Apparently enraging the entire Islamic world wasn't enough for this Pope. He has now moved on to the Jews. First, Pope Benedict XVI reinstated the Tridentine Mass, which calls for the conversion of Jews from darkness to Catholicism. Now, the BMOC at the Vatican has un-excommunicated four Bishops, one of whom is a holocaust denier.
If I may, Mr. Pope, allow me to give you some flippant advice. As the head of a church the leader of which (at best) turned a blind eye to Nazi atrocities during WWII, and who is yourself from Germany, and who was a member of the Hitler Youth (even if unenthusiastic about it), perhaps you should have given it a little more thought before rehabilitating a holocaust denier.
On a slightly more serious note, there is more to the title of this post than both Bush and Benedict XVI knowing how to stick in the collective craw of millions of Muslims. They both also followed an immensely popular predecessor (Clinton and John Paul II). And from what I understand Benedict XVI shares W's love of yes men. Recent reports indicate that the Pope has surrounded himself only with men of similar opinion and inclination. This has increased criticisms from many sources, surprisingly enough even from within the Catholic church. Several European Cardinals have publicly criticized the Pope, going so far as to call his decision "disastrous" and saying they have lost faith in Benedict XVI.
I know at least one Catholic reads these ramblings of mine. I would be curious to hear some lay Catholic responses to this situation. If I were one, I would be questioning whether Benedict XVI is the right man to have the power of making "infallible" decisions for the church.
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I think we should remember that the Pope does believe the Holocaust was real, yet his decision to allow williamson back into the church raises concerns. The original four that were ex communicated because of vatican II have more than likely not changed their views, so I guess I am wondering what has changed. Benedict may be trying to keep the church from dividing itself even more. Pope Benedict claims he did not know that williamson did not believe that the holocaust actually happened. The only thing I can say to that is WOW, how can you not know that little piece of info.
ReplyDeleteI not sure many care that williamson will let us know what he thinks about the holocaust upon futher fact finding.
Really not sure how many catholics believe in the infalliblity of the pope. He is the head of the church,yet still a mortal man.
That is true that the Pope doesn't deny the Holocaust. But allowing a Holocaust denier back into the church stains the whole church. Especially not a good PR move after other seemingly anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic decisions/statements.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he should start picking on the Buddhists. At least they're not a fellow Abrahamic religion.