Before I talk about the contents, which are in part to do with the need for ethics in global financial terms, let’s just look at some pictures of the pope. First up signing this papal sheet:

The pope demonstrating modest attire

Let’s count the less than humble items:

• gold pen
• gold ring
• gold glasses
• gold crucifix (two if you count his minder there)

I mean if I had a higher resolution pic of the ring I’d bet it’s this one:

Close up of the ring? Would not surprise me!

Maybe the previous pope was less gold obsessed:

Previous Pope's example: a throne of gold

Nope.. Thar be a lot o’ gold on a chair for someone humbled in the presence of God.

Now tell me, for a man talking about charity and social ethics and preaching about the charitable nature of Jesus: why all the bling? Even if (and I highly doubt it given the vast vast amounts of cash the Catholic church has) the gold is fake or just painted on – does it really set a good example to surround yourself by gold when preaching against greed?

Is it ethical for a religious leader, living off the charity of followers, preaching about social responsibility to be signing a call to arms for charity with a mont blanc pen (let’s say it is an entry level one that only costs 3-400 bucks eh?) that if sold could immunise a whole villiage and provide education for little kiddies.

How much is that gold cross worth?

I mean come on pope: practice at least a little of what you preach eh?

As for the content of his little essay: all I can say is an awful lot of talk about truth and charity for an organisation based completely around lies and wasting people’s charitable donations on gold ornaments, red carpets and palaces.