Bush in holy gaffe

  • Thread starter Thread starter jddqr
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Whew! aren’t we lucky Our President and Pope Benedict can be on friendly terms? Look at the fuss being made just because he called him Sir! What with all that is going on in this crazy world, calling him Sir! Aye Carumba!:eek:
 
I listened to an audiobook that Ratzinger did (somewhat like an interview) when he was Cardinal, and the author asked Ratzinger if he was offended when another relgious dignitary greeted him as “brother” instead of the proper greeting “your immenence”. Ratzinger merely laughed and said that indeed he was the mans brother in Christ (or something to that extent). He said it really did not concern him at all. I doubt his feelings on the subject have changed since he has become Pope. That being said , when I wrote to him, I did address him as “Your Holiness”😛 .
 
This has got to be one of the most absurd criticisms ever. So someone, who isn’t Catholic btw, met with the pope, and while speaking respectfully to him (and subsequently of him), he called him sir, and that is a “gaffe”?

If you’re in court, the judge asks them “is that accurate?” and the person respectfully replies “yes sir” rather than “yes your honor,” is that automatically disrespectful?

If someone was to meet the President, and he asked if they would like a photo with him, and they say “yes sir” have they disrespected the office?

Are we now to assume that anyone who replies to their priest “yes sir” is doing so out of disrespect?

The fact that this has become an issue says far more about those who make it an issue than it does of President Bush.

On a lighter side, here is an amusing photo that has to do with respect and President Bush. (Warning: it eludes to improper language, but does so in context of what not to do, and illustrates a true contradiction when it comes to respect, as someone’s t-shirt contradicts the sign they are holding.)

God bless everyone.
 
i’m not a big bush fan but what a non story, sir is still a term of respect if they want to criticise him do so on his policies and not on the fact he called the pope sir,
 
legeorge said:
So, he was responding to a question and automatically said “yes, sir”. Ooooh, Gasp…The Horror!!! :confused:

Isn’t there anything more worthy to talk about for 3 pages?!?!?!?:rolleyes:
Click to expand...
It appear you thought it was worthy. 🙂
 
Jay74 said:
This has got to be one of the most absurd criticisms ever. So someone, who isn’t Catholic btw, met with the pope, and while speaking respectfully to him (and subsequently of him), he called him sir, and that is a “gaffe”?

If you’re in court, the judge asks them “is that accurate?” and the person respectfully replies “yes sir” rather than “yes your honor,” is that automatically disrespectful?

If someone was to meet the President, and he asked if they would like a photo with him, and they say “yes sir” have they disrespected the office?

Are we now to assume that anyone who replies to their priest “yes sir” is doing so out of disrespect?

The fact that this has become an issue says far more about those who make it an issue than it does of President Bush.

On a lighter side, here is an amusing photo that has to do with respect and President Bush. (Warning: it eludes to improper language, but does so in context of what not to do, and illustrates a true contradiction when it comes to respect, as someone’s t-shirt contradicts the sign they are holding.)

God bless everyone.
Click to expand...
I agree that it is not a big story. However, we are talking about the highest level of leaders on the planet, they are likely the most powerful men on earth at this time in history and and proper decorum is expected from the very highest levels.
 
Here’s a Biblical reference to the word “sir”
John 12:21

(DRB) * These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying:** Sir**, we would see Jesus.

*I think no disrespect was intended.
 
I seriously doubt the Pope was offended.

When I have had the honor to meet bishops & cardinals in person, in general they have not insisted on all of the pomp & circumstance, the honorific addresses, kissing the ring, etc. In at least a couple of cases they kind of discourage it or act uncomfortable with it.

Pope Benedict strikes me as a pretty humble guy, so it would not surprise me at all if he doesn’t get upset about not being referred to as “his holiness” at all times.
 
Lol, have any of you watched Letterman poke fun at Bush’s speeches? This so-called gaffe is our president on a good day. 😃

I’d be lucky if I could BREATHE in the presence of our Holy Father. He’s such a worthy pontiff. May his reign last years to come.
 
Biblioassistant said:
Oh big woo! Evidently the Pope and the President had a nice and hopefully fruitful talk. I’m sure that Mr. Bush knew the correct mode of addressing the Pope, but I’ll be willing to bet he was overawed - I know I would be.

As long as he didn’t call him Benny;)
Click to expand...
…or that he has known the Pope from the 17th century…
 
bellesjoy said:
It is rumored that Bush may convert, as did his brother, after his term is over.I have not heard such a rumor - do you have a source? Perhaps you’re confusing him with Tony Blair, for whom there are definitely these rumors about?
Click to expand...
 
Discussion of possible conversions is a banned topic. Please desist.
 
bellesjoy said:
I agree we can make far too much of this kind of “overheard” reporting.

What I have seen in Bush’s presidency is someone who follows more closely the Church’s teaching on abortion, embryonic stem cell research, cloning, and respect for one man, one woman to constitute a marriage than many of our so-called “catholic” politicians. Some of them make sure they use proper etiquette in salutation, but then vote like pagans when it comes to the above topics.

Calling attention to that kind of gaffe on the part of those who use their faith like an ornament to be put on at photo-ops is far more important than comments on this meeting.

It is rumored that Bush may convert, as did his brother, after his term is over. Pray for his conversion and especially that of those who are Catholic in name only.
Click to expand...
AMEN!!!
 
The President also used the diplomatic title as well with Pope John Paul II when giving the former Holy Father the Medal of Freedom.
THE PRESIDENT: Your Holiness, thank you very much for receiving Laura and me, and our delegation. I bring greetings from our country, where you are respected, admired and greatly loved.
Click to expand...
I also bring a message from my government that says to you, sir, we will work for human liberty and human dignity, in order to spread peace and compassion; that we appreciate the strong symbol of freedom that you have stood for, and we recognize the power of freedom to change societies and to change the world.
Click to expand...
And so, sir, we’re honored to be here. Perhaps the best way I can express my country’s gratitude to you, and our respect to you, is to present to you the Medal of Freedom from America. And if you might allow, I’d like to read the citation attached to that honor:
Click to expand...
“A devoted servant of God, His Holiness Pope John Paul II has championed the cause of the poor, the weak, the hungry, and the outcast. He has defended the unique dignity of every life, and the goodness of all life. Through his faith and moral conviction, he has given courage to others to be not afraid in overcoming injustice and oppression. His principled stand for peace and freedom has inspired millions and helped to topple communism and tyranny. The United States honors this son of Poland who became the Bishop of Rome and a hero of our time.”
Click to expand...
medaloffreedom.com/PopeJohnPaulIIMedalPresentation.htm
Click to expand...
 
John_Higgins said:
I’m really, really not a fan of the President, but give him a break!
Click to expand...
I’m not a Bush fan either, but I agree 100% with this.

Bush is not Catholic, he seemed to treat the Pope with respect but also with friendship in the way that one world leader might treat another world leader. He did not seem to show disrespect in any way. Further, President Bush has an ideology on many moral issues that are closer to the Pope’s beliefs than many of our own Catholic Senators and Representatives when it comes to Abortion, Stem Cell Research, etc.
 
They really will find anything they can to criticize the President with…the chances of His Holiness being offended are slim to none. Like was said earlier, it is not as is Mr. Bush addressed the Pope as Joseph or Ben…
 
I don’t think that our Pope would stand on ceremony. As far as President Bush is concerned, I do find it incredulous that one of his Catholic advisors did not advise him on what to say. This is not even his first visit, so what’s the deal? Did they advise him on proper etiquette when the Queen of England visited recently? What is wrong with this picture? It is almost as if someone wanted him to do this. Life will go on.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top