Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday canceled a speech at Rome's La Sapienza university in the face of protests led by scientists opposed to a high-profile visit by the head of the Catholic Church to a secular setting.
So, what does the Pope do?
Cini said of Benedict on Thursday: "By cancelling, he is playing the victim, which is very intelligent. It will be a pretext for accusing us of refusing dialogue."
"By cancelling, he is playing the victim, which is very intelligent. It will be a pretext for accusing us of refusing dialogue."
I don't like to see disruptions in communications between any people or groups. Whether the Pope didn't want to hear from the scientists before, or only after the protests, he now has a legitimate reason to downplay the scientists importance.
I think this is a case that shows it always pays to try to be extremely respectful, considerate and circumspect when working on interpersonal or inter group negotiations.
Dave Briggs :~)