What Benedict XVI Really Said

A recent article in the Daily Mail, a liberal British newspaper, attempted to convey the Holy Father’s message delivered on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (also the occasion of World Peace Day.)  If one were to read only the article, one might think that the pope used the occasion to scold the United States for its involvement in Iraq.

Pope Benedict XVI criticised George Bush as he declared states had to set ethical limits in what they do to protect their citizens from terrorism.

He also suggested some countries had flouted humanitarian law in recent wars.

Although the Pope did not identify any specific countries, Vatican sources made it clear he was referring to the U.S. particularly.

Although the article is brief, it clearly mischaracterizes what the Holy Father said.  The remarks do tangentially address the Iraq conflict, but in no way can the remarks be interpreted as a rebuke of the Bush policy in Iraq (neither Iraq nor Bush are mentioned in the pope’s remarks.)  In fact, a careful reading suggests that the emphasis is on the continued jihadi violence in the Middle East and opppressive nature of Islam.  He also addresses the UN (by name) and their pathetic role on the world’s stage.

Here is a portion of the pope’s remarks:

As far as the right to life is concerned, we must denounce its widespread violation in our society: alongside the victims of armed conflicts, terrorism and the different forms of violence, there are the silent deaths caused by hunger, abortion, experimentation on human embryos and euthanasia. How can we fail to see in all this an attack on peace? Abortion and embryonic experimentation constitute a direct denial of that attitude of acceptance of others which is indispensable for establishing lasting relationships of peace. As far as the free expression of personal faith is concerned, another disturbing symptom of lack of peace in the world is represented by the difficulties that both Christians and the followers of other religions frequently encounter in publicly and freely professing their religious convictions. Speaking of Christians in particular, I must point out with pain that not only are they at times prevented from doing so; in some States they are actually persecuted, and even recently tragic cases of ferocious violence have been recorded. There are regimes that impose a single religion upon everyone, while secular regimes often lead not so much to violent persecution as to systematic cultural denigration of religious beliefs. In both instances, a fundamental human right is not being respected, with serious repercussions for peaceful coexistence. This can only promote a mentality and culture that is not conducive to peace. [emphasis in original]

The recognition that there exist inalienable human rights connected to our common human nature has led to the establishment of a body of international humanitarian law which States are committed to respect, even in the case of war. Unfortunately, to say nothing of past cases, this has not been consistently implemented in certain recent situations of war. Such, for example, was the case in the conflict that occurred a few months ago in southern Lebanon, where the duty “to protect and help innocent victims” and to avoid involving the civilian population was largely ignored. The heart-rending situation in Lebanon and the new shape of conflicts, especially since the terrorist threat unleashed completely new forms of violence, demand that the international community reaffirm international humanitarian law, and apply it to all present-day situations of armed conflict, including those not currently provided for by international law. Moreover, the scourge of terrorism demands a profound reflection on the ethical limits restricting the use of modern methods of guaranteeing internal security. Increasingly, wars are not declared, especially when they are initiated by terrorist groups determined to attain their ends by any means available. In the face of the disturbing events of recent years, States cannot fail to recognize the need to establish clearer rules to counter effectively the dramatic decline that we are witnessing. War always represents a failure for the international community and a grave loss for humanity. When, despite every effort, war does break out, at least the essential principles of humanity and the basic values of all civil coexistence must be safeguarded; norms of conduct must be established that limit the damage as far as possible and help to alleviate the suffering of civilians and of all the victims of conflicts.[emphasis mine]

The Holy Father’s remarks are beautiful and true.  So much of the time the media, in particular those of a liberal slant, try to selectively use what they read from the Vatican to promote their particular view of the world.  Note that the Holy Father addresses directly abortion, embryonic stem cell research and the denigration of women (are you listening Hollywood and Saudi Arabia?) and these remarks are not mentioned in the article. 

Here’s my point.  Whenever the MSM quotes the Holy Father or Church officials and offers and interpretation, you can count on a misrepresentation, a distortion and exclusion of anything contrary to their progessively liberal agenda.