Many media outlets and agencies are currently covering what has become known as the "Ten Commandments of Driving," which were recently released by the Vatican. The 36-page "Thou shall not drive like a jerk" dictum covers all aspects of how to handle yourself on the roadways both behaviorally and morally. In an apparent reach to stay in touch with modern times and issues, this must be the first religious stance specifically geared toward cars, trucks and those scooters zig-zagging their way around Rome, from any sect, ever.
And you shouldn't be at all surprised. Afterall, this is the driver's Pope. I mean, he did grow up with the Autobahn and traded-in his VW Golf for a Volkswagon Phaeton. Not to mention that the proverbial Road to Heaven had been previously paved by the late Pope John Paul II (Christianity's driver, according to Michael Schumacher), who had a Ferrari Enzo.
Taking a formal stance on driving simply makes sense, if not because it represents one's personal journey along the road of life, but because the traffic in Rome (or any other metropolitan area for that matter) can get so bad. The Lord him or herself can surely attest that it is during this exercise (commuting) where he/she hears their name taken in vain the most. And who hasn't looked to a "higher source" for direction when looking for a parking spot.
At the end of the day, whether or not this came directly from the Pope himself or from another Cardinal as has been speculated by some, we could all benefit if more people not only took a peek, but actually practiced some of the concepts presented, regardless of faith or moral obligation. The paper claims that some 1.2 million people are killed each year and roughly 50 million injured in automobile collisions. Biblical numbers by all means and many, which may be avoided were it for a kind gesture to a fellow motorist.
To read Guidelines for the "Pastoral Care of the Road," please click here.
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