Whoa there!
Pius XII's case for beatification just hit a speed bump, courtesy of his current successor, Pope B16. Pius has been accused of being overly friendly with the Nazi government, having negotiated a concordat with it before becoming pope, and Jewish groups especially have protested his possible beatification. Quite wisely, the current pope is gathering a committee to do further research, according to Reuters.The Pius XII controversy, however, indicates one of the problems with the current beatification process: Beatification/canonization has become some kind of stamp of approval--for a religious founder, a pope, what have you--instead of a reflection of actual devotion. JPII and Mother Teresa probably have legitimate causes, but Pius XII? Where are the faithful with a devotion to him? But I think some are pushing his beatification as a way to clear his name, which could be a disaster if it is ever discovered that he failed in some spectacular way during a critical time in history.
No matter what, you have to have compassion for the guy that was pope during those terrible years. But making him a saint is probably not the best strategy to show it.
posted by CtotheL @ 11:58 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
You might try doing a bit of elementary research before you spout nonsense.
You do know that canonization has never had anything to do with popular devotion, but is a recognition that that that person is an example *worthy* of public veneration, as well as a recognition that that person is in Heaven.
"Failed in some spectacular way" you say? Let's start with one of the early Saints, St. Paul. You know, that guy who was hunting, rounding up, and killing Christians, for being Christians.
Canonization is a recognition that you did in the end, accept God and that your efforts to do so are praiseworthy and give glory to God where it belongs. Not that you never did anything very bad, as the example above proves.
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