Sorry this is going to be such a long post but I feel I need to do it.
Of course people have a right to demonstrate against the visit and, speaking as a catholic, although it would be nice if there were no boos it is within their right. The boos are certainly not the worst part when you consider all the personal insults directed at the pope personally, as an individual, through the banners and speeches at the protest yesterday.
In the main I think most of the protesters were dignified but in some sections unfortunately the protest has become less about "the church" and doctrine and more about insults which I think really demeans it. in terms of doctrinal issues, Pope Benedict is no different to his predecessor and will in all likelihood be no different doctrinally to his successor. I find it really sad that the protest has become about judging, condemning and attacking an individual.
The pope is the spiritual leader of Catholics so it?s his ?job? to give us guidance and speak out against behaviours or viewpoints (but unlike his critics, not the individuals who hold them) which he feels are not in accordance with the Truth, even if these views are not popular. Excepting where he?s been invited to speak outwith a church setting (e.g. the Palace of Westminster on Friday) he is addressing primarily the ?faithful?, if anyone else wants to listen that?s up to them, we?ve all been given free will.
The protestors are trying to be politic and playing a popularity game by saying it is not the church or ordinary Catholics that they are protesting against but really you cannot separate the pope from the church. All committed Catholics, together and in unity with the pope, are the church. This oneness, unity or community is the essence of Catholicism. It?s not for nothing that Rev Ian Paisley et al call Catholics ?papists?!
Catholics view themselves as part of a worldwide family with the pope (papa) as literally their "Holy Father". This may be very difficult for the non-committed catholic to understand but it is a strong, emotional and spiritual tie - just look at the coverage of the visit and you'll see the obvious joy and elation- and yes dare I say love - of many Catholics when they see the pope.
Imagine if it was your father being criticised or personally insulted and you might get a feeling for how many Catholics feel. Worse still, would be if your father or a member of your family had done something wrong, or there was abuse within your family. You would feel hurt, sad and ashamed, not just for the criticisms received, but for the wrong action itself.
But a lot of Catholics, particularly those at the events, and myself included, don't feel the criticisms of the pope are justified. They are saddened and sickened by the abuse scandal and recognise there is fault within the church in terms of the way it was handled. They recognise that those guilty need to be brought to justice and everything needs to be done to ensure it never happens again. But they recognise it?s not as simple as many would hope and simply not right or true to point the finger at one man, even if he is the leader, even if this would be most expedient.
What?s more they are doubtful of the case against him as presented by the media whom they see as being over enthusiastic about conspiracy theroies at best and downright anti-catholic at worst. This is all against the backdrop of 80 million Dan Brown books sold and incredibly these seemed to have shaped the public psyche. People are very receptive to anti-catholic press and don?t need much persuasion.
www.crikey.com.au/2010/04/23/here%E2%80%99s-a-crazy-idea-what-if-the-pope-is-innocent/
I suppose that as the leader of the church the pope is the focus for the love for the church which is felt by Catholics ? hence the happy scenes at Westminster and Hyde Park. In the same way he is also the focus for all the anger, hurt and hatred felt by the protesters and those who have been hurt by the church- it's what is in people's hearts. I suppose this is quite poignant, as the theme of the visit is ?heart speaks unto heart?.