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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Pope Admits Fault in Holocaust Bishop Flap

Vatican vows to plug into how news spreads online

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(Newser) – Pope Benedict will release a personal letter to bishops tomorrow that explains why he reinstated an excommunicated Holocaust denier and expresses regret for how that news was delivered, the New York Times reports. In leaked passages, the pontiff admits mistakes and promises greater awareness in the future of how news spreads online. The pope calls his actions “a modest act of mercy.”

“Instead, it suddenly appeared something completely different: as the denial of reconciliation between Christians and Jews,” he continues. The pope sparked rage by revoking the excommunication of Richard Williamson, a member of the ultraconservative Society of Pius X who denies the existence of Nazi gas chambers. In the letter, Benedict laments that “even Catholics” demonstrated “a hostility ready for the attack.”

Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican today.
Pope Benedict XVI waves to faithful during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican today.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican today.
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the faithful during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's square at the Vatican today.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during the Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 8, 2009.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his message during the Angelus noon prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 8, 2009.   (AP Photo)
This Nov. 2008 image from video shows British-born Bishop Richard Williamson during an interview in which he denies that Nazi gas chambers existed.
This Nov. 2008 image from video shows British-born Bishop Richard Williamson during an interview in which he denies that Nazi gas chambers existed.   (AP Photo)
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BBC recaps the controversy around Richard Williamson's reinstatement in the Catholic Church.   (certifiedcritic)

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4 comments
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Sniffer
Mar 11, 09 6:03 PM CDT
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Mad
Mar 12, 09 12:19 AM CDT
>Blinks< Reply
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TerrifiedCitizen
Mar 12, 09 12:55 AM CDT
Yes, but the infallibility of the pope as the reincarnation of the Apostle Peter is one of the basic tenants of the church... an error on his part should shake the church right down to its very foundations. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
hannesh
Mar 12, 09 10:29 AM CDT
infallible on dogma and moral teachings. not what he says at he breakfast table or personnel.
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