Pope condemns anti-Semitism, backs two-state solution: Catholic World News

Jerusalem, May. 11, 2009

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Israel on Monday, May 11, and immediately set the tone for his visit with an introductory statement in which he forcefully condemned anti-Semitism and mourned the victims of the Holocaust, while also clearly calling for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Holy Father landed at Ben Gurion airport outside Tel Aviv on Monday morning after having spent the weekend in Jordan. He was greeted there by Israel's President Shimon Peres, who will escort the Pontiff during his stay, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who left soon after the Pope's arrival for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Since he took office in March at the head of a new right-wing governing coalition, Netanyahu has shown no enthusiasm for the creation of a Palestinian state, and little interest in negotiations with Palestinian leaders. The Pope wasted no time re-affirming the Vatican's longstanding support for a two-state solution. In his introductory remarks at the airport ceremony he said that he-- along with "people of good will everywhere"-- wished for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, "so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own, within secure and internationally recognized borders." The political point of the Pope's message was unmistakably clear. But a spokesman for the Netanyahu government neatly dodged an incipient controversy by observing mildly that the Pope was visiting Israel as a religious pilgrim rather than a political leader-- a point that Benedict XVI has made repeatedly himself.

The Holy Father made that point again in his first public remarks. "I take my place in a long line of Christian pilgrims to these shores," he said; "a line that stretches back to the earliest centuries of the Church's history and which, I am sure, will continue long into the future." He said that he had come primarily to pray at the shrines of the Holy Land. (Pope Benedict will begin visiting those shrines on Tuesday, May 11, when he tours the Old City of Jerusalem and meets with the Catholic bishops of the region in the Cenacle: the room where Jesus and the apostles celebrated the Last Supper.)

The status of Jerusalem's shrines has sometimes been a point of contention in talks between the Vatican and Israel, and Pope Benedict made a point of underlining the Church's insistence that these shrines should be open to the believers of all three great monotheistic religions, so that the faithful can visit them "freely and without restraint," arrange their own worship services, and ensure their proper maintenance." To further that objective, the Holy See has consistently pushed for international control over Jerusalem, to prevent political conflicts over control of the holy places.

Recognizing the unique status of the city, the Pope reflected: "Even though the name Jerusalem means 'city of peace', it is all too evident that, for decades, peace has tragically eluded the inhabitants of this holy land." In that context he made his plea for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The eyes of the world are upon the peoples of this region," he said, challenging them to reinvigorate the peace process.

While he prodded Israeli leaders on the peace process and on access to the shrines, Pope Benedict also expressed his support for the Jewish state in its clear recognition of the importance of faith. He suggested that their shared insistence on religious identity makes Israel and the Holy See natural allies against a trend toward secularization of public life. "When the religious dimension of the human person is denied or marginalized," the Pontiff said, "the very foundation for a proper understanding of inalienable human rights is placed in jeopardy."

The Pope noted, too, that the Jewish people have suffered more than any others as a result of 20th-century ideologies that ignored fundamental human rights. Moreover, he said: "Sadly, anti-Semitism continues to rear its ugly head in many parts of the world." He insisted that this bigotry must be eliminated through education and inter-religious cooperation.

Upon his arrival in Israel the Pope observed that it was fitting for him to visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial near Jerusalem. When he arrived there later in the day, the Holy Father delivered a short speech that was clearly designed to reassure Jewish people of his sympathy, after tensions had been raised by the controversy earlier this year revolving around Bishop Richard Williamson and his public questioning the extent of the Holocaust.

Pope Benedict's remarks centered on the 6 million names of Holocaust victims inscribed at Yad Vashem. "May the names of these victims never perish," he said, in a clear rebuke to Holocaust-deniers. "May their suffering never be denied, belittled, or forgotten!"

The Pope said that although the Nazi genocide claimed these millions of victims, it could not claim their memories:

They lost their lives, but they will never lose their names: these are indelibly etched in the hearts of their loved ones, their surviving fellow prisoners, and all those determined never to allow such an atrocity to disgrace mankind again. Most of all, their names are forever fixed in the memory of Almighty God.

Each one of these victims was precious to God, the Pope said, and beloved by their families. "I can only imagine the joyful expectation of their parents as they anxiously awaited the birth of their children." Their possessions, their freedom, and ultimately their lives were taken from them by a violently unjust regime. "Yet, try as one might, one can never take away the name of a fellow human being," the Pope observed.

Comment

Posted by: jere3812 - Today 11:51 AM ET USA
This is a problem without an acceptable solution. The Palestinians deserve a homeland. Israel deserves its own nation. Palestinians under control of radical Islamists will not let Israel live in peace. Further, the more Israel is surrounded by its enemies, the more vulnerable it becomes. All the world can do is watch and pray. I do not think this matter will be resolved until hearts are turned to God. That's because God is interested in people, not nations.

My comment

"Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us" Golda Meir said that 52 years ago. They still hate Jews. jere3818, Palestinians who cheered when my co-workers died on 9/11, today fervently place themselves "under control of radical Islamists" placing their faith in the eventual destruction of Israel and not peace with Israel.

The Pope's trip to Africa: ignore at your own risk: Catholic World News

Pope Benedict XVI leaves Rome tomorrow, March 17, for a week-long trip to Cameroon and Angola: the 11th foreign voyage of this pontificate, and the first to Africa. Judging by their near-complete silence about the papal trip, the mass media evidently are not expecting much interesting news. They should know better by now.

Africa is the place where traditional religion, atheistic materialism, Islam, and Christianity are in a struggle for souls where the outcome is uncertain. We should pray for the Pope and for the Church in Africa.

Another bit of evidence that Pope Pius XII was God's Pope

Irish Catholic Humanist: More on Pope Pius XII

Catholic League: CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS CHIDE POPE

On January 29, nearly 50 Catholic Democratic congressmen sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI stating their concerns over Bishop Richard Williamson’s comments questioning the historical record on the Holocaust. The bishop belongs to the St. Pius X Society; he is one of four bishops who recently had his excommunication lifted by the pope. The congressmen implored the pope to denounce the bishop’s views.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue spoke to this issue today:

“The congressmen’s letter to the pope smacks of posturing and hypocrisy, and is factually wrong. They begin by saying ‘we are writing to express our deep concerns with your decision to reinstate Bishop Richard Williamson to communion with the Catholic Church….’ The fact is that the pope did not reinstate the bishop to communion with the Church—he merely lifted the excommunication of the four bishops in this group. In order for the bishops to be fully reinstated, they would have to express their fidelity to the teachings of the Church, as well as the norms of Vatican II. In other words, the letter is based on a false predicate.

“Facts aside, this kind of posturing is a disgrace: for American congressmen to lecture the pope about an event in which he was personally victimized, and about which he has long condemned, is nothing short of arrogant.

“The hypocrisy is mind-boggling. They beg the pope to ‘publicly state your unequivocal position on this matter so that it is clear where the Church stands….’ How ironic that most of these very same Catholics fail to speak with clarity about what the Church teaches on abortion. Of the 47 signatories, the majority have a 100 percent NARAL score (meaning they vote with the radical pro-abortion group on every issue). The leader of this group, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, never agrees with the Catholic Church on abortion—her NARAL score is 100 percent.

“One more thing: they addressed the pope not as a head of state but as a ‘spiritual leader.’ Didn’t they ever hear of respecting separation of church and state?”

Also: Washington Post (Saturday 1/31)

And complete text of letter and list of signers on Rep. DeLauro's congressional web Site

Excellent response by the Catholic League. It is mind boggling hypocrisy for these CINO's to demand of the Pope an unequivocal position. The letter makes a pathetic presumption that by lifting the excommunication on Williamson, he gives credibility to Holocaust deniers. That's twisted logic from a Jack Chic comic.

It would be interesting for the signatories to have a retreat with a delegate of the Pope to reflect upon what is the "unequivocal" teaching of Christ's Church.

My own Congressman Joseph Crowley signed the letter.

In one of those odd things that happen on the New York Times web site this text can no longer be found

In Vatican City, Pope Benedict XVI said on Sunday, “I implore an end to the violence ..."

Sunday refers to December 28, 2008. The Boston Globe owned by the New York Times has the remarks in its religion column.

"The Holy Land, which occupies the thoughts and sentiments of faithful around the world during these days of Christmas has again seen itself struck by an outbreak of unprecedented violence.

I am profoundly saddened by the deaths, the wounded, the material damage, the suffering, and the tears of the peoples victim to this tragic recurrence of attacks and reprisals.

The earthly homeland of Jesus cannot continue being witness to such bloodshed that is repeated without end! I implore an end to the violence, which is to be condemned in all its forms, and the re-establishment of the truce in the Gaza Strip. I ask for a show of humanity and wisdom in all those who have some responsibility in this situation. I ask the international community to do everything possible to help the Israelis and Palestinians out of this dark alley and not to resign themselves - as I said a few days ago in the 'Urbi et Orbi' message - to the twisted logic of confrontation and violence, but to give precedence to the path of dialogue and negotiation.

We entrust to Jesus, the Prince of Peace, our fervent prayer for these intentions, and to Him, Mary, and Joseph we say: 'Oh family of Nazareth, expert in suffering, grant peace to the world'. Grant it today, above all, to the Holy Land!"

I don't recall the call for an end to the launch of Qassam rockets from Gaza into Israel when Israel was not responding in kind. When it is Israelis who are being killed, were there statements imploring an end to that violence?

I understand that the Pope's concern is not accuracy in naming Hamas as the cause of the violence but in making sure that Christians in areas under the control of Hamas are not killed for being Christian. I join the Pope in praying for peace. I see the best hope of peace to follow the extirpation of terrorists from Gaza.

Live Blogging from the Pope's visit to New York

In preparation for the Pope's visit I contacted Catholic Answers and through their generosity obtained 1,000 copies of their booklet We have a Pope. It would be my job to distribute them.

Friday

I went to St. Malachy's, even before arriving I helped some Franciscan Friars of the Renewal who were given an incorrect address to the Church to get to the church. I met up with some members of the Catholic Evidence Guild and they distributed them to mostly indifferent New Yorkers. The first wave were my fellow New Yorkers on their way from the office to the subway or bus terminal. The second wave were people on their way to Friday night Broadway musicals and plays. St. Malachy's is also known as The Actor's Chapel. People would wave at us from the tour buses and cab riders and drivers would hold out their hand and accept one.

As time passed some more Franciscan Friars and Sisters of Life arrived along with their young lay volunteers to distribute prayer cards and greet people in the name of the Church.

I shared with them Fr. Groeschel's joke on the difference between New York and Los Angeles. In L.A. people smile but don't know why they are smiling but they do. In New York people wear a frown and they know why they frown.

We were all drawn there to pray to God, in thanks for the Pope and to pray for the success of his mission here. It was publicized in many places to the sort of people who get updated on Catholic life here in New York. This notice is from GodSpy

We had adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. We had Evening Prayer (vespers). This is the first time I heard Fr. Richard Baker liturgically sing. He has a wonderful voice. I was sitting in the front but could see the church fill. Remarkably, tourists gave up a Friday night in New York City to be in church. Even a Evangelical minister and his staying in a nearby hotel attended. Two (hopefully) future priests attended, my son and a friend from Cathedral Prep.

As planned, we processed quite rapidly from Eight Avenue and West 49th Street (St. Malachy's Way) to the residence of the Vatican United Nations observer. at 20 East 72nd Street. About 2 miles (from: 239 west 49th street to: 20 east 72nd street, new york, ny) We took the Madison Ave route so we walked past St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Along the way, we were praying, a friar had a guitar and was singing and my little group was handing out tracts to people. At this time and place we mostly encountering tourists.

We began to pass some elegant restaurants who because of the unseasonably warm weather who were really alarmed as the cloud of witnesses to Jesus were singing, praying, and praising on their way to meet his vicar.

Upon arrival we could see a large crowd gathering and waiting. We joined them. About 300 feet away there was a commotion and then we were told that His Holiness came down to the street to greet and bless the crowd. And it was time to go home.

Saturday

Today's plan was to distribute 600 copies of "We Have a Pope."

I arrived as the Mass was in progress. A small number of people were admitted to a secured zone near the Cathedral at 50th Street and even a smaller group admitted to the Mass. I would work the multitudes above 57th Street.

My progress as an evangelist. Smiling helps. I began to realize that bad seed was being spread: anti-Catholic tracts (i.e. the Pope is the Anti-Christ) and something called "Bayside - the facts revealed" (the "rad-trads"). Then I saw the vendors selling flags, pennants, and t-shirts. So I shouted "Free! We have a Pope. It's all about the Pope. It's pro-Catholic. It's pro-Pope. And best of all it's free." When people saw one being given out with no money changing hands, they descended upon me This was huge group that was hard to characterize: it consisted of nearby New Yorkers, the simply curious; the tourists who were there because it was the place to be in New York on this day; visitors who might be called pilgrims with banners like "Communion and Liberation" and the "Neo-Catechumical Way." No one had a bad thing to say about the Pope.

I saw an Associated Press cameraman-reporter doing an interview and boldly volunteered to be interviewed. I was asked "why are people here?" I answered "To celebrate their Catholic identity. The vicar of Christ has come to our city and we want to welcome him. It's a good day to be Catholic." I was asked what about the scandal "I believe that Pope has acknowledged the crimes and mistakes in a very forceful way, but that's not the reason for his visit. He comes to bring us the hope that is Christ." I was asked "What's your overall impression?" I said "Like today's weather, it's a new springtime for the Church in America." If not me, please let some positive person's interview get aired. The reporter smiled.

The mood of the crowd in a word "bored" because people were under the impression that he would be traveling from the Cathedral to the residence at the end of the Mass (or 11:30am), the Pope made the trip nearly two hours later. But the moment came and the crowd went wild and I had distributed 1,000 copies of "We Have a Pope".