Just my view here folks. No offence intended to anyone.
The Pope as I understand it, is allegedly Gods representative on Earth for the Roman Catholic faith. He also seems to be the CEO or similar of The Vatican State, which refuses to hand over, or allow to be seen certain documents from the vaults, pertaining to The Bible. Simple question why? If they already have the proof that Jesus did exsist in writing or any other form, surely they would have released it many years ago.
Surely as Gods rep he would also be very concerned about the Paedofile rings operating within the Catholic Church. I don't hear any Papal Decrees about that.
Whatever Faith you and yours are born into, you have the right to change it, should you decide that it doesn't suit you. How does that work, surely that proves that religion as a whole is based on how you see it personally, and are entitled to make your own mind up when you see that it's basically the same Idol that encompasses all. There have been many Gods through the ages, sorry but they can't all be "The One True God" Too many of 'em, that is of course unless you believe in reincarnation for certain people.
Personally I like to think of The Sun as something I thank every day, I don't have to worry about going to a special place to thank it, I don't have to drink the blood of Christ, or eat the Body. In fact I feel a whole lot better about not having to toe the lines of religion, I'm literally free. The bonus is, the collection plate that I decide to add to goes towards organizations that need it, 'cos we all know the Church is brilliant at everything, except they just can't handle money, and come begging for more. They're worse than the Banks, in fact I believe that they're all in it together. The City of Londons Square Mile is a seperate state as is The Vatican, strange to say the least.
Religion IS the main cause, or excuse for War, surely Religous leaders throughout the World would come together and could stop that if it was in their interests. Instead we have terrorists on both sides waging war on innocent people. Check out how much money is used in Defence Budgets, Billions yearly, but it's no longer defence, it's used for attacking the other religions. All men of the cloth are supposed to be "Men Of Peace" well Ian Paisley put that old cherry to bed. Mao Si Tung said "Change must come through the barrel of a gun", lots of religous people seem to be taking his advice right now.
Now I understand that Religion as a subject for debate is not the lightest of subjects and discussions often end in heated arguments, I do not intend to upset anyone with what I have written, it's a personal thing and these are just my thoughts on the subject. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, and I respect that.