Priest blames gays for earthquakes
Father Giovanni Cavalcoli believes that people in central Italy have suffered 'divine punishment' as a result of same-sex civil unions being allowed. The legislation allowing this in Italy only took effect last month, making it the last country in Western Europe to legally recognise same-sex relationships. This could suggest why the priest has such an unusual belief.
He made these comments on a radio station called Radio Maria, on the 30th of October, the day central Italy was struck by a 6.6-magnitude quake (the most powerful to hit the country in 36 years).
However Archbishop Angelo Becciu, number two in the Vatican's powerful Secretariat of State, said Cavalcoli's views are "offensive to believers and disgraceful for non-believers". He also asked for forgiveness from the earthquakes victims and reminded them of the "solidarity and support" of Pope Francis.
Seeing news like this might remind the audience of the somewhat old fashioned views of the Roman Catholic Church and other religions, and therefore creating a negative response towards religion. This is because a lot of people don't have a problem with homosexuality.
On the other hand, the Archbishops response implies that the church no longer holds such strong views against same-sex relationships, not to the extent where they'd be blamed for earthquakes anyway. This is likely to have been said so that there isn't any stigma held against the church by the public. Additionally to this the fact that he reminded society that Pope Francis offers them "support and solidarity" might encourage the people who were affected by the earthquake to turn to religion for a feeling of support and safety.
http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/06/priest-blames-gays-for-earthquakes-6239077/
http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/06/priest-blames-gays-for-earthquakes-6239077/
You have identified the main points in the article, including details such as the changing of legislation and name of the radio in which the statement was broadcast, which helps to give full understanding in this concise analysis. Maybe add some pictures to help visualise the story. Well done
ReplyDeleteYour article was very informative and I was able to understand the views and reasons behind this story. You clearly stated your source, however in future you could make relevant use of visual evidence. Well done.
ReplyDeletePictures PLEASE! also well done for finding this incredible story that seems to have been taken from before the 1950s. Please try and focus on your media specific terminology.
ReplyDelete