Catholic League: Lou Dobbs Bashes Pope

"Someone needs to give Dobbs a copy of the First Amendment: it guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of speech, two rights that apply to the clergy as well as the laity."

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Catholic League) - Over the weekend, CNN host Lou Dobbs lashed out at Pope Benedict XVI again; his first rant was on April 17. Here is a selection of what Dobbs said over the weekend:

· "Well, he's [the pope] mixing religion and politics on his first trip to this country. We'll tell you how the pope is blasting our society, our immigration policy and a little more, as well."

· "Here he is, I guess, in many ways insulting our country, talking about the need to be welcoming, taking up the issue of illegal immigration without any comparison to the rest of the world."

· "Well, he's in America, partner. And you know what, when we're in Rome, we'll do as Rome does. But when Rome comes to America, how about a little salute and stay out of our politics."

· "I don't care if he listens or not, but I'm going to send him the message [of staying out of politics] because I really don't appreciate the bad manners of a guest telling me in this country and my fellow citizens what to do."

Catholic League president Bill Donohue responded as follows:

"If the pope is so accusatory of the United States, how can Dobbs explain the cover story in Time magazine (which is the flagship publication of Time Warner--the parent company of CNN as well)? It reads, 'Why the Pope Loves America.' And if Dobbs is right about the pope blasting America, how come no one else agrees with him?

"Someone needs to give Dobbs a copy of the First Amendment: it guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of speech, two rights that apply to the clergy as well as the laity. Was Rev. Martin Luther King sticking his nose into the political affairs of the U.S. as well? Or does Dobbs just hyperventilate when bishops address immigration issues?

"Dobbs needs a reality check. I'd be glad to give him one if he would like."

Contact Jim McGinnis, the show's executive producer, at jim.mcginnis@turner.com

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The Catholic League is the nation's largest Catholic civil rights organization. Founded in 1973 by the late Father Virgil C. Blum, S.J., the Catholic League defends the right of Catholics – lay and clergy alike – to participate in American public life without defamation or discrimination. It is led by its' President, William A. Donohue, Ph.D.