Religion
In reply to the discussion: Pope Francis: Kids Must Have Moms and Dad [View all]Starboard Tack
(11,181 posts)Regarding atheists, I do not broad brush. I am an atheist, but I despise the broad brush attacks by anti-theists on this board. As far as the RCC affecting non-catholics in a negative way, I am not convinced, but I may be wrong. I can only speak from personal experience. I have lived in catholic countries, including several years in Rome, Italy, where I encountered some of the best and worst human beings who were part of the Vatican hierarchy. So, I try to avoid broad brush attacks. Not all anti-theists are as hateful and vicious as the small cabal who hang out here.
The RCC, for which I have very little respect, is struggling to stay alive, and unless it changes its attitude toward women and the LGBT community, I doubt it will survive. OTOH, the new Pope appears to be a sincere, well meaning guy overall. But he has his work cut out for him.
I don't think most catholics really give a damn about Vatican HQ. They tend to deal on a local level, probably much the same as other religions and organizations.
Vatican policy is such an easy target for the angry anti-theists and they use it's excesses to attack believers.