Source: Time Magazine

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1625275,00.html

Author: JEFF ISRAELY
Date of Publication: Thursday, May. 24, 2007

Summary:

This article talks about the Pope’s missteps, which, according to the author, occur quite often. It is stated in the article that the Pope’s speeches result from the Pope’s writing itself, without any sort of help. In the opinion of the author, this is why the Pope has to explain what he has meant to say, this is, his own speeches, using as a back up his “Pope Infallibility”, a kind of “right” Popes have, for making mistakes. The article goes on; detailing every kind of mistake the Pope has made trough his recent speeches, which were justified as being ” misunderstood”.
Personal Reaction:

Everyone can make mistakes, even the Pope. But the issue here is that the Pope, as the Christian leader of the 32,84% of the world’s population, should be more careful. He does not address to an audience of ten fellowmen, his speeches are heard through out the world, which means that not only Christians hear him; but also Jews, Muslims and people from any kind of religion. It is absolutely true the fact that he has to carry with the huge burden of John Paul’s image, a person who was extremely respected in every religion; but that is no excuse for making such big and irresponsible “mistakes”.

Vocabulary:
Waffle: (TALK)
verb [I] DISAPPROVING
to talk or write a lot without giving any useful information or any clear answers.

Backtrack: verb [I]
1 to go back along a path you have just followed.

2 to say that you did not mean something you said earlier or say that you have changed your opinion
Blatant:
adjective
describes something bad that is very obvious or intentional.

Ignites:
verb
1 [I or T] FORMAL to (cause to) start burning or explode.

2 [T] to cause a dangerous, excited or angry situation to begin.
Deft:
adjective
skilful, clever or quick.

Excised: verb [T] FORMAL
to remove, especially by cutting.
Poignant:
adjective
causing or having a particularly sharp feeling of sadness.

Precluded:
verb [T] FORMAL
to prevent something or make it impossible, or prevent someone from doing something.
Excommunication:
verb [T]
When the Christian Church, especially the Roman Catholic Church, excommunicates someone, it refuses to give them communion and does not allow them to be involved in the Church.
excommunication

Flurry: (SNOW)
noun [C]
a sudden light fall of snow, blown in different directions by the wind.

flurry (ACTIVITY)
noun [C usually singular]
a sudden, short period of activity, excitement or interest.
Quipped: quip
noun [C]
an amusing and clever remark.

quip
verb [I] -pp- MAINLY US
[+ speech]