Ray Flynn

You well listening to -- forum joined in the studio we don't -- my co host Mike Macklin. -- best papers -- with the story of the the pope's visit and as we told the RKO audience just before we went to the top of the hour news break. That we would be joined by the former mayor of the city of Boston. As well as the former ambassador from the United States to the Vatican ray Flynn is somebody who's so well known so well respected and debt held political office successfully -- for so many years. And never never never took and a step backwards with three got to the embrace -- his faith. Now that he's out of office his faith has become even more a pot of his life and being -- delighted to welcome him -- difference for a good morning.

Mr. mayor Tom great to be with you good morning -- morning mr. ambassador it and I'm doing great if you look at for another title from Mike Macklin Tom I have 11 of the best he's been reported. In the history of Boston yeah it's my opinion yeah.

Optional Andre. It's a good good work mr. mayor mr. ambassador we have 22 titles that we can use -- but what we really wanted to do for a little bit if we could was just talk to you about. The the you know the the visit of a Pope Benedict this is an exciting time for Catholics and I think all Americans really. Look on this says really a historic occasion. Yeah having filled the special seats that you filled but just as -- and Irish Catholic mayor of Boston and somebody active in pro life in Catholic issues social justice issues for many years but as the ambassador. When museum visit like this beginning to take shape what is it that you hoped to see what is it that Mike back on and I shouldn't should expect over the next few days.

Tommy three weeks for months ago -- and I were written rom we have the opportunity means that the holy father and also let me -- level Vatican officials the world that he would itinerary and agenda for. Benedict this XP historic visit to let the United States. And other company issues that they want to do talk about the oh they wanted to talk about this trip -- in the course there's only so much time to discuss them. But some pretty obvious ones that will be about war -- and of course the the issue that you mentioned on social and economic justice and the rules Catholics in society in the United States. -- Iraq other key issues touched on today in effect in the Boston Globe the issue of global warming which is a big. Priority major action which that it was at the Vatican which doesn't really get the attention that you would think it would that it should in fact it's going to be talking about that you'd be talking about wide range of wide range of issues Tom you've all of this. Politics in the attic over the years and you know the charismatic nature John Paul the second. Well there's some very different type Pope uses just -- currently the -- more academic. The doctor persons so it's it's it's not the same but that by. Each table in very special quality and very special excitement and it's street two. To -- to the United States and I'd look at -- number of people that I am disappointed that he's not coming Boston. Maybe as the flight. Indication that the budget thing so he's coming to United States. In the -- votes to be proud cap world be proud American so the greeting the pulpit the White House that tomorrow and I'll look at it from the standpoint be proud American approach to but I think -- but he should look at that point is well.

Radio think there's a specific decision by the Vatican to avoid a stop in Boston two in some way downplay any controversy over what the -- may or may not say about the sex abuse crisis here.

While that's a question that a lot of people are asking Mike you know like I know for a fact we would have been on. All just before the decisions they've got the pride he. From Baltimore states Carol founded. -- in the coolest thing they were pushing for the sport is Baltimore's. It was cut from George to Chicago kind of insurance. The these jockeying back back and forth to get the the Pope to come to that particular area of the country's one useful. And so some people in the -- not come back to the United States. That that's true but nonetheless it will go excellence in Los Angeles and so what's so Mikey and have them everywhere -- you know quote we considerable. Most important -- and yeah. In the country in many respects it is. And would have been a great opportunity to come here to talk about the the troubles of the church in the past but nonetheless we'll address that -- specifically.

I was going to ask you got yeah I think Mike and I both have the same thought what do you get let's just say it -- deal whole bisons.

Well the the most important prod I think might on -- Is the same guys that should've been put in place for mandatory legal civic requirements reporting. Making sure that any allegations. That should be sex abuse by by -- is reported immediately to appropriate our enforcement authorities I think that policy has been in place. I think it would have been very different situation in the church -- four years. So I think he's going to make sure that. -- requirements. That is put forward by that special committee -- and Washington attorney. Is in fact in place in all the safeguards in place so what happened in Boston and other communities throughout the country. Never happens again and -- We'll get the progress on what you know cities that did this investigation you'll see that the enormous progress has in effect that made --

what is the status of that policy to what degree by the policy or law or regulation is that in place that reporting allegations as mandatory.

What an incredible amount of education going on well in the area agencies in the United States that Catholic charities I just came back from. From Harrisburg Pennsylvania I spoke presence -- Catholic charities and quite impressive to hear from the guys that have been put in place that's specifically -- question -- That any time allegations of -- to two weeks after. Or to issue engagements of sexually inappropriate sexual activity that has to be imported immediately to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. And it is no option it is discretion. And once that once that happens if it moves -- of legal criminal process. And you know that that's what should have been in place before and that's what I think is really going there -- effectively deal with.

What it is is that is that -- Vatican policy or is that policy specific to arch diocese of.

Well John Paul the second brought together all the cardinals across the world and why all this commission was on going here in the United States -- up. The -- homered and number very prominent America American -- the they adopted that is -- United States policy that John Paul the second also lauded. That'd be implemented as they national international policy as well so there's no discretion now Mike it's pretty straightforward now I'm much work it. If every country has in fact adopted -- I think there Philippines countries that have. But as far as the United States is concerned it's. It's no longer. Discretionary it's no longer -- or sickness which of course it is but it's also wait. 88 cross now grunt -- any -- treated as a -- in a second.

And nationally have all of the allegations that it had been leveled against priests have all of them been addressed legally or are it is still diocese where there are unresolved legal issues.

Of the big one of course was in Los Angeles and that has been not been satisfied that that there are still. A few here and they are in fact there was one needs and they recent. Allegations that is being investigated that took place them most these allegations go back many years that there are still feel that if that's taken place recently -- That's the one that the they're going to have to. Deal with is that strongly actually -- as effectively as as they possibly can.

Mr. mayor on another topic that the Pope has not hesitated to speak out about his concerns with three god took wars and wars -- not just the the war in Iraq but wars around the world. What do you expect to hear and what might he say specifically to George Bush specifically about the war in Iraq.

Well it was a very strong opponent of the war to wrap things here head of the propagation in like -- and specifically talk about it it's an academic he's the vote in really address this issue and very substantive -- from the standpoint in the principles of war the -- it. You can feel the vote and didn't feel represented a just war to meet those principles. You know except the pre emptive strike -- For engaging in the war -- Benedict the sixteenth will make that very very clear as did two. To the president -- that there and number of other issues as well as war on in the yet the -- terrorism you know. Mike in and it's a -- struck in the decently again. The admiration and respect that Benedict the war. The United States or people of the United States and while they disagree with the president in the elected officials and party on -- number of issues as I do we all do nonetheless he has this great admiration for. This country in its generosity struck by that term they use frequently. In discussing the United States can and I suspect disposal after the Marshall plan. You know generosity these -- countries NAFTA engaged in war really quickly witnesses so I think -- the some of that discussion well.

What do you make about the president going out to meet the Pope at the -- ports traditionally presidents way to the White House and we've often seen the of the video of the foreign dignitaries arriving at the White House being greeted at the at the front door of the White House by the president and the First Lady. Do you think this decision by the president to go to Andrews I guess is it would it was it was -- aware of the poll will be landing down there is is is an effort to in some way. May be you know temper what the poll might be be be saying. And how it might impact on the image of George Bush and how he's conducted the war and other policies.

Good question you know what -- papal visit to the United States in what country. The use of forces with Paul four. Like that the good question always struck a web but by. Why president would go to support in meet even some you may disagree with -- you know that's practice you're in Boston governors in the Euro -- would love to be the apple one. Went -- polls that came to Boston for a visit to the United States cut here in governor cane -- and white. All the rest of the vote and some of this country countries while the world. I think George Bush is doing exactly right I'm surprised that other presidents have done this before but perhaps this is a precedent George Bush is establishing that is more appropriate. Respect and dignity oh come to the United States at it would have been bringing him to.

Heads of states stand next to one another shoulder to shoulder as equals in the world view in most occasions certainly though when a leader in the temporal world stands next to the -- There is always the the image the view that the -- that the politician the political leader is overshadowed by the Pope. Simply because of the fact that the -- lead such a huge flock a worldwide -- and because of the fact that -- that the respect and admiration for the authority -- vote of the Pope is this is recognized worldwide. To what degree do you think the candidates running for president are a bit uncomfortable. About the Pope coming here wondering what is he going to say is he going to be hitting on on issues that might make one party or another one candidate or another feel more or less uncomfortable. Be the conversation about abortion or birth control or gay marriage issues that perhaps candidates are loath to to take on head on particularly with the Pope.

And you know and like yeah I all in very close with John Paul the second. In the United States in October 1990 second. I was struck by the extraordinary publicity. In favorable coverage and -- in the United States gave -- was is that the New York Times for example at eight pages pretty positive straightforward. What all of John -- that is that the United States on various issues the court he -- being media center of the world. So yeah -- great opportunities for for the incumbent president. To be associated with that photo opportunity however there's also a great opportunity for the for the Pope. Get those issues on the fund firms that go across the world. In -- disgusted with these some of the issues that means -- went back he followed up with discussion in the political. In the political -- here in the United States issues and global warming issues and social and economic justice and and Andy's son really. And -- part of the Catholic Church Pope to be. Political actions -- the moral issues that need to be discussed not only by Catholics but people while the country.

Mr. mayor Tom Finneran here again quick question for you spent a lot of time on this issue as a and very active Catholic mayor you've reached out to other -- constituencies. What's your assessment of Pope Benedict in terms of interfaith relations with the Jewish communities Muslim community and really other denominations and and in in the you know in the Christian in the Christian world as well.

One of the very first time that I have had -- US ambassador was it it was that not diplomatic relations between the United States. I mean between the Catholic Church. In the State of Israel and that was one of the first priorities that was important to the United States try to encourage that. And John Paul the second agreed 100% -- not only that -- if you have any prominence when he problems. Making that happen or been small problem that you can. Contact problem to a suppressing it can be a person who'll encourage that dual two to facilitate important diplomatic ties between Israel and the -- the church. So I know based on his background that he is very much committed to. Religious or openness and dialogue all day and you'll see that evidence not only with Jewish leaders in the city. Is that the Senate cut Pope has visited Senegal. And you'll also be meeting with Muslim another -- and as well going to be it's going to be at an open meeting whereby people have an opportunity initiative with Benedict the sixteenth on wide range. We need to social issue.

Mr. ambassador so we've heard very little about since he left the archdiocese and I have to I guess that we're not going to. You don't have to hear from them during the pope's trip to this country of course is is cardinal law. Can you give us an update on on what cardinal law is doing in terms of his official role in Rome now and what has become of him.

Well there are many various agencies that cabinet positions if you will. That that are important to the Vatican in terms of the money in the church world wide. Cut our heads up one one of those such organizations it seems. More than bureaucratic kind of agency it's something -- kind of note right in the tension that -- kept in work in Rome or cardinal walk into doing fine mrs. Boston of course but nonetheless he -- responsibilities that he has and I think he's perhaps fulfilling it passes is as effective as it can. However I have to say is that you know mrs. Boston mrs. The great days that he had in the city and you know when I was mayor of Boston. Quite frankly he made a lot of important contributions of this city particularly in the area. Race relations though I'm not our company inclined to dismiss. The good that he did that all at the same time understanding the shortcomings that he engaged in as well.

Within the Vatican itself is is cardinal laws for not a loss scene has diminished in his capacity -- here is spiritual moral stature because of the really the ultimate. Responsibility had when the archdiocese was gone through this you know the upheaval also -- with the abuse.

While that happens of course play on him personally I think it. Think about that all the time actually. But on the other hand when you become pre -- first that you really sacrifice she can -- life. Two lots of Christ into the church you don't you don't look at it from the standpoint of how I would look at it from. You know moving from political office to political office its world sacrifice to the church in surprise and I think you accept whatever position that you're given in -- accept whatever role that you're you you're able to play I'm amazed you know on -- the Kris right here now what diocese here in Boston thing Wiggins and I think Brandon and -- to have them. You know these -- that it well educated firing it better educated -- that -- And hit the -- going -- doing missionary work people who -- in Africa in dealing with the -- epidemic. In Kenya you know these people aren't doing this for the glory or for -- for -- look for power or prestige. They're doing -- sacrificing working in missions were put in real life on the line for humanity and or for the church so I don't think anybody looks at it from the standpoint. Of what's estimate what steps of the church and that's the society.

Mr. ambassador back on the political scene here how much do you believe religious faith and religious beliefs figure in voting decisions of Americans. And -- although we know the Pope isn't going to be coming over here issuing any political endorsements of of of any candidates. Who do you believe in your opinion is more palatable to a Catholic voters. On issues related to faith among the three the three candidates senator Clinton senator Obama and Senator McCain.

Well you know I was candidate compassion. Forum Harrisburg Pennsylvania two days this past week it was in the easing. Rabbi many of them all different agents they count -- and I had a chance to. Talk to Iraq John McCain was invited. But he didn't he was able make it right I watched. -- very closely went on for two and half two internationally on the I thought Clinton did an extraordinary -- you addressed those issues -- political like -- in extraordinary way and even though -- you know I would disagree with her on the abortion issue. I think she's well two you those issues but all of them Barack Obama was very yeah there we expect. So I I think if you you're seeing. Two candidates to exceptional candidates. That are rooted in the city as John McCain. But I just -- think that Bill Clinton. Would make the desperate.

During your political years you were always very outspoken on issues of faith and very strong in your faith and -- left no question about where you stood to what degree do you believe your strong Catholic beliefs may have cost you votes during a political career.

Well any kind of take a strong position on on controversial -- what -- It's a 5050 kind of situation you only you -- again and Tom Finneran. It is is the role model that is all you can really do is you would you believe is the lightning morally. And sometimes like being morally the right thing politically. And we all pay the price by the same token that's viewing -- that would rent we don't complain about it we're not looking for a vote in town what we're looking to represent you people elect you to represent -- best judgment you know moral experience and that's what you do. You know we've seen some of the greater it Cain former governor of Massachusetts that's another example companies put -- line. You know it unnecessarily we all all the political benefits that he could have but nonetheless I think. People expect that even think disagree with you and I thought you should really expect coming out of politics not so much popularity that we expect.

Mr. -- mr. ambassador we're coming up at the -- to the break I just want to let you go with this comment. I think both Mike Macklin and -- very appreciative of his time first and foremost a thank you for that Indian -- you share in advance of -- in anticipation of the pope's. And a soon to be arrival here in the United States I'm struck by you reminded to all of lawlessness. That Conrad -- it's a German born Pope. 81 years of age so he would've remembered bid and lived through the dynamics of World War II in the aftermath the generosity of this country with the Marshall plan. Pope John Paul the second with Lemieux had a great personal relationship also looked the United States as this great beacon of hope and liberty and freedom in what really what the United States meant to the freedom of his country of birth Poland these are these folks actually lived. The history that the rest of us read and think about they went through it in have come to an incredible. Fascination and and admiration -- our country the United States of America -- exactly right. You know and it will you. Wearing the -- of may -- eons as ambassador what a great honor and privilege and must pay for a son of South Boston to have held those positions and that's.

People bought -- were very good to me you know they gave me the opportunity not only to serve as mayor of Boston -- and the -- because of that position I was able to serve the United States and meet some of the most extraordinary. High ranking personalities and people integrated and influence -- in society over the over in in Morton histories so it's I've really attributed to myself like I think people Boston -- have been giving me this opportunity.

Well stated mr. mayor mr. ambassador will let you go with -- that is you've been listening to ray Flynn former mayor of the city of Boston former ambassador to the Vatican from the United States. Guy who stood up for is faith and reached out to people fall stripe all column all faiths and it's just an excellent -- I was delighted to have had a --