Pope's remarks truly unfortunate

I think it appropriate that these two Associated Press articles appeared on the same page in the July 11 issue of the Daily Herald: "GOP support for war erodes" and "Pope's statement again riles Protestants."

Two so-called leaders - George Bush and Pope Benedict -- are alienating many people. Are these the kind of men we wish to "lead" us? I don't think so.

I thought during Pope John Paul's reign we Catholics made progress in our relations with other faith communities, something long lacking in the Catholic church. Pope Benedict is taking us back from any progress we made. How dare he approve a document stating that "other Christian communities are either defective or not true churches and Catholicism provides the only true path of salvation."

What?! There are enough issues going on in the Catholic church today and now thanks to Pope Benedict's statements, it adds to "How embarrassing it is to be a Catholic today." Catholicism, in my opinion and in the opinion of many Catholics, does not "provide the only true path to salvation." Pope Benedict deserves the criticism of Protestant leaders. An expanded version of the article mentioned that "despite the harsh tone, the document stressed that Benedict remains committed to ecumenical dialogue."

I ask, "With whom will he dialogue?" Were I one of the leaders of any of the other faith communities, which by the way are also paths to salvation contrary to what the pope says, I wouldn't speak to him unless he retracted those untrue negative words.

Pope Benedict needs to revisit the life of Jesus Christ, who, when he lived on earth, didn't alienate anyone. We all believe in the same God. We really don't know what the true path to salvation is except to say that loving God and living our lives in service to our families and all peoples is the best we can do; God will see to the rest.

Florence Smith Mount Prospect