Holocaust Bishop Apologizes

Conservative society sacks bishop reinstated by pope

(NEWSER) - The Holocaust-denying bishop embroiled in controversy since Pope Benedict lifted his excommunication has been booted from his Argentine seminary, the Independent reports. Richard Williamson's ultra-conservative sect sacked him as seminary director as the Vatican increased pressure on the bishop to recant his controversial statements that Jews were not gassed during World War II. More»

Ratzinger says German leader's call for pontiff to clarify Holocaust stance is 'irrational'

(NEWSER) - The pope’s brother today criticized Angela Merkel for demanding that Benedict XVI restate his views on the Holocaust amid the controversy over a reinstated priest, the Times of London reports. “I always saw her as a rational woman,” Georg Ratzinger—himself a Catholic priest—said of the German chancellor. “But perhaps at the moment she is under pressure to say something irrational.” More»

Decision to re-instate bishop a 'disaster' says Germany's top cardinal

(NEWSER) - Pope Benedict XIV's reinstatement of a Holocaust-denying bishop has received some unusually harsh criticism from within the church, the Guardian reports. Germany's top-ranking cardinal has labeled the decision "a disaster" and called for the Pope to apologize. Cardinal Walter Kasper, who oversees the Vatican's relations with Judaism, says the decision was badly handled and blames poor management in the church hierarchy. More»

Pope attempts to smooth ties with conciliatory remarks

(NEWSER) - Israel’s senior rabbinical body has severed ties with the Vatican, saying Bishop Richard Williamson should recant his statements denying that millions of Jews were "deliberately gassed" during the Holocaust. The chief rabbinate expressed “sorrow and pain” at the decision, which follows worldwide outrage among Jews and progressive Catholics for Pope Benedict's decision to reinstate Williamson, the Telegraph reports. More»

(NEWSER) - The Vatican today rejected Bishop Richard Williamson’s so-called apology for his Holocaust beliefs, CNN reports, a mea culpa mandated by the Pope. “He must also distance himself in an absolutely unequivocal and public from his stand regarding the [Holocaust],” a spokesman said. Williamson said he regretted the “distress” his remarks caused, and “would not have made them” if he’d known, but did not retract them. More»