High-ranking officials at the Vatican have apparently had too much time on their hands. It’s understandable, as Easter has long passed and Christmas is still far off. However, you would think they would be busy trying to solve the crisis in the Middle East, helping to fight global warming or developing a cure for cancer.
No, the pope hasn’t spearheaded a biotechnology campaign, yet. However, senior officials have taken some pages out of the AAA’s handbook.
According to the Associated Press on Tuesday, the Vatican issued the “Ten Commandments of Driving.” The 36-page document called “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” warns drivers against the sins of road rage, abuse of alcohol and even simple rudeness.
Now, these aren’t meant to be substituted for the original commandments you may have heard about. Instead, they are guidelines for Catholic drivers.
The article warns of making your automobile
“an occasion of sin,” particularly when used to make a dangerous passing maneuver or as a business haven for prostitutes and their clients.
What about the inherent risks and sins involved in your daily commute? The Vatican recommends saying a prayer and doing the sign of the cross. If you’re worried about distraction, the “rhythm and gentle repetition of the rosary” does not distract the driver’s attention, according to the report.
The first new commandment states “Do not kill.” Now, if I recall correctly this is a repeat from the original commandments. Granted, it’s an important one, but there’s not many people using their car to commit murder on purpose. That’s why they call it an accident.
The second new unofficial law says, “The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.” Apparently, the officials at the Vatican haven’t driven in Boston or New York.
The fourth warns, “Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.” Last time I checked, this was the automobile association’s job. In fact, here in Los Angeles, there is a service known as No. 399, which turns the user’s cell phone into a freeway call box.
The fifth commandment urges, “Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.” I understand how the Vatican would take issue with a Hummer or Ford Excursion. However, the power from a Ferrari or Lamborghini is irresistible. They are both Italian, too, so what’s not to like?
The eighth rule says, “Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.” Like most people in L.A., I have been on both sides of road confrontations. Never in a million years would I want to later meet up and shake hands, no matter who was at fault. I am all for forgiveness, but I also value my personal well-being.
There is some good advice in the document. Treating fellow motorists with respect and not drinking when driving are vital points of interest. However, it seems the Pope may want to look over the document and do some self-reflection.
I don’t know if his vehicle of choice – a bulletproof Mercedes-Benz – qualifies as powerful and dominating. Sure, it’s no Hummer, but it’s not exactly an economical hybrid, either.
Ryan Ortega is a senior business finance major.
