While none seem opposed to the beatification of Pope John Paul II, which was actually begun far earlier than is normal, the same cannot be said about the moves to do the same for Pope Pius XII. The so-called "wartime Pope" has come under much criticism for his lack of actions against the Holocaust during WWII, and as such, so has his "candidacy."
On Tuesday, the Vatican defended its moves, pushing Pope Pius XII closer to sainthood. They were clear that beatification of Pius XII is not a hostile act against Jews. The "wartime Pope" has been soundly criticized for not speaking out enough against the Holocaust.
The Vatican statement added that the move should not be an obstacle to dialogue between Jews and the Catholic Church. They insisted that Pope Benedict XVI has sentiments of "great friendship and respect" for Jews.
Both John Paul II's and Pius XII's beatifications seemingly moved forward recently. Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree on Pius's virtues. The decree means that Pius can be beatified once a miracle attributed to his intercession has been recognized. This is the first major step toward sainthood. The statement is seen as attempting to quiet the outrage the move generated among many Jewish groups.
Pope Benedict XVI signed the decree Saturday, along with a similar decree recognizing the virtues Pope John Paul II. This has led many to believe the two would proceed together toward sainthood. The statement said there was no reason to believe that any possible beatification would take place simultaneously.
Some Jewish organizations and historians have argued Pope Pius XII should have done more to prevent the deaths of 6 million Jews at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. Others, however, note that Pius XII acted in a manner similar to that of t of Pope Benedict XV during World War I. That is to say, the Vatican maintained neutrality.
It is unclear what role the church played in the saving of Jewish refugees during WWII. It is said that that the church was responsible for saving as many as 860,000 European Jews from death through concealment in Church facilities, it is also noted that Pius XII refused to publicly denounce the Nazi discrimination against Jews, following requests to do so from Władysław Raczkiewicz, president of the Polish government-in-exile, and Bishop Konrad von Preysing of Berlin in January of 1943.
Written by Michael Santo
HULIQ.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
