In Theory:

Pope Benedict XVI visited Rome’s Central Synagogue on Sunday, but his visit was not without controversy. Benedict is being criticized for his moves to push WWII Pope Pius XII toward sainthood. According to an AP story published last week, some Jews and historians have accused Pius of “not doing enough to stop the Holocaust.” Given what you may know about Pius XII, do you believe the criticism Benedict faces is justified?

The Rev. Bryan Griem: Protestants have little regard for the whole practice of officially designating sainthood.

The Bible makes it clear that all true believers in Jesus are ipso facto saints, regardless of whether any have miraculous feats of faith ascribed to them. We don’t invoke deceased Christians, and we’re confident that all of them are in heaven awaiting the consummation of time. We may refer to a biblical figure, or some notable of church history as Saint So-and-So, but that’s more a useful convention than any sort of special class acknowledgment.

If, while preaching, I quote something from the apostle Paul, I may refer to him as St. Paul only to distinguish him from parishioner Paul in my congregation sitting there before me.

Since this is a Roman Catholic custom, who should know better how to administer its application than the supreme leader of the religion? If Pope Pius qualifies for acknowledgment, how can anyone outside of the Vatican hope to deny him? After all, this shouldn’t be a political decision, and whether or not the pope in question could have been a more significant player during the Holocaust is beside the point.

The fact that Vatican City resides in what was an Axis nation during the war probably also made the pope cautious regarding public expressions of opposition, but if I were Jewish and thought him responsible for facilitating the Holocaust, I too would have serious problems with his exaltation to saint.

However, available information doesn’t indicate any consorting with Mussolini or Hitler, and nobody denies that there was papal opposition to their ideals. Since today there is opinion on both sides, even within the Jewish community, I think Benedict will follow through, and everyone will just get over it.--The REV. BRYAN GRIEM is pastor of Montrose Community Church. Reach him at (818) 249-0483.