Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Metzger said that Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to proceed with the beatification of Pius XII, often referred to as “Hitler’s Pope,” would make it difficult to continue Catholic-Jewish interfaith dialogue. Although opposed to the bestowal of sainthood status on a Holocaust era religious leader who at best refused to save Jews and at worst collaborated in their destruction, Metzger made it clear that the Chief Rabbinate is not ready to sever diplomatic relations with the Vatican.
“It will be difficult to continue our dialogue with the Vatican because this move hurts our relationship,” said the chief rabbi. “But from experience we have seen that maintaining contact with leaders of other religions is important. Nevertheless, we will express our dissatisfaction with this controversial decision.”
“It will be difficult to continue our dialogue with the Vatican because this move hurts our relationship,” said the chief rabbi. “But from experience we have seen that maintaining contact with leaders of other religions is important. Nevertheless, we will express our dissatisfaction with this controversial decision.”