Israeli Jewish leaders praise Pope's statement, reconsider break with Vatican

January 29, 2009

Israeli Jewish leaders have welcomed the statements by Pope Benedict XVI repudiating Holocaust denial, and said they will reconsider their decision to break off ties with the Holy See. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel had pulled out of a scheduled March meeting with Vatican officials in protest after the Pope lifted the excommunication on four traditionalist bishops including Bishop Richard Williamson, who has questioned the severity of the Holocaust. Oded Wiener, the director-general of the Chief Rabbinate, said that the public statements by Pope Benedict on January 28 had eased tensions, and the Israeli representatives may decide to attend the March meeting. The Pope's statements "were very important for us," he said.

 

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Further information:

• Israeli Jews welcome Pope's words (ANSA)
• Pope rejects Holocaust denial, urges SSPX to accept Vatican authority (CWN, Jan 28)
• Roundup: angry reactions to Bishop Williamson; disavowals from SSPX, Church leaders (CWN, Jan 28)