Fighting crime the supernatural way: JP2's blood to tour Mexico in hope for peace

[muriel_volestrangler]

A relic of the late pope John Paul II arrived in Mexico Thursday as part of a bid by the Catholic Church to exorcise the country's drug violence.

The relic, actually several vials of blood that were taken from the pope during the last days of his life in 2005, will now be taken by a group of Catholic leaders on a five-month tour of 92 dioceses to promote peace in the country gripped by a brutal drug war that has killed some 41,000 people since 2006.

The relic "has successfully arrived in our country," where the pope made five visits during his life, said Victor Rene Rodriguez, of the Mexican Episcopal Conference. "We do not want a temporary truce but a path to reconciliation," he added, saying the visit amounted to a call "directly to individuals involved in organized crime to reflect on their conscience and vision of Mexico."
...
Several vials of blood were taken from John Paul during the last days of his life in 2005. They have since taken on the aura of holy relics, with Catholic faithful invited to venerate them.

Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/life/Vials+papal+blood+bring+peace+Mexico/5277016/story.html#ixzz1VsOckDAv

Do they really think that drug cartels are going to give up violence because they might get to see some of the late Pope's blood? Or do they really think it will have a magical effect?

[ret5hd]

1. a little magick for the masses

[Angry Dragon]

2. Can the catholic church become any more insane??

I am glad the church is bringing back Paganism to cure the world of sin............


Next they will bring out the 55 gallon drums of Adam sperm to sprinkle on the people so they can worth and multiply

[rug]

3. If you want to start a pissing match you can invent a better headline.

The headline of the article:

"Vials of papal blood to bring peace to Mexico"

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. Somehow, I don't have as much confidence as that headline writer

so I think "to bring peace" is over-optimistic. You don't think there's a supernatural component to this? Everyone knew he had blood when he was alive. Why should taking it to Mexico bring peace, unless it's because they think there's something beyond normal biology and personal history involved?

[rug]

5. No, it's touring because it's magic.

And because Mexicans are simple superstitious folk. Is that your point?

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. No, I think the Vatican and their bishops take them for simple superstitious folk

Whether or not the bishops, cardinals and Pope themselves believe that the blood is special, I can't tell; but they either think the Mexican population or criminals will respond as if there's magic at work, or they just want to make an empty gesture to make it look as if they've done something. I think Mexicans are far too clear-eyed about their troubles to pay any attention to this stunt.