The Jews, Israel, Evangelicals and a New Pope

"We deal in Centuries here...." A Saying at the Vatican

"So do we." An Anonymous Evangelical.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

The Pope will be buried on Friday, but already worldwide discussion has begun as to his replacement. Of those usually concerned though, perhaps the ones with most at stake are Jews and Evangelical or Fundamental Christians. Neither of these groups will agree with any of the Popes on most central matters, but how comfortably and safely they dwell in the world depends a great deal on who is elected in the next Conclave. If an arch old line conservative from Italy is elected, it could be negative for both: it could be negative also for evangelicals more than Jews if one from South America is elected, where the 'encroachment' of Evangelicals is being widely felt and where born-again Churches are winning many believers. The candidates are diverse: most are in their sixties and seventies, many over 77. A short term transitional Pope has been mentioned which would probably favor the older men, shortening their influence for the good or bad. Most of the candidates are orthodox Catholics, with traditional historical conservative mores and doctrines. A few are liberals and one of the issues in this conclave will be the redefinition of Papal structure, or whether there should be a sort of 'legislature' or advisory rule creating a more democratic decision making process in the Vatican. One German candidate Ratzinger has suggested retirement as an option for Popes and several are calling for Vatican III, or chillingly called Jerusalem III. People who gamble on such elections mention Tettramanzi as the top candidate followed by Rinze of Africa and Ratzinger. Ratzinger holds the Vatican office that was formed in the 1500s for doctrinal policing: it was formerly the inquisition administration. Some want women and married priests, or grand ecumenism, defying all boundaries between religions of the world. Others are purely political. The best diplomats have been sent recently to Israel and Syria, trying to please both sides. While all news sources are describing as I will the most mentioned candidates, I have outlined very briefly where they stand on the Jews, Israel and Evangelicals. For some, the positions are not clear, or they have not published much in the area, for others it has been the center of their careers. We live in a world in which the Gospel preaching churches are falling more and more under persecution and where Anti-semitism is rising with alarming rates. The information below should be helpful in following the conclave which will begin on April 18, 2005. ekb

ITALIANS

Dionigi Tettamanzi

, Among bookies, in Italy, Dionigi Tettamanzi is the front runner as a candidate. At 71, the Cardinal has only recently become the Archbishop of Milan, following a long time favorite liberal of the Italian Press: Cardinal Martini. Martini, listed below is aging, and now over 80 and living in Jerusalem. Tettamanzi, a few years his junior has been characterized as orthodox in views in the same way as John Paul II, had defended the Opus Dei and anti-globalization protestors and is a favorite of younger church members. Among those who seek a return to orthodoxy and Italian rule, he is a frontrunner, and is described as having a natural pastoral ability. Previously in Genoa, the move to replace Martini as the Archbishop of Milan was seen by Vatican watchers as an endorsement. Says Luigi Accattoli of Corrier dell Sera Newspaper, Hes a natural candidate. He is an expert in bioethics, and wrote for John Paul II. Time.com notes that he is eminent among the choices because he is likely to take the Papacy back for the Italians. Regarding the Jews and Jerusalem, if he continues with ultra-orthodoxy, it would not mean more than status quo of diplomacy or a lessening of it for Israel. http://www.time.com/time/europe/magazine/article/0,13005,901031027-524435,00.html Giovanni Battista Re, This Italian candidate is 67 and heads the Congregation of Bishops, which advises the Pope on nominations around the world for appointment of Bishops. He has been a diplomat to Panama and Iran, and became a deputy to the Vatican s Secretary General, placing him as the previous Popes Chief of Staff. Regarding the proposed changes in structure for the legislation in the Vatican, Re sees no conflict between Rome and the bishops. He is seen as an Ultra loyalist, with high authority who will not be the world traveler the last Pope was. His views on the Jews and Israel are not widely available but as more of a Vatican politician than theologian; it is believed that he will support the party line. This could be troubling for the Jews , Israel and Evangelicals as things will remain either status quo or could turn for the worse. Younger at 67 than many candidates, it could be a long reign of politics. Cardinal Martini of Milan For years, Cardinal Martini was seen as a favored candidate for the Papacy by the Italian Press. Reaching 80 recently, though, he has retired as the Bishop of Milan, being replaced by Tettamanzi. He is well versed in thelogy and Jewish-Catholic issues, and was a notable liberal, especially in his call for a more representative legislative body in Vatican decision making. He now resides in Jerusalem. Held for a long time as a prime contender, his age and his Jesuit membership make him far less a candidate: no Jesuit has ever been Pope. Among his strong points are his intellect and international ties. In 1999 at the Synod of Bishops-Europe, he suggested a redefinition of papal primacy suggesting new forms of leadership. He was involved in modern Bible Translations, but his views of the Jews was showing strong work and interest, nonetheless are expressively Catholic, and could present a extremely diplomatically cloaked inroad to Jerusalem not just for good relations but for Catholic interests/imperialism. His age though, prohibits a lengthy papacy. Pio Laghi Pio Laghi has been a party loyalist from early in his career. In the 1970s, he was the pro nuncio, or ambassador from the Vatican to Argentina during the bloody coup which took 30.000 lives. He claims to have know about 6000 missing persons during this time, and the records were kept both in his office and the highest military office. At best, his stance was one of looking the other way. He was later appointed as Pro Nuncio of the U.S. during the Reagan years, appointing mostly conservative, ultra loyalists. Says one Catholic source, I would characterize the Laghi bishops as theologically correct, meaning that they follow the line of the Holy See. They don't vary or wander away. . . . I don't think a man of very liberal sentiments and views would have a chance at all." They were described as theologically correct. He also as pro nuncio sat on the governing board of one of the only Vatican controlled Seminaries in the U.S.: Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH [Worthington], approving faculty appointments. Now aging, he recently made with another representative a diplomatic visit from the Vatican to Jerusalem to smooth over established relations with Israel after an earlier visit by another representative to Syria who allowed an anti-Semitic diatribe to go unprotected. Laghi is the premiere loyalist and politician, well versed in international diplomacy whose stay at best would be short due to age. Politics at best would stay status quo, or could worsen. Regarding the Jews or Jerusalem, views are not readily available except that he has made diplomatic contact: his age would prohibit much of a change. However his willingness to either ignore or cooperate with the fascist government during his reign as pro nuncio in Argentina, has cast dispersion on whether his candidacy would go without controversy.

THIRD WORLD

Francis Arinze,72, NIGERIA

Francis Arinze, converted as a child from Muslimism to Catholicism, and has been a leading influence in the growth of Catholicism for the past 30-40 years. He is a moral conservative, pro-life upholding traditional church dogma and is widely known for making strong inroads into positive Muslim-Catholic relations. His Nigerian black background appeals to those in the Church who come from impoverished and 3rd world nations, and some liberals welcome a new outlook, but others see it as too experimental and fear traditionalists would object. There was one African Pope, Gelasius in the late 400s, but not since. Poverty and its solution is the core issue for African and South American candidates. Position on Israel not known, however Arinzes strong diplomatic skills are considered by some unparalleled. His age would not indicate lengthy Papacy given conditions in Africa now. Regarding Jews and Evangelicals, again, diplomacy is a plus, but Forays into Islamic diplomacy have been greater than those with Jews and Evangelicals by the Church, and he is a close adherent. In 2001, Christian Century noted that

While he strongly rejects what he calls the "relativistic" belief that "all religions are equal," he doesn't think Catholics should impose their religion on other cultures. The Catholic Church teaches, he said, that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. But like the Vatican, he also believes that the transforming power of Christ can work through other religions.

Arinze is currently president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, and believes in engaging those of different religions in ecumenical benevolent acts to open discussions. Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan

was born in Hue, Vietnam, imprisoned by the Communists 13 years, nine in solitary confinement. He is president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, a council which works for Civil and Moral Rights and Human Dignity around the world. He has brought to light the suffering of women and the poor, noting Let us pray for women, who are all too often humiliated and marginalized," and working towards a social gospel. Notable for his work among the poor and marginalized he is probably a lesser candidate, although he was a friend of the last Pope and respected in the Vatican. Regarding Israel, he was a supporter of Pope John Paul IIs remembrance of the Shoah letter, calling all to repentance. India's Ivan Dias, a friend of Mother Teresa

Cardinal Dias born in 1936, 69 trained in Diplomatic relations in the Vatican. He was appointed to the nunciatures in Scandinavia, Indonesia and Madagascar. Later, he served in the Vatican Council for Public Affairs of the Church, dealing with diplomacy and relations towards several former Soviet Republics, China and countries in West Africa. Promoted to Archbishop in 1982, this former friend of Mother Teresa was appointed pro nuncio to Ghana, Togo, Benin and later to South Korea. His latest appointment was to Albania with the aim of rebuilding the Church after communist rule. While Speculation immediately around the time of the Popes death showed Dias as papabile; Mumbais Catholic Communications office suggests several reasons he will probably not be the next candidate short of a surprise: he is non-white, and Asian. Views on Israel, Jews, Evangelicals not known, thought his last position is in an area known for Anti-semitism, and he has been successful at diplomatic relations in difficult places.

SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICAN

Claudio Hummes, 70

Archbishop of Sao Paulo in Brazil is seen as a moderate and human rights spokesman. Like many candidates from South America nd 3rd world countries his focus is on fighting poverty and participation in globalized economies. AP wire services note His supporters note that Brazil's role as a Latin American political and economic heavyweight could help the Vatican counter the popularity of emerging evangelical churches in the region. Hummes comes from a German lineage who immigrated to Brazil in the 19th century. His predecessor, Arn was a liberation theology proponent, while Hummes is more conservative. He is orthodox in his views especially on gays, marriage, and abortion. He has a strong social gospel orientation but will not compromise on traditional doctrinal lines. He has worked more than many towards improving relations with the Jewish community, noting their unique place in history. Jewish News of Greater Phoenix notes:

"What inspires Cardinal Hummes very much is the declaration contained in Nostra Aetate that indeed the Jews were chosen by God, the chosen people, and that God never ever regretted this choosing," said Rabbi Henry Sobel of Brazil, translating for Hummes, to JTA. It's "very important that Catholics and Jews work together in solidarity to help remedy the ills of the world," especially to promote peace, Hummes said, and added that Jews and Catholics must continue building understanding of one another.

While some even in the Jewish community have lauded his efforts, others worry that he seeks too common a ground and Jewish leaders have warned those involved in ecumenical efforts to beware. Hummes admonitions against Evangelical influence are far more worrisome as persecutions against Evangelical and fundamental, Bible Believing Churches in South American are increasing in number and intensity. Hummes as Pope could cause even more trouble for the persecuted Church worldwide under euphemistic discussions of peace and understanding. The Church talks much of separated brethren and common ground, but only unidirectional.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Argentina, 74:

A Jesuit, Bergoglio is intelligent and a scholar, conservative/orthodox on doctrinal matters. The Archbishop of Buenas Aires. He has been involved in political and land negotiations and is widely respected in Argentina. He has an Italian background, which could offer an area of compromise between those seeking the traditional Italian hierarchy and those wishing Hispanic representation since close to 46% of Catholics fall under than category. In the Holy Year 2000, for example, he had the whole Church in Argentina don garments of public penance for sins committed during the years of military dictatorship discussanything.com He will have problems being a Jesuit, since even some Jesuits object to one of their own as Pope. He turned down a prestigious appointment in the Vatican stating he would die in the Curia. He is noted for his simplicity and humility, but openly is concerned about Evangelical encroachment by conversion of Catholics.

Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga, 62

, of Honduras. Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras, the 62-year-old archbishop of Tegucigalpa, is also mentioned as a possible candidate. But he could be too much of a break for Vatican conservatives. He has studied clinical psychology and has a dynamic, outspoken style. His work with the poor has been noted. He founded the Catholic U of Honduras and served as President of the Conference of Latin American Bishops.e He was spokesperson according to BCS for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

EU/EUROPE

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany.77Ratzinger is mentioned as one of the better candidates for a transitional papacy due to his age and European but non-third world background. His has shown concern for increasing secularism and Islam. He is pro-life but considered pragmatic in his politics. John Paul II appointed him Prefect for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) an organisation once known as the Inquisition Discussanything.com [Founded in 1542 by Pope Paul III with the Constitution "Licet ab initio," the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was originally called the Sacred Congregation of the Universal Inquisition as its duty was to defend the Church from heresy. It is the oldest of the Curia's nine congregations]. from www.vatican.va ]

He has been called vice Pope, and John Paul III and less kindly, panzerkardinal mostly by those characterizing his conservative views. He is an ultra conservative and has defended traditional Catholic mores and teachings since Vatican II> On the Jews and the Church Ratzinger notes:

That the Jews are connected with God in a special way and that God does not allow that bond to fail is entirely obvious, Ratzinger said in the new book. We wait for the instant in which Israel will say yes to Christ, but we know that it has a special mission in history now which is significant for the world. Asked if Jews must, or should, acknowledge Jesus as the messiah, Ratzinger replied, We believe that. That does not mean that we should force Christ upon them,

Ratzinger said.

The fact remains, however, that our Christian conviction is that Christ is also the messiah of Israel. Certainly it is in the hands of God how and when the unification of Jews and Christians into the people of God will take place. On the Jews and Christianity: For through the encounter with Jesus of Nazareth the God of Israel became the God of the Gentiles. Through him, in fact, the promise that the nations would pray to the God of Israel as the one God, that the "mountain of the Lord" would be exalted above all other mountains, has been fulfilled. Even if Israel cannot join Christians in seeing Jesus as the Son of God, it is not altogether impossible for Israel to recognize him as the servant of God who brings the light of his God to the nations. The converse is also true: even if Christians wish that Israel might one day recognize Christ as the Son of God and that the fissure that still divides them might thereby be closed, they ought to acknowledge the decree of God, who has obviously entrusted Israel with a distinctive mission in the "time of the Gentiles."

Godfried Danneels, Belgium, 71:

A former professor of liturgy at Catholic University of Louvain . Theologian and Pastor. the archbishop of Brussels, widely considered too liberal for the Papacy. In favor of Papal reforms such as retirement. He has been an advocate of a worldwide Vatican III: evangelizing, collegiality, inculturation, the possibility of ordaining married men and social issues." Such statements suggest the inevitability of a Vatican III or Jerusalem II , as well as its agenda

Cardinal Walter Kasper, 72

a German who heads the Vatican's office of Christian unity and its office for relations with Jews.

Cardinal Christoph Schnborn, 58,

archbishop of Vienna. He is Editor of the new Catechism. More boldly than all other candidates, he has called for a proper recognition of the Jews in History and Doctrine: Schoenborn answered by stressing the doctrinal importance to Christians of not only recognizing Jews' connection to the land, but also ensuring that Christian identification with the Jewish Bible not lead to a "usurpation" of Jewish uniqueness. Papal candidate gives pro-Zionist talk. A strong advocate of Jewish settlement in the Holy Land He denies that European Christians' support for the State of Israel is based on Holocaust guilt. Claims Christians should affirm Zionism as a biblical imperative for the Jewish people.

"Only once in human history did God take a country as an inheritance and give it to His chosen people,"

Schoenborn said. Papal candidate gives pro-Zionist talk.

Jean-Marie Lustiger

Could a Jewish person become Pope in the 21st century Lustiger, the son of polish Jews, both of whom were in Auschwitz was hidden during the war and became a Catholic at 14. His father lived but his mother died in the camps. He is the Archbishop and cardinal of Paris. His primary desire is to heal the breach between Jews and Christians. Born in 1926, he is 79, which would indicate a short papacy. His license in theology is from the Institu Catholique and he has degrees in humanities and Philosophy from Sorbonne. Ordained in 1954, he has refused to give up his Jewish identity, and has represented the Vatican at memoriums at Auschwitz. He has defended human rights and and Jewish rights worldwide and is in the college of Cardinals. He has established ties with Rabbinal leaders. Many laud the idea of a Jewish Pope but many more worry about it within the Roman Church. Lustiger has been welcomed by some Evangelicals while others are concerned with prophetic ideas of a Jew at the head of a Church which is considered apostate. Given his age and doctrine, though he would be a short-lived Pope, a controversial Pope, and pro-Israel. He is actually less likely to decry Evangelicals than others, but the factors are not completely known. The Polish-born Zenon Grocholewski has a top Vatican job as prefect of the Congregation for Catholic Education. Also included is Karl Lehmann, the liberal-minded head of the German Bishops' Conference. He has been named as a cardinal despite concern at the Vatican over the involvement of the church in Germany in abortion counseling. He caused consternation last year by suggesting that the pope would be prepared to resign if he became too ill to carry out his duties. USNew cardinals from the United States include the Archbishop of New York, Edward Egan, and the Archbishop of Washington DC, Theodore McCarrick. Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster spiritual leader of the four million Catholics in England and Wales. Also, mentioned are:Camillo Ruini, Jan Schotte,Lucas Moreira Neves, Bernardin Gantin, and .Roger Etchegaray... In summary though, there is fertile ground at the best for status quo and at the worst for world shaking changes. The choice is more than a religious one. BBC NEWs|REUTERS|The NEXt Pope by Hebbelwaite|American Magazine .org|Catholic News Watch|Vatican Website|Businessweek Online