This is the mine which is constantly dug up and agitated in the hope that it will finally explode in the face of Benedict XVI and destroy him. The very same people who indulge in this agitation, at the same time wish to manipulate his visit for their own political ends, because in spite of themselves they admit he has some sort of holy and/or political clout, but at the same time insist on perpetuating the suspicion of Nazism because of his admittedly involuntary and extremely brief membership of Hitler Youth.
The other thing these people do is to constantly compare Pope Benedict with his predecessor in unfavourable and outdated terms. Says Israeli 'political scientist' Shlomo Avineri, "John Paul's warmth will be compared to the theological coldness of Benedict." (What would a political scientist know about theological warmth or coldness anyway?!) In any case where has this man been for the last four years, not to mention decades? What has he been reading or watching on his television? It is a good maxim: he who informs should be informed. This man ain't informed. Unfortunately he is given air time and print space but fortunately this JTA article allows Benedict to prove Shlomo absolutely wrong by quoting his stated intention in this visit. On April 12 Pope Benedict said he would "emphatically" bring a message of "justice and truth, mercy, forgiveness and love....Reconciliation - difficult but indispensable - is a precondition for a future of overall security and peaceful coexistence, and it can only be achieved through renewed, persevering and sincere efforts to resolve the Israeli Palestinisn conflict."
If that's cold theology, I'll be happy to freeze in it with my Holy Father.
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