - Yours etc.,Francis C.H.R. Bailey, Killiney Hill Road, Killiney, Co Dublin.