Judge Pope Pius XII by his actions

Re: Fit for Sainthood?, Oct. 5. I was taken aback by the non-academic, amoral, Machiavellian-based responses of robert Ventresca, author of a new biography of Pius, Soldier of Christ, to charles Lewis’ questions regarding the canonization of Pope Pius XII, who was the head of the “roman See” from 1939-1945. The discussion with the professor chose to ignore the fact that the bishop of rome purports to speak from the chair of St. Peter and as such defines morality in the human dimension.

basing the ambivalence on political grounds regarding whether of not Pius XII deserves to be canonized does a disservice both to the Vatican and responsible academic inquiry.

Morality is the cornerstone of the papacy and attempts to denigrate this stance on the grounds of political machinations at the time neutralizes and runs counter to roman catholic theology regarding humane ethical and the moral injunctions of the church of roman.

Methinks the professor has missed the boat by not focusing on the morality of the decisions made by Pius XII during his tenure in office. An academic inquiry of the ethics and morality of his actions would have seemed to be a better focus.

The Holy See sees itself as a beacon of both justice and virtue. Not focusing on the ethics of decisions made is sheer folly and an unkindness to the church.

Sam Sussman, London, Ont.