Sir, – While I agree with Paul Kokoski (February 14th) that the words Ecce Homo of Pilate to the scourged Christ could be applied to the suffering, humble and fearless theologian and pastor that is Pope Benedict, I would suggest they could also be applied to courageous priests of the church such as Tony Flannery, Hans Kung and many others who have suffered at the hands of Rome for their own fearless speaking of truth.
We must obey the Pope’s request that we pray for the church. Surely this will include praying that the scourge of internal persecution may cease.
The persecution from external sources is quite enough to deal with, not least from the relativism against which Pope Benedict has so bravely battled. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Only two criteria are necessary to become pope: that one is male and has been baptised a Catholic. Let’s forget about degrees in theology or canon law. Let’s go for a fisherman say, or a carpenter. – Yours, etc,