This Is The New Pope?

#1
Vol67

Vol67

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#1
capt.fra11604191730.germany_vatican_pope_ratzinger_fra116.jpg


The new Pope as a child during WWII as a Nazi anti-aircraft unit helper
 
#2
#2
The recently deceased Pope was a victim of Nazism. The new Pope was a long-time friend, advisor and confidant of the deceased Pope. If John Paul didn't have a problem with this, why should we? :question:
 
#3
#3
Apparantley he was in the Nazi youth because it was mandatory, although he was in it for the least amount of time possible...

Besides, didn't Hitler hate Catholics?
 
#6
#6
I know I'll probably get flamed as a "revisionist historian" for this, but here goes.

Simply being in the German Army during the reign of Hitler and the Nazi Party didn't necessarily make you a Nazi. Just like being in the US Army right now does not mean that you are a Republican. It is possible to love your country and fight for it even though you disagree with its political leadership.

Nazi Party membership was voluntary, although adherence to its rules after 1933 was not. Most army regulars, especially at the end of the war, were conscripts, and as such were forced to fight. Many of them were as young as sixteen. It should not be surprising then that as a young man, Joseph Ratzinger was in the army. The news stories that I have read concerning this matter went on to say that Ratzinger was a deserter and was later made a POW by the Americans. This certainly does not sound like the actions of a die-hard Nazi fighting for his convictions.

It should be noted that the Catholic Church knew of Hitler's plan for murdering the Jews and many other groups in Europe. And though they knew of this plan, church leaders made no statement opposing it, presumably because Germany was a Christian country. Pope John Paul II apologized for this inaction on behalf of all Catholics.

I have no way of knowing what young Ratzinger's thoughts were on the subject, but I see no reason to criticize him now for simply being in the German Army, especially since he was probably forced to fight. To my knowledge, Ratzinger has never shown the least bit of anti-Semitic belief.

:twocents:
 
#7
#7
Originally posted by volinbham@Apr 20, 2005 12:57 AM
The recently deceased Pope was a victim of Nazism. The new Pope was a long-time friend, advisor and confidant of the deceased Pope. If John Paul didn't have a problem with this, why should we? :question:
Click to expand...

It's all about the forgiveness man...
 
#8
#8
Very good post history, was going to write the same thing.

His past doesn't make him a Pro-Hitler lover for christ sake
 
#13
#13
Originally posted by UTVOLFAN+Apr 21, 2005 11:18 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (UTVOLFAN @ Apr 21, 2005 11:18 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Orangewhiteblood@Apr 21, 2005 1:24 PM
I thought the new Pope looked familiar.....
Click to expand...

not cool [/quote]
Oh come on...you have to admit they look very similar...

If it offends you, let me know and I will take the pic down.. :thumbsup:
 
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