Third World problems caused by greed, not the Catholic church

Sir: I entirely agree with my old friend Archdeacon Paley's point (letter, 3 April) concerning consistency, or the lack of it, in papal pronouncements. It reminded me of an observation he has made to me concerning the Vatican's objection to priests holding political office - in particular, Fr Aristide of Haiti - while the Pope himself is a head of state with a great array of diplomats at his command.

Yours faithfully,

LEONARD MARSH

Chaplain, City University

London, EC1