BishopAccountability.org
	Editorial: Hope for a Productive Papal Visit Milford Daily News April 17, 2008 http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x2124110825 It is understandable that Pope Benedict XVI has chosen not to visit Boston during his first trip to the United States since ascending to St. Peter's throne. He surely did not want his visit dominated by discussion of the crimes committed by priests and the coverups perpetrated by officials of the Boston Archdiocese. But the pope's itinerary does not relieve him of responsibility to address the scandals that have plagued, not just Boston, but parishes across the country. Since John Paul II last visited these shores, five U.S. dioceses have declared bankruptcy amid molestation allegations, and the leader of Boston's archdiocese has resigned. On his flight to the U.S., the pope said he was "deeply ashamed" over the sex abuse by American priests. He has acknowledged that the scandals have hurt the church. We hope he'll find a way to acknowledge the hurt the church, by its administrative actions as well as the sins of its priests, have brought to thousands of victims and their families. The Catholic Church regards the pope as the vicar of Christ on Earth; as such his word is considered final doctrinal authority. But not all of America's 67 million Catholics agree with church teachings. Some hold conflicting views on social issues, such as divorce and birth control. Meanwhile, a major Pew Forum survey recently found that one-third of Americans who were raised Catholic have left the church. Benedict has said the church may have to get smaller before it grows, especially in Europe and the U.S., so we do not expect him to retreat from long-held views. But while he served as the Vatican's doctrinal enforcer as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he surely understands the pope must present a welcoming face to the world. A willingness to listen as well as dictate would be reassuring to American Catholics. There are other important issues on the pope's agenda. Many non-Catholics still recognize the pope as a moral authority. It is in this role that Benedict will take part in a meeting of Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Jewish leaders today . The pope has stirred controversy in his short tenure - quoting a medieval text on the "evil and inhuman" teachings of Islam and declaring Catholicism the one true faith. Inasmuch as it benefits everyone for the globe's major religions to get along, the interfaith meeting is important. Will the pope make conciliatory overtures? Will his criticisms of extremism be echoed by other religions? On Friday, Benedict will follow in the footsteps of Popes Paul VI and John Paul II by addressing the United Nations. He likely will discuss the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and the plight of the world's poor, which rightly deserve attention. Since the Vatican says he's coming as a "pilgrim of peace," we also hope to hear statements on the Iraq war, which the Catholic Church officially opposes, and on the plight of Christians who've fled that restive nation. People of all faiths also hope the pope addresses the threat of global climate change, as the Vatican has promised. Stewardship of the earth is a spiritual calling as well as a political responsibility. At a time when responses to the climate crisis are limited by national self-interest, his global influence could make a difference. Pope Benedict has a chance to make a strong impression here. He can open doors, soothe tensions and make amends. He can give American Catholics renewed spiritual guidance while offering counsel on political affairs. We hope that his visit is peaceful and productive.
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