I Knew Pope Francis Was Good, But

[AtheistCrusader]

99. Because the RCC spends millions of dollars and directs votes toward lobbying efforts on these issues

That's why I care. Like I said, twice already.

The RCC's position on these issues isn't something that just applies to them inside their own happy little electively-inclusive group. They apply these positions to others, via legislation.

Don't pretend I don't have a dog in this fight just because I am not a catholic.

"The Coalition Against Assisted Suicide spent $1,678,796 on the campaign.[7]

The six largest donors were:[7]
Connecticut Knights of Columbus: $250,000
Knights of Columbus: $75,250
Washington State Catholic Conference: $70,394
Archdiocese of Seattle: $55,000
Catholic Health Association: $50,000
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: $30,000 "

That's how much catholic orgs spent ensuring my father would spend about 6 agonizing months slowly dying of cancer, after he asked to be allowed to end his life and be at peace. That's the real world consequences of the RCC's 'opinion' on these issues.

I think it's great the pope 'shows compassion towards the ill and the poor', except the pope doesn't, when out of the other side of his mouth opposes things like death with dignity, or family planning. Both issues are directly relevant to relieving the ill and the poor. The MOST ill, unrecoverably ill people, and the poorest of families both. Both of whom are HARMED by the RCC's position and lobbying efforts.

There is a direct correlation between poverty and lack of family planning. A lack of family planning that the RCC advocates, and lobbies for.
http://www.globalissues.org/article/206/poverty-and-population-growth-lessons-from-our-own-past