Der Papst kam

Despite the Bild Zeitung's claim that "We are the Pope!" (believed mostly by the more gullible), Berlin seemed more ambivalent about just how much Germans or Berliners in particular could identify with that statement. This is, after all, the historically Protestant north of the country, with Berlin further positioned (with the exception of its western districts) in the formerly communist (anti-religious) East. Furthermore, Berlin is and throughout its history has often been a liberal, cosmopolitan, and some would say hedonistic haven. Given all this, any visit by the Pope is sure to stir up a bit of controversy. On top of it all, this Pope in particular has been a vociferous opponent of theological and ecclesiastical progressivism, as well as any innovation in teaching on sex and gender. Despite his flair for footwear, Benny the 16th has been no friend of the gays or ladies!

The reaction? A counter demonstration put together by queer and other groups opposed to the Pope's positions on myriad topics, especially those related to sex and gender. Cycling back from the center of town, we came very near to the protest route, and could hear the less than inspiring music selection therefrom! Personally, my feelings about the Pope and his teaching are firmly in opposition. While I find the Church to be totally and thoroughly ficked up, I cannot discount the role of my Catholic school upbringing in communicating some very fundamental messages about equality, solidarity,  and social justice (even if they came wrapped in SO much hypocrisy and illogical thinking!) There are many good and sincere people there, it is just a shame that the good continue to associate with so many wrongheaded, bad people with incredibly misguided priorities including Ratzinger/the Pope. I didn't attend in the end, even if I did mull it over a while first.

Unlike many religious people, I would not claim to know the mind of god (nor whether a god even exists). However, I did capture the following scene just as the demonstration was kicking off. It might lend us some hint of god/FSM/the universe's opinion on the whole matter:

A giant, all-natural rainbow flag draped over the city, leading to the pot of gold that is Alexander Platz (that spire is the top of the TV tower).