Another shameful pope

Impressive enough without your even needing to mention the infamous Alexander VI who made one of his sons an archbishop at 17, this son going on to murder his brother in a fight for the affections of their sister, that sweet child of the church Lucrezia Borgia.

But perhaps I could just add that John XXIII, whom you cited for murder, rape, piracy, sodomy and incest, is not to be confused with the identically named pope of recent memory.

The latter seems to have enjoyed none of his predecessor's vices, leaving us to wonder what exactly did qualify him for the Throne of St Peter.

The real wonder is that the Catholic church still has any adherents, controlled as it is by such a cesspit of an office.

Peter Kirker

Newark