Rush Limbaugh owes il Papa a mea culpa. At least, that’s what a new online petition claims.
The petition, which has so far gathered more than 3,500 signatures, is demanding that the radio host apologize to Pope Francis for characterizing the pontiff as a Marxist.
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Limbaugh lambasted the Pope on Wednesday, saying that Francis was engaging in “pure Marxism” with his recently released document “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), which takes certain elements of modern capitalism to task. (In the document, Francis cautions that the “idolatry of money” could create a “new tyranny.”)
“I have been numerous times to the Vatican. It wouldn’t exist without tons of money. But regardless, what this is, somebody has either written this for him or gotten to him,” Limbaugh said. “This is just pure Marxism coming out of the mouth of the Pope.”
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Limbaugh also called Francis’ knowledge of economics into question, saying, “It’s sad because this pope makes it very clear he doesn’t know what he’s talking about when it comes to capitalism and socialism and so forth.”
The petition accuses Limbaugh of — gasp! — being far too centered on economics, and characterizes Pope Francis as a breath of fresh air after a period of “eroding values” in the Catholic church.
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“Well we all know you only care about money Rush, but millions of people rely on the Pope to set a good example of offering love and compassion to humanity,” the petition reads. “After decades of eroding values and challenges to the Church we now have a Pope that will take a message of love and hope to the people.
“Too bad if this offends you Rush, you offend us!” the petition adds.