Sir, - It is quite beyond comprehension that in the year 2000 Pope John Paul has engaged in verbal abuse of the gay community who engaged in a peaceful parade on the streets of Rome.
Coming from the head of a large organisation, there is a fine line between such extreme vitriol and the endorsement of the persecution of an already marginalised group of people.
The kindest thing I can think is that, as in the case of so many uninformed people, the Pope is confusing homosexuality with paedophilia. The alternative (the harassment of a group of innocuous people wishing to celebrate their sexuality in a largely homophobic society) is unthinkable, especially against the backdrop of the abuse of vulnerable people and the paedophilia exposed in the ranks of the Roman Catholic clergy in recent years.
The "bitterness" which the Pope said he felt towards the gay community marching in a city "that is so dear to Catholics all over the world" can serve no purpose other than to affirm homophobia and to drive deeper into closets, people who may already be afraid to claim their homosexuality.
Are the Pope and his Church prepared to accept responsibility for possibly nudging homophobes in the direction of overt aggression?
As a member of the heterosexual community, I offer my solidarity and condolence to the gay community for having to experience such an affront. If the gay community permits it, I would suggest that heterosexuals join in any parades or marches organised by the homosexual community in the future. - Yours, etc.,
Mary Ryan, Haven View, Malahide, Co Dublin.