The Trouble with the Pope
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Channel 4 documentary presented by Peter Tatchell
Broadcast Monday 13 September at 8pm
Human
rights campaigner Peter Tatchell presents an hour-long examination of
Pope Benedict XVI, broadcast on Channel 4 at 8pm on Monday 13
September, three days before the Pontiff’s State Visit to Britain.
Summarising the documentary, Peter Tatchell said:
“The programme questions the Pope’s policies on a range of issues
including his opposition to contraception, condom use and embryonic
stem cell research, as well the Pope’s mishandling of the child sex
abuse scandal, his distortions of the life and ideas of Cardinal Newman
and his readmission to the church of the holocaust denier, Bishop
Richard Williamson.
“It examines the impact that Benedict XVI's pronouncements have had on
both the developing and western world – with filming in the
Philippines, plus Italy, Germany and the UK.
“Interviewing both critics and supporters of the Pope, many of them
Catholics, the programme explores Benedict’s personal, religious and
political journey since the 1930s, from liberal theologian to
conservative Pontiff. It shows how he was once a supporter of the
liberalising, reforming Second Vatican Council but has since undermined
it, including by the appointment of many ultra-conservative bishops.
“In the film, we go back to the 1960s, when the Pope was a young
theologian and lecturer, then known as Joseph Ratzinger. We hear from
fellow theologian, Hans Kung, who was with him at university in
Tubingen, Germany, and discover the events that led him to become an
arch conservative.
“The documentary also includes interviews with British sex abuse
survivor, Sue Cox, who was raped by a priest at the age of 13, and the
Catholic historian, John Cornwall.
“During his visit to Britain, the Pope will beatify the nineteenth
century English theologian Cardinal Newman. We discover the way the
Pope is manipulating and distorting Newman’s relationships and ideas to
serve his own autocratic, homophobic leadership.
“The documentary interviews Chris Olly who is dying of motor neurone
disease and Chris Denning, a Nottingham University scientist, who is
using embryonic stem cells in a bid to develop new medical procedures
to help combat a range of terrible diseases. We also hear a defence of
this research by Professor Colin Blakemore. The Pope has condemned
embryonic stem cell research and wants it banned.
“In the Philippines, we discover how the Pope’s teachings have a social
and political impact, restricting contraception, sex education and
condom distribution. We hear from a poor Filipino family, headed by
Wilma and Ramon, whose following of Papal teaching against birth
control has resulted in them having more children than they can care
for adequately.
“The Pope provides a serious assessment of the impact of Benedict XVI
after five years in office and examines the conflict between some of
his key values and those held by people in Britain and the world,
including dissent from his policies by many Catholics.
“We hear from Benedict’s defenders in the Philippines and the UK.
“Our programme is not anti-Catholic. I have great sympathy with
grassroots Catholics who want a more open, democratic, accountable,
liberal and inclusive church. The We Are Church movement is admirable,
as is the UK group, Catholic Voices for Reform. I salute them.
“Some of the inspirations of my own human rights campaigns have been
Catholic humanitarians, including the editor of the Catholic Worker,
Dorothy Day, US anti-war activists, Fathers Daniel and Philip Berrigan,
Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador and theorists of Catholic
liberation theology such as Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff,” said
Mr Tatchell.
Explaining some of the difficulties that arose during the making of the documentary, Peter Tatchell added:
“Most of our interviewees are Catholics; some are supportive of the Pope, others critical.
“Our aim was to include all viewpoints, so we made great efforts to seek the participation of leading Catholic figures.
“When we went to Rome, we requested an interview with Pope Benedict or
a senior Cardinal. We were told that such an interview was not possible.
“Alexander DesForges of the Catholic Communications Network in the UK
was approached to facilitate an interview with Archbishop Vincent
Nichols. Our request was turned down.
“This is very disappointing. We wanted to give the Catholic
leadership in the Vatican and in the UK an opportunity to present their
perspective. Sadly, they declined our offer
“Although the Catholic Communications Network did put up a spokesperson
at the last minute - Fiona O’Reilly, from the pressure group, Catholic
Voices – this is not the same as having Catholic leaders defend the
Pope and his teachings.
“It strikes me as a sign of weakness that neither the Vatican nor the
Catholic Church in Britain was willing to be interviewed in defence of
the Pope.
“When church leaders see the programme I suspect they will be surprised
by its tone and content. They will probably regret not taking part.
“This is a very thoughtful documentary. Many of the voices we feature are Catholic ones,” said Mr Tatchell.
When announcing the documentary in June, Channel Four said:
“Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, a long-term critic of the
Papacy, will challenge Pope Benedict XVI’s beliefs and positions on a
range of issues - including condoms, homosexuality and fertility
treatment - and examine the impact his policies have had on both the
developing and Western world. The programme will give voice to a range
of views on the Pope – featuring interviews with both critics and
supporters.”
Ralph Lee, Head of Specialist Factual programming at Channel Four,
said: “The Papal visit in September provides an ideal opportunity to
examine the impact of Benedict XVI after five years in office. In
keeping with Channel 4’s remit to provide a platform for diverse and
alternative perspectives, equality campaigner Peter Tatchell will
assess the effect of the current Pope’s teachings throughout the world
and the conflict between some of his values and those held by modern
Britain.”
The programme, due to air in a prime-time slot in the autumn, is being
made by Juniper TV. Samir Shah is the executive producer and the
director is Chris Boulding.
The film’s production company, Juniper TV, said:
“Juniper TV is making an hour long documentary for Channel 4 on Pope
Benedict XVI to coincide with his State visit to Britain in September.
The programme will be presented by Peter Tatchell and be an exploration
of the Pope’s life - exploring his ideas, values and thoughts. It
will provide a thoughtful perspective on the Papacy’s present
condition, and make a serious assessment of the impact of Pope
Benedict’s views and policies on Catholics and non-Catholics around the
world. To ensure this, we currently plan to film in the UK, Europe and
South East Asia.”