Have you read the latest corrections?

Submitted by Ianus (Poland), Jan 28, 2006 at 09:29

Dear TW Pope,

Thank you very much for your comment and your kind words for me.

< It is a pleasure to discover that there still exist civil people in the world. This has been a wonderful exchange!

I can only say the same. I've found it very exciting and useful to be in touch with you.


< Janus, your last post seemed to imply that BXVI was, in his heart, at odds with CCC 841, based on the original news story, and the comments from the second hand source. I myself wasn't sure that I could agree with that, espcially in light of BXVI comments on the Moroccan muslims in 'Salt of the Earth.' If that is a correct understanding of what you were saying, do you still profess that in light of the latest updates?

As long as you have no clear unambiguous statement, you have to rely on secondary and less conclusive evidence. I once read "Islam in the documents of the Catholic Church and in the teachings of John Paul II" by E. Sakowicz, Warsaw 1997. All the documents (particularly many public speeches) indicated the late pope's sincere support for Islam and his desire to make friends with it. The then cardinal Ratzinger was imbued with this Islamophile atmosphere. Now, however, as he became pope BXVI he seems to have some grave doubts on the validity and rationality of the views of his predecessors.
My impression was also that his dilemma has had much to do with in the infallibility dogma. JPII declared ex cathedra Islam to be akin to Christinity. It is included in God's plan of salvation. There is no conflict between the two religions. On the contrary. They are like paternal brothers. Now , BXVI can't contradict this openly, although he seems to know the ugly , virulently anti-Christian and anti-Jewish aspect of Islam, because he would undermine the infallibility dogma. (Remember the 'principle of contradiction' in my first message to you, dear friend?). By disclosing in public his distrust towards Islam he would have to admit JPII's views were wrong.
So it was what I thought.
Now you ask "do you still profess that in light of the latest updates"?

...Well, to tell you the truth , I don't know what I shall think now. I would gladly admit I was wrong. But I can't do it until I hear clearly (i haven't heard it yet) : "Roma dixit..." some lucid official bulla or epistle of the pope on this crucial issue. In fact for all Christanity no problem is more urgent than its attitude towards this inimical cult of Islam.
And what do you think on that?

With best wishes ,
Jan

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