October 12, 2005 - ADL Expresses Gratitude To Pope Benedict XVI For Beatification
Of "The Lion Of Muenster"
New York, NY, October 12, 2005 ... The Anti-Defamation League
(ADL) expressed gratitude to Pope Benedict XVI over the beatification
of World War II-era German Bishop Clemens August von Galen - known as the "Lion
of Muenster" - who courageously spoke out publicly against the Nazis'
murderous policies.
During an Oct. 9 Vatican ceremony, Pope Benedict hailed the "heroic
courage" of von Galen, and described the churchman who condemned anti-Semitism
as a model for those in public roles today. The pontiff later praised the bishop
for "protecting the Jews" while addressing pilgrims in St. Peter's
Square.
In a letter to Pope Benedict, Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National
Director and Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, ADL Interfaith Affairs Director
said:
"Cardinal von Galen's life was an example of one who put
doing right and good in the eyes of the Lord above political expediency. His
brave battle against anti-Semitism and his protection of innocent lives should
stand as a lesson for all time, not just to adherents of the Catholic Church,
but all peoples and all faith communities."
More information from the Vatican News Service on the beatification of
Cardinal von Galen can be found here.
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