Pope pops in to pep up the faithful

So far so good. The Pope's visit to England and Scotland is going well. All those who were excited to see him are still excited. But I do wish the media would not be so obsessed with sin. In this case that of clerical abuse. It is a terrible matter indeed, but by incessantly bringing the topic up at the end of every sentence it just makes the issue sound like nothing on Earth can make amends. It is as if the reporters have a one track mind, with sex abuse stuck in front of their eyes as a reminder. Wrong deeds are not righted by bringing them up at every available opportunity. There is a time and a place for everything. The sin of sex abuse and the scandal of clerical cover-ups has been and should be in future (if ever it arises again) dealt with in context. Modern media types seem to revel in the bad and avoid the good.

Another thing I find strange. Much has been said, particularly on the radio, about the Pope being greeted by a female cleric in Westminster Abbey. Do those who are digging away at this think he will shrink from her sight, or admonish her publicly for something or other? It's so absurd. But I really think they are hoping for a Monty Python style punch-up. The fact that there are disagreements between Christians over doctrines, some within and some between denominations does not mean that Christian leaders do not have a warm regard for each other and a respect.

When the Pope visits Westminster Abbey today, it will be all Christian benevolence and spiritual warmth. But I suspect that some in the media will be hoping for something different.