Pretty much every organized religion has used a heavy hand at one point or another to try and sway the masses...look at the Middle East right now.
Catholics are no worse than any of the others. It's just that the Pope is probably the 2nd most important individual in the world, following the President of the United States.
Griff, if it'll make you feel better, I'll start making fun of other religions...after all, I
am an Equal Opportunity Offender.