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Vatican Says Statement By Holocaust Denying Bishop Is Insufficient Apology

By Howard M. Friedman

On Thursday, Zenit published an apology of sorts from Lefebvrite Bishop Richard Williamson in connection with his comments denying the Holocaust. Earlier this month, Pope Benedict XVI lifted Williamson's long-standing excommunication, along with that of 3 other right-wing bishops. (See prior posting.) However, following protests, the Pope told Williamson that he must recant his Holocaust views to be fully reinstated. (See prior posting.) According to the New York Times on Friday, Williamson's recent apology is not seen by the Vatican as sufficient to restore him to full communion with the Church. Apparently in recent weeks, Williamson has contacted another Holocaust denier, David Irving, for assistance in assessing the Holocaust. Irving served 13 months in prison in Austria for "glorifying ... the German Nazi Party."

Full post as published by Religion Clause on February 28, 2009 (boomark / email).