PUBLIC OPINION

Wanganui Chronicle, 6 May 1948, Page 4

PUBLIC OPINION

THE POPE AND PEACE Sir, —In answer to “Voltaire,” Yes, in 1933 the Catholic Church did sign a Concordant with Hitler, and Catholics have no cause to be ashamed of this fact. Should the Church have abandoned the German Catholics and opened her schools and churches and invited the Nazis to come in and teach Nazi philosophy? The Concordant did not in any way approve the pernicious influence of Nazism. "Voltaire” says "she uttered not one single line against Nazi philosophy," etc. Even many non-Cathollcs know what she teaches about such things as divorce, birth control, sterilisation of the unfit, euthanise, cremation, the rights of the individual. All these practices approved by Nazism, condemned by Catholicism. So who is muddling facts now? To speak of just one fearless Catholic bishop, von Galen, bishop of Munster, later to be made a Cardinal—when he died, General Montgomery paid him this tribute: “The Commander-in-Chief and British elements desire to express their regret at the passing of a great Christian leader, whose fearless defence in difficult times earned the respect of all denominations.” But of course, that tribute only came from Montgomery—not Molotov! Professor Israel Zolli, former Chief Rabbi in Rome, gave as one of his reasons for becoming a Christian, “the example of charity shown by the Church, particularly during the Fascist persecution of the Jews.” The assistance given to hunted Jews, adults and children, by the Catholics in Europe, is another fact of which we are greatly proud. Does “Voltaire" know of the letters exchanged between the Pope and President Roosevelt in 1939-40? A sincere attempt on both sides to promote peace. Has "Voltaire” ever read the replies of the Pope in answer to Mussolini? When that gentleman threatened him with imprisonment? In his book “The Peace Mission That Failed,” Sumner Wells, after an interview with the Pope in the Vatican, wrote: I found him profoundly saddened by the future he saw shaping so inevitably, and profoundly grieved by the barbarous inhumanity in so many regions in the world —I left the Vatican with the conviction that one of the constructive forces, working for the regeneration of man-kind will be the present Pope and many of those about him.” But of course, Voltaire, that generous tribute also did not come from one of Stalin's statesmen! In the "London Times,” Dec. 1940 a letter appeared above the signatures of the recognised leaders of religion in England, accepting the Five Peace Points put forward by Pius XII. and adding the live standards agreed upon by them all. (The Churches Face The Challenge Frank Ballard M.A.) And yet Voltaire says the Pope has done nothing to further Peace and everything to "embroil the world in another blood bath.” As the Pope lias never been asked to the so called Peace Conferences of the world he is left with the only means at his disposal and that a greater weapon than ever the Atomic bomb. The power of prayei. At the Popes request throughout the world, after every

Sunday Mass pray together for the conversion of Russia, and individually every day many thousands privately pray for Russia, believing the Pope when he says Russia will only find peace when she finds God. Voltaire should go in some day to a Catholic Church and hear them! Two prominent Communists have even recently not only gone in but stayed in, Louis Badbury former editor of the New York “Daily Worker” and now Douglass Hyil" Communist Party workers ana editor o£ the London “Daily Worker”! Funny Voltaire isn’t it? But no* really if you ever bothered to stuay the life and letters of Saint Paul. I am sorry if you find me a "better believer than a student." Indeed 1 would much rather be! I am, etc., LORNA ROGERS Turakina. This correspondence is now closed. Editor