Video: Pope's (disappointing) speech at Yad Vashem
This is the video of Pope Benedict XVI's speech at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial on Monday. Many people here in Israel are disappointed with the Pope's speech because he did not specifically apologize for the roles of the Catholic Church and the German people in the Holocaust.Let's go to the videotape.
And here's some of the reaction:
The chairman of the Yad Vashem Council, Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, who is a Holocaust survivor, expressed disappointment at the pope's speech, saying that "there certainly was no apology expressed here."Indeed.
"Something was missing. There was no mention of the Germans or the Nazis who participated in the butchery, nor a word of regret," Lau said. "If not an apology, then an expression of remorse."
Yad Vashem chairman Avner Shalev said that the "certain restraint" in the formulation of the speech was a "missed opportunity."
"I did not expect an apology, but we expected more," he told The Jerusalem Post. "This is certainly no historic landmark."
"I had expected a historic speech from the German pope at the site which is a memorial altar for the victims of Nazi Germany," said Prof. Shevah Weiss, a former Yad Vashem chairman and Holocaust survivor. "And though the speech was moving - it wasn't that."
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin - who was absent from all of the welcoming festivities other than the visit to Yad Vashem - said after the pope's speech that "everything that we feared came to fruition."
"I came to the memorial not only to hear historical descriptions or about the established fact of the Holocaust. I came as a Jew, hoping to hear an apology and a request for forgiveness from those who caused our tragedy, and among them, the Germans and the church. But to my sadness, I did not hear any such thing," he said.
"The visit to Yad Vashem does not constitute an expression of regret as such," added Rivlin. "The eyes of Jews across the world, and of the nation in Israel, were directed here, in anticipation of hearing honest communion - personal and determined - regarding the Holocaust of their people. And we heard nothing of the sort."
posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:04 AM
7 Comments:
Why, oh why, would Benedict apologize for the Nazis? And why would he apologize for Germans, he does not represent them either? And, in fact, Benedict is arguably more pro-Judaism and pro-Israel than even John Paul II.
I dare to say, this is not an argument that will withstand critical, cogent scrutiny.
Every cleric must obey the Pope, even if he commands what is evil; for no one may judge the Pope. – Pope Innocent III (1198-1216)
There is neither appeal nor recourse against a decision or decree of the Roman Pontiff. – Today’s Code of Canon Law
Rome has spoken, the dispute is at an end. – St. Augustine (354-430)
Did any one really expect anything different?
I am not one to be disappointed because there was nothing the Vatican could do to exceed my expectations of them.
So the Pope's address at Yad Vashem didn't come as a revelation to me.
I didn't expect anything different.
I couldn't give a poop about the pope.
The fawning and slobbering over over this idol worshipper here in Israel is just a disgrace.
He should have been greeted at the airport by a tourist ministry rep, assigned a 10 man security team, and told to enjoy his stay.
The Catholic Church's role in the Holocaust???
Have you lost all sense of history?
Have you heard of Maximiliam Kolbe? of Karol Wojtyla?
You have been reading "The Deputy" one too many times...
Take even a cursory glance at the recently released documents about Pius XII and the laudatory remarks by people like Golda Meir and others world Jewish leaders circa '46-'50 at Pave the Way Foundation, run by a Jew, regarding the Vatican's aid to the Jewish people!!!
As for Rabbi Lau, did you see the video? Odd because he was chatting up the Holy Father in a quite amiable manner after the speech.
Moreover, others there took a totally divergetn tone than Lau, and I would point to His visit today to the Chief Rabbinate's offices and the reception he received by Pres Peres, as well.
After John Paul II the Great, this is the most pro Israel Pope in modern history!
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Daniel, stop reading Dan Brown novels and mis citing Canon law....
What exactly do people want him to apologize for? This Pope has done so much for the Children of Israel that he is truly a righteous gentile. He has no need to apologize for the actions of the national socialist party since his family were opposted to them and suffered persucation as a result. People like Yisrael Meir Lau should be ashamed of themselves, and if they have any dignity, should apologize to the Pope.
You people that think Rome & this or any previous pope is pro Israel or pro True Christ are blind. Revelations 17 is clwarly talking about Rome/Vatican City/Catholicism. Please wake up & repent. Thanks for this post but be aware that the pope will never apologize. He has blasphemed Christ by saying he is himself the ultimate authority, even saying he is Christ in the flesh. Ummm no. He works for satan, is a liar & deceiver. Christ will destroy him & reign forever!
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