Tensions over Pius XII surface in pope's synagogue visit

by John L Allen Jr on Jan. 17, 2010

By JOHN L. ALLEN JR.

Heading into Pope Benedict XVI’s much-anticipated Jan. 17 visit to the Great Synagogue of Rome, one towering question loomed. What impact would the recent move towards sainthood for Pope Pius XII, the wartime pontiff whose alleged “silence” on the Holocaust has long fueled controversy, have on the broader Jewish/Catholic relationship?

In the wake of the visit on Sunday, two answers seem equally clear.

Read the full report here: Pope welcomed to Rome synagogue despite tensions

Why do they continue to

Submitted by D.B. (not verified) on Jan. 17, 2010.

Why do they continue to believe and perpetuate the lies about Pius XII?

This is the "tension" question on the Catholic side of the house.

Thanks for the coverage, Mr.

Submitted by TNCath (not verified) on Jan. 17, 2010.

Thanks for the coverage, Mr. Allen, and a well written article that clearly delineates the issues between the Church and the Jews.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is anything Pope Pius XII, Pope John XXIII, Pope Paul VI Pope John Paul I, Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and their successors in office after them could have done or could ever do to satisfy some Jews regarding this issue because I am convinced there are some Jews would rather be bitter than reconcile. I sense this same bitterness towards the Church by the SSPX, the LCWR, and other dissident groups of disgruntled Catholics who will always remain hostile to the Church.

As for Venerable Pius XII's possible canonization, when the Jews start allowing the Catholic Church to have input in defining their beliefs, perhaps then and only then should the Catholic Church allow the Jews to have input in what we believe. Both groups will never completely agree: that's why they're Jews and we are Catholics. But, why do we constantly have to bring it up every time we get together? Give it a rest, folks.

God bless the Pope and the officials of the Great Synagogue of Rome who are doing their best to heal the wounds of hurt.

We Christians have enough

Submitted by Tony Layne (not verified) on Jan. 17, 2010.

We Christians have enough sins on our cultural consciences concerning the Jews without secular Jews, Christian liberals and their ilk trying to manufacture more. Actions speak louder than words; the acts of Pius XII to help protect Jewish people during the Shoa count for more than the self-righteous posturings of his critics.

This is just wrong. Benedict

Submitted by Chris Smith (not verified) on Jan. 18, 2010.

This is just wrong. Benedict XVI is opening wounds that are still raw. Pius XII is frequently referred to as "Hitler's Pope" by many. Benedict was a Hitler Youth member himself. He should be ashamed of himself that he above all other Popes should be doing this. This is what happens when right wing reactionary elements in the Catholic Church seize power and make a man like Benedict XVI a Pope. No good will come from this. Only harm.