CIUDAD REAL, Spain, February 17, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Bishop Antonio Algora, of the Spanish diocese of Ciudad Real, has likened Spain’s prime minister to Gaius Caligula, a megalomaniac first-century Roman emperor who was convinced of his own divinity and set himself up as a god.
“If Zapatero wants to become Caligula, it’s up to him, but without doubt people will have to learn who Caligula was and what customs he imposed on Rome, it’s as simple as that,” Bishop Algora told Spanish newspapers.
His comments on the prime minister were triggered by the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in Spain. Caligula is notorious for having committed acts of wild depravity during his short and disastrous rule.
Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has been at the forefront of a push to liberalize Spain’s social structures. Gay “marriage” was made legal in Spain in June of last year, despite a public outcry of opposition to the move.
Zapatero also legalized embryonic stem cell research and the use of abortifacient birth control, and has moved to increase access to abortion. As well, he has worked to eliminate mandatory religious education in the schools in what is seen by Catholic leadership as an open attempt to break with Spain’s history as a Catholic nation.
6 comments
Thank you Osama bin Laden (and the Spaniard cowards who surrendered to him).
Oh Spain of blessed name, that they should have a bishop like Antonio Algora, when we get so many Skylstads, Clarks, Niederauers, Levadas, Lynchs, etc. Not to mention the retired Weakland and Grumbleton along with the Prince-Cardinal of Los Angeles.
I know–we have some heavy hitters, too. But none with this kind of sharp sabre.
By the way, Derek Jacobi does a great Caligula in the “I Cladius” PBS series, available I am sure at your public library.
I Cladius! Fabulous series! However, JOHN HURT plays Caligula. And Derek Jacobi plays the title role of Cladius…
(brian blessed also gives a masterful performance)
Thank you Osama bin Laden (and the Spaniard cowards who surrendered to him).
Don’t forget the Aznar government who initially tried to blame the attack on Basque separatists.
Thank you, American Papist, for the kindly correction. I had just finished watching a DVD of “The Gathering Storm” where Derek Jacobi played PM Stanley Baldwin, and must have been lost in trying to construct an analogy between the 1930s and our own dismal decade. My fingers as usual were working faster than my brain.
What happened in Spain breaks my heart. My family and I consider it our adopted second country. The history, people, culture, religious piety– even the climate and food– all make that country a wondrous place.
If Mary had said that “in Spain the dogma of faith will always be preserved”, instead of Portugal, then we may already have moved there.