Language:
French
Year of publication:
1999
Titel der Quelle:
Recherches de Science Religieuse
Angaben zur Quelle:
87,1 (1999) 59-68
Keywords:
John Paul
;
Holocaust (Christian theology)
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Catholic Church
Abstract:
Analyzes how the Vatican document "We Remember: A Reflection on the Shoah", signed by Pope John Paul II in 1998, addresses the Church's moral responsibility for the Shoah and Pope Pius XII's silence. Surveys the document's five sections, focusing on section four, which distinguishes Nazi antisemitism from Christian anti-Judaism, not considered responsible for the former or for the Shoah. Pius XII is viewed as having done what he could to help the Jews, though Catholics in general are called upon to repent for their passivity during the Shoah. Contends that the document, although permeated with repentance, lacks an analysis of causal connections. Also criticizes its ambiguous language in both spiritual and historical matters, and the fact that it indirectly denies the uniqueness of the Shoah. Concludes by challenging the Church to face a deeper question than the Pope's silence: the theological question of God's silence.
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