Religious Fervour or Masochism?

Every year on Good Friday we hear, and see pictures of, people being nailed to crosses and being flagellated, presumably to atone for their sins and prove their devotion. It makes me sick.

To my mind, these people are masochists and, in this world of ours there is always a sadist for every masochist, willing to lend support by driving in the nails and laying on the whip. Religion my arse.

Why does the Pope not condemn this sickness?