Now this IS big news

Pope Francis has formed a commission to investigate the Vatican Bank. What makes this move very important is that the commission is to report to him directly, and bypass the Vatican bureaucracy.

John Paul I (he had such a kind face)

 

 

 

A number of books have been written about the corruption – and sometimes criminality – emanating from that bank.

It’s long been rumored that Pope John Paul I was murdered (in 1978) because he was about to focus attention on the bank. He was a humble man, perhaps in the style of Francis –  the first pope to forego a ‘coronation’. John Paul I lasted 33 days. He was 55 when he was found dead in his bed. (Some of the theories about his death are here.)

So this is a big deal.

No contraception! “Every sperm is sacred”

I think the recent Catholic objection to paying for contraception was not without merit on First Amendment grounds. But that’s the constitutional part. I am otherwise delighted to join in the mockery, so richly deserved.

This Monty Python classic has been getting a bit of play around the interwebs today. (Should I email it to the local archbishop I wonder? It might be okay cuz it’s not about lady parts.)

Part 2: Where are the women?

At the US Bishops Conference . . .

Where’s Hilary?

Via Digby, here’s what was printed in a newspaper of the conservative (nay, fundamentalist) Hasidic Jewish sect after the bin Laden capture. The paper does not publish pictures of women. (And they dealt with Golda Meir how?)

And here’s the picture seen in the rest of the world.

Many orthodox non-Hasidic Jewish women cover their hair, often wearing wigs perhaps  – as with my own experience below – to admit of submission.

As a young Catholic girl in church, I was required to wear head covering to, I assume, appear submissive.

Muslim women in many parts of the world are required to do the same and in ultra-orthordox societies to cover their faces and bodies as well. And we know that’s to show submission to their betters.

Religions – at least the monotheistic Abrahamic ones – don’t think much of the girls. Count me a feminist. And tell Mr.  Limbaugh of Palm Beach it isn’t over yet.