Excommunication.

I read that he did refer to the Italian Mafia as being excommunicated. But the article went on to say that actual excommunication is a complicated and drawn out process, and that the pope had never actually carried it out. It sounded as though he was voicing wishful thinking.

I don't understand why really wicked people ars not excommunicated. Perhaps it is felt that they should have the chance to repent of their sins and redeem themselves.

I'd double the Vatican guard straight off.

I think that may be the case jingl re the chance to repent.

Stans we're ready, pom pom makers atten....shun!

What a strange aspect of some religions excommunication is! (IMO)
I suppose being denied the right to join in with some of the rituals and traditions is a punishment to some believers, though...

You might be ready phoenix. I just might let 'em have him!

I think it had a lot of impact in centuries past when people really believed in hell. Whole countries put under interdict way back in the days of King John etc.

It would be really scary to really committed believers Ana - no chance of Heaven.

Sorry for the surfeit of "reallys" there

Paedophiles should be ex-communicated , Mortal sin,.. in my opinion.
Some will say , not very Christian !
So what , not very Christian--- their deeds !

Actually, I don't think I've ever made a pom pom in my life. Well, not completed one.

I think I have said before that I don't have much time for the Catholic faith, founded on fear IMO, and a few autobiographies that I have read have reinforced that opinion.

However, I do feel that so far Francis has shown himself to be a different sort of Pope. No designer shoes, and far more prepared to be among the people (was it in Brazil that he did a mega walk about type thing?)

My stance on organised religion has always been that of a sceptic, this was confirmed for me by the attitude taken by the "pastor" that my ex husband allowed to have so much input into our sons funeral.

But I know that a lot of people find great comfort in their faith, and I am glad for them, providing that they are not shoving it down others throats or of the opinion that anyone that doesn't share their beliefs are destined for hell or to be seen as an enemy on this planet.

I'll get me coat.

(I was only joking about letting 'em have him)

I think he's lovely.

I have made a lot of pom-poms.

You are forgiven my child!

I`m with Stangran get the Swiss Guard out of their silly uniforms and issue them with klashnikovs (that is certainly not spelt right - but do I care)

Oooh, does that mean I'm in a state of grace Agus ?

Shove orf phoenix! It means I am.

he is a brave man

Not sure if "brave" is the word I'd use, but must say I do have respect for him, and hope, if that makes sense?

PS jingl I do struggle to think of you in a state of grace, please take that in the spirit of which it was intended!

The Swiss guards (behind the scenes) are a very highly trained military force. And I believe that they have well stocked armoury.

Does excommunication bar one from heaven on repentance?
I find that hard to believe from an all merciful God?

[highly offended emoticon] (aimed at Madame phoenix)

I think, once it's been done on you Galen - that's yer lot!

So watch it!

jing
Can't be!
God is omniscient and omnipotent!
Ergo! Nowt is impossible to Her

They can excommunicate you from the Church but the New Testament insists that a new covenant was formed at that time, which is between God and individuals, not God and institutions. So no human, however exalted in the Church hierarchy, can excommunicate you from God. Sins, repentance and hopes of heaven are matters between an individual and God, with clergy acting merely as facilitators.

At least, that is my reading of it. i could be wrong.