Pope joins in tributes to Mandela
December 06, 2013
Pope Francis has joined international leaders in paying tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.
In a telegram of condolence, addressed to South African President Jacob Zuma, the Pope praised “the steadfast commitment shown by Nelson Mandela in promoting the human dignity of all the nation’s citizens and in forging a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation, and truth.”
The Pope said that he prays the example set by Mandela “will inspire generations of South Africans to put justice and the common good at the forefront of their political aspirations.”
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Posted by: jg23753479 -
Dec. 09, 2013 7:39 AM ET USA
While this is something the pope had to do for diplomatic considerations, the story of Mandela is murky at best, and associations made between him and peace-makers are misplaced. He joined the SA Communist Party after communist crimes around the globe were common knowledge. In the 90s, he told stunned listeners in Ireland that IRA terrorists should not depose their guns and bombs till it got what it wanted (see Belfast Telegraph last week). "Peace-makers" should be made of sterner stuff.
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Posted by: Defender -
Dec. 08, 2013 11:17 AM ET USA
Let's see...Mandela was pro-abortion, pro-SSM and an ANC terrorist. Not exactly someone to be emulated, nor lauded by the Pope, Cardinal Dolan or anyone but, heck, let's put our national flag at half-mast (unbelievable!).
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Posted by: meor2day8658 -
Dec. 07, 2013 9:47 AM ET USA
Why do our catholic leaders publicly praise & support those who have signed into law abortion? Mandela is on record both by signing his name to the law & verbally stating his support. When are our church leaders going to truly live & act on the gospel. I am really getting more & more disappointed in our church leadership.
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Dec. 06, 2013 7:26 PM ET USA
Am uneasy about this tribute because it ignores Mandela's violent terrorist past with atrocities such as necklacing and his spearheading of abortion. You can take a look at the crimes he plead guilty to. The ANC was a Marxist enterprise. If Mandela's background was considered "right wing" in support of some worthy cause would l terrorism in his bacground be ignored? There would be outcries. PC morality says the end justifies the means. Ecclesiastical me- tooism? Not good in my view.
