Decision on Pius XII beatification may be delayed 6-7 years

October 31, 2008

Following his remarks yesterday to a delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, Pope Benedict told a member of the delegation that he may not proceed with the beatification of Pope Pius XII until after the relevant archives are opened to scholars in six or seven years, according to committee leader Rabbi David Rosen.

‘One member of our delegation told the Pope, ‘Please do not move ahead with beatification of Pius XII before the Vatican Archives can be made accessible for objective historical analysis,’ Rabbi Rosen said at a press conference, ‘and the Pope said, ‘I am looking into it, I am considering it seriously.’’ Rabbi Rosen also said, ‘I have said, and I say again, it is not the business of the Jewish people to tell the Catholic Church who its saints are.’

During the committee’s audience with Pope Benedict, Rabbi Rosen told the pontiff that ‘we reiterate our respectful call for full and transparent access of scholars to all archival material from the period, so that assessments regarding actions and policies during this tragic period may have the credibility they deserve both within our respective communities and beyond.’

 

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Further information:

• Pope won't beatify Pius XII until opening of archives in 6-7 years (European Jewish Press)
• Jewish leader asks pope to suspend sainthood process (Newsday)
• Pope, Jewish leaders discuss duty of dialogue, access to archives (CNS)
• Pope Benedict: Address to delegation of International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations (Holy See, full text)
• No quick opening of Vatican Archives from pontificate of Pius XII (CWN, Oct. 30)
• Catholic-Jewish dialogue strengthens both religions, Pope says (CWN, Oct. 30)