Pope's bishop pick criticized over Katrina comment

More nonsense from homophobic (homo?) pope. AP story here.

Feb 1st, 2009 VIENNA, Austria -- Pope Benedict XVI's decision to promote a pastor who called Hurricane Katrina divine punishment for sin in New Orleans was criticized by Austrian priests and church groups on Sunday.

The Vatican announced Saturday that the Pope has tapped the Rev. Gerhard Maria Wagner, 54, to be auxiliary bishop in Linz, the capital of Upper Austria province. Wagner caused a stir in 2005 when he was quoted as saying that he was convinced that the death and destruction of Hurricane Katrina earlier that year was "divine retribution" for tolerance of homosexuals and laid-back sexual attitudes in New Orleans. . . .

Upper Austrian priest and church dean Franz Wild said he was "appalled" by the decision and that he found it astonishing that someone with such extreme positions could be appointed to a post that was meant to unify.

Upper Austrian priest and church dean Franz Wild said he was "appalled" by the decision and that he found it astonishing that someone with such extreme positions could be appointed to a post that was meant to unify.

"I hope it's clear to the church that we're living in the 21st century and that it also has to live there," the newspaper quoted Wild as saying on its Web site.

Franz Guetlbauer, head of a Catholic men's movement, described the appointment as a "extremely conservative sign." The organization "We are Church" predicted that the appointment would push people to leave the church. . . .

See comments from Guardian readers here. ("A pope who believes that the weather has an opinion about what people do in bed is a pope in need of psychiatric help.")