Hans Küng at 80

Speaking to members of the UK parliament and assorted Anglican bishops Hans Küng made some interesting comments. Fr Küng earlier this year celebrated his 80th birthday.
Here is some of what he said to Paul Vallely, associated editor of The Independent.

Some quotes.

"The terrible scandals in banking and the global credit crunch are based in dishonesty."

"The whole Iraq war was based on lies."

"There is a danger that now in the Roman Curia there are only 'yes men'. Cardinal Daneels is correct: Where are the thinkers? It would be nice if, for the new Archbishop of Westminster, you had a candidate who is really capable and not just obedient to the Roman Curia."

"Our parishes are crumbling. In my home parish in Switzerland we rely on a visiting priest aged 90 to say Mass. It's a catastrophe. But the bishops just don't see the reality. Whenever they go to a parish everyone turns up to see the bishop and get the false impression."

"The irony is that because of the celibacy law homosexuals are attracted to seminaries in disproportionate numbers. All this creates a very unhealthy atmosphere which must be changed. So you have a disproportionate number of homosexuals in the priesthood."

And about Pope Benedict he said, "I have not given up hope that he will finally do something really courageous".

"Benedict XVI would tell you he talks to the bishops all the time. He is very attentive."