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New pope intervened against Kerry in US 2004 election campaign
AFP ^
| Tue Apr 19,
Posted on 04/19/2005 8:37:10 PM PDT by metalmanx2j
German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican theologian who was elected Pope Benedict XVI, intervened in the 2004 US election campaign ordering bishops to deny communion to abortion rights supporters including presidential candidate John Kerry.
In a June 2004 letter to US bishops enunciating principles of worthiness for communion recipients, Ratzinger specified that strong and open supporters of abortion should be denied the Catholic sacrament, for being guilty of a "grave sin."
He specifically mentioned "the case of a Catholic politician consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws," a reference widely understood to mean Democratic candidate Kerry, a Catholic who has defended abortion rights.
The letter said a priest confronted with such a person seeking communion "must refuse to distribute it."
A footnote to the letter also condemned any Catholic who votes specifically for a candidate because the candidate holds a pro-abortion position. Such a voter "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for holy communion," the letter read.
The letter, which was revealed in the Italian magazine L'Espresso last year, was reportedly only sent to US Catholic bishops, who discussed it in their convocation in Denver, Colorado, in mid-June.
Sharply divided on the issue, the bishops decided to leave the decision on granting or denying communion to the individual priest. Kerry later received communion several times from sympathetic priests.
Nevertheless, in the November election, a majority of Catholic voters, who traditionally supported Democratic Party candidates, shifted their votes to Republican and eventual winner George W. Bush.
TOPICS: News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: benedict; benedictxvi; kerry; pope; ratzinger
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To: metalmanx2j
I like him even more now.
2
posted on
04/19/2005 8:39:14 PM PDT
by
Eagles6
(Dig deeper, more ammo.)
To: metalmanx2j
In a June 2004 letter to US bishops enunciating principles of worthiness for communion recipients, Ratzinger specified that strong and open supporters of abortion should be denied the Catholic sacrament, for being guilty of a "grave sin." Hmmmm ... I wonder if Kerry will tell this Pope to Butt Out also???
3
posted on
04/19/2005 8:39:27 PM PDT
by
Mo1
(Hey GOP ---- Not one Dime till Republicans grow a Spine !!)
To: metalmanx2j
A footnote to the letter also condemned any Catholic who votes specifically for a candidate because the candidate holds a pro-abortion position. Such a voter "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for holy communion," the letter read.
I like this Pope the more I learn about him. I'm so glad my church has rejected a more 'moderate' (liberal aka secular humanist) path.
4
posted on
04/19/2005 8:40:01 PM PDT
by
hnorris
(Deserve Victory)
5
posted on
04/19/2005 8:42:03 PM PDT
by
Diago
To: hnorris
Agreed. Now if he was only 58 rather than 78 I would be so happy. It was a good thing for John Paul II to serve for so long.
6
posted on
04/19/2005 8:43:15 PM PDT
by
JohnD9207
(Lead...follow...or get the HELL out of the way!)
To: metalmanx2j
And the down side to that is?
7
posted on
04/19/2005 8:44:02 PM PDT
by
TXBSAFH
(Never underestimate the power of human stupidity--Robert Heinlein)
To: metalmanx2j
Pope Benedict XVI may actually convert me to a Catholic.
To: metalmanx2j
9
posted on
04/19/2005 8:45:10 PM PDT
by
getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL
(Do not feed the trolls. Keep windows closed at all times while inside the park.)
To: metalmanx2j
Yep
The American Bishops basically said... "He's just another Cardinal....'You're not the boss of me!' "
And now he IS!
10
posted on
04/19/2005 8:45:11 PM PDT
by
IMRight
To: TXBSAFH
There is no downside...I was simply letting everyone know!
I love him the more I read about him!!
VIVA IL PAPA!!!
11
posted on
04/19/2005 8:46:38 PM PDT
by
metalmanx2j
(Eric Cartman: Democrats piss me off.)
To: Eagles6
Wheres the popcorn ? this is getting more and more interesting by the minute.
Must not be a good time to be a liberal.
12
posted on
04/19/2005 8:46:54 PM PDT
by
Prophet in the wilderness
(PSALM 53 : 1 The ( FOOL ) hath said in his heart , There is no GOD .)
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
13
posted on
04/19/2005 8:47:40 PM PDT
by
Calpernia
(Breederville.com)
To: IMRight
Poetic Justice, don't you just love God's way of irony ?
14
posted on
04/19/2005 8:48:43 PM PDT
by
Prophet in the wilderness
(PSALM 53 : 1 The ( FOOL ) hath said in his heart , There is no GOD .)
To: metalmanx2j
One thing to remember about him is that Germans like order and discipline. I am liking this guy more and more.
15
posted on
04/19/2005 8:49:55 PM PDT
by
TXBSAFH
(Never underestimate the power of human stupidity--Robert Heinlein)
To: Eagles6
The Lord gives us a Pope for the times. Liberals should watch out!
16
posted on
04/19/2005 8:51:38 PM PDT
by
Aussie Dasher
(Hillary for President? She wanted to be Pope!!!!)
To: metalmanx2j
SO..That is the reason most of the media have their knickers in a knot.
I like this Pope!
17
posted on
04/19/2005 8:53:07 PM PDT
by
smoothsailing
(Qui Nhon Turtle Co.)
To: Eagles6
The Swimmer would find himself in an awkward position, were he sober enough to notice.
To: Prophet in the wilderness
Pass the popcorn please.
GOTTA LOVE IT!!
19
posted on
04/19/2005 8:55:55 PM PDT
by
Humidston
(Rats = Party of DEATH)
To: metalmanx2j
Lets hope they bring up the subject of Kerry's excommunication again.
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