Pope Benedict Praised Cardinal Martini Weeks Before Abortion-IVF Betrayal

From LifeSiteNews:

VATICAN, April 24, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini's stunning interview-dialogue, in an Italian weekly last week, which contradicted Church teaching on abortion, in vitro fertilization and condoms, came two weeks after Pope Benedict praised the dissident Cardinal. Speaking to youth of Rome on April 6, in preparation for the diocesan-level World Youth Day, the Pope recommended they read the writings of Cardinal Martini on the Scriptures.

LifeSiteNews.com reported Friday that the retired Archbishop of Milan, a favourite of liberal dissidents within the Catholic Church, contradicted Church teaching on abortion, calling the current situation of legal abortion "good" or "positive" in that it has "contributed to reducing and eliminating illegal abortions". He also made statements approving limited in vitro fertilization and embryo research, both of which are condemned by the Church (see coverage: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/apr/06042108.html )

Speaking to the youth two weeks prior, the Pope pointed out that "one should not read sacred Scripture on one's own . . . it is important to read it in the company of people with whom one can advance, letting oneself be helped by the great masters of 'lectio divina.' For example, we have many beautiful books by Cardinal Martini, a true master of 'lectio divina,' who helps us to enter into the life of sacred Scripture." (see the text of the remarks: http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=87880)

Vatican expert Sandro Magister, who works for L'Espresso, the magazine which published the dialogue Friday, pointed out the Pope's praise for Martini in his opening to the English translation of the complete dialogue. (see the English translation here: http://www.chiesa.espressonline.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=51790&am...)

The president of the Vatican's Pontifical Academy for Life, Bishop Elio Sgreccia, has responded to the issues raised by Cardinal Martini without formally correcting the Cardinal. In an interview with Catholic News Agency (CNA - http://www.catholicnewsagency.com), Bishop Sgreccia, would not confront the former Archbishop of Milan directly saying: "at the Vatican, we do not consider it necessary make a controversy out of something that does not merit it."(emphasis added)

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My Comments:
Martini's scandalous comments need to be repudiated head on, not pussy-footed around.


Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
Life Doesn't Start at Conception, But After Says Cardinal Martini