Madam, - Paul Caron claims (October 24th) that the Vatican has no right to object to Hugo Chavez's power grab in Venezuela because of the way the Pope is elected. However, the power that can be wielded by a secular leader is far greater than, and of a different nature to, that wielded by the Pope.
If a Catholic objects to any teaching promulgated by the Pope, he is entitled to leave the Church and no one will stand in his way. A farmer in Venezuela may not have a similar option when president Chavez decides to remake Venezuela in the image of the Soviet Union, and take away his farm in the name of socialism. - Is mise,
LEO TALBOT, Moy Glas Way, Lucan, Co Dublin.