Pope Condemns Holocaust Denial

[onehandle]

Source: New York Times

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict, trying to defuse a controversy over a bishop who denies the Holocaust, on Thursday said that "any denial or minimization of this terrible crime is intolerable," especially if it comes from a clergyman.

The pope made the comments in his first meeting with Jews since the controversy over traditionalist Bishop Richard Williamson began in late January. Williamson denies the full extent of the Holocaust and says there were no gas chambers.

The pope told Jewish leaders: "The hatred and contempt for men, women and children that was manifested in the Shoah (Holocaust) was a crime against humanity. This should be clear to everyone, especially to those standing in the tradition of the Holy Scriptures ..."

The pope also confirmed that he was planning to visit Israel. Vatican sources say the trip is expected for May.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/02/12/world/international-us-pope-jews-holocaust.html

[ixion]

1. Because, you know, he was there and all

as a member of the Hilter Youth.

[Kolesar]

3. I am fan of the halter youth, actually,

And 1970s chicks in tube tops.

[onehandle]

5. So was the father of an old girlfriend of mine.

It was required by the state that teen boys be registered.

And he was half Jewish, which the family had carefully hidden.

He had nothing to do with them after being forced to sign up, just like the current Pope.

I'm not a big fan of this Pope, but he's no Nazi.

[TommyO]

7. He might not be a Nazi

but he is a hateful, wretched excuse for a human being with his constant attacks on gay people and our rights.

[Kolesar]

8. The contemporary Boy Scouts of America is seeming like the Michigan Militia

just musing, here

[Ian David]

11. Do we really need to set the bar that low?

"Well, he may be a crazy fascist piece of shit who covers-up the molestation of children, scapegoats gay people, and performs exorcisms on the mentally ill-- but at least he's not a Nazi."

[FiveGoodMen]

19. Yes, if you want to like this Pope, I think you do have to set the bar that low.

Random thought: If there is a God, don't you suppose he made Ratzinger look like Palpatine for a reason?

[Ian David]

20. Goooooood.... n/t

[hlthe2b]

2. I have a visceral reaction to this "Pope"

that is not unlike the one I have for Dick Cheney. I respect Catholicism and Catholics, but the hierarchy? Not so much. And this particular Pope? Not at all.

[Ian David]

21. Pope John Paul was equally vile, but he at least looked warm and cuddly.

Pope Ratso wears his evil on the outside as well.

[Suji to Seoul]

4. He can't deny something he actively supported in the Hitler Youth. Right, Joey Ratzy?

Piss off, Dope-of-a-Pope.

[Zynx]

14. There are plenty of other reasons to dislike him. This is not one of them.

When Jewish leaders have forgiven him for the Hitler Youth involvement based on the fact it was required of German teens, why can't you let it go?

There is only one explanation at that point and that is that you have an agenda.

[Suji to Seoul]

15. Agenda? I'm Jewish. Once a nazi, always a nazi

Jewish "leaders" don't speak for me.

Why can't I let it go? 76 members of my family were killed in the Holocaust. THAT'S WHY I REFUSE TO LET THIS NAZI POPE OFF EASY!!!

[Zynx]

16. Do you feel the same about bureaucrats in the German government who

regulated electricity rates and such at the time? If they joined the Nazi Party out of pressure or fear, are they still responsible in your mind?

[Suji to Seoul]

22. Yes. How can you defend nazis! Makes me wonder if YOU have an agenda!

[rebecca_herman]

18. While I'm not fond of him for other reasons

I don't personally blame any child growing up indoctrinated during the war who was forced to join a youth group. I blame the people who who participated in the killing, and those who turned a blind eye and let it happen, but I don't blame the children.

I likely had relatives who died in the Holocaust as well, as most of my Jewish immigrant relatives came from countries later decimated by the Nazis less than 50 years later (Russia and Poland). I don't know who they were or how many, and will likely never know, as the family didn't keep contact with any remaining relatives over there anymore by that point. It's sad to know, but blaming and hating someone who didn't participate won't help me in any way.

[Baby Snooks]

6. More hypocrisy from the church of hypocrisy...

This apparently is what happens to men when they attempt to remain celibate. They either molest altar boys or they go insane.

[Frisbee]

9. I'd think that if anyones knows what REALLY happened...

It would be a former Hitler Youth.

[Zynx]

13. Lame.

[AndrewP]

17. Hey! This guy is God's leader on Earth!

Wait....wouldn't that mean, being God's future leader, that he should have known even at an early age that the Hitler Youth were evil and doing the work of evil?

Or....

[Ian David]

10. Holocaust Denial is just plain silly.

Unlike demonic possession and an invisible man who lives in the sky which makes sense.

[rosesaylavee]

12. Incredibly QUICK response! I like so believe in his sincerity!!111!

Not.

:eyes: