Pope Francis issues top 10 tips for happiness – including don’t try to convert other people

[Brettongarcia]

48. George Washington's troops celebrated "Pope Burning Day"

George himself finally outlawed burning the pope in effigy once a year, in the American army. But it was hard to eradicate; most of America was run by Protestants. Who had come to America to escape in part, persecution from Catholicism. Much of America hated Catholics.

Why? Much of the 17th century was occupied by wars motivated in part, by antagonism by the church, against Protestants. The Church declared Protestants to be illegal heretics. And it helped motivate many wars against Protestant countries and princes. See say, a quick history of the "The 30 Years War," 1618-1648. Or consider the Spanish Armada. When the Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588, it was claimed by Catholic Spain, that it was to end religious freedom, Protestantism, in England. Spain wanted to end the Church of England.

Because of this? Essentially the first 30 or more Presidents of the US, were Protestants; Kennedy c. 1960 was the first Catholic.

America was largely founded by and on, a Pope-hating club.

Though it turned out fairly well, after all.