Madam, – I write to commend and applaud Fr Vincent Twomey's analysis of Pope Benedict XVI's Papacy. The Holy Father has been the object of ridicule and condemnation over the past few months. There is no doubt that the media shapes public opinion and so I am grateful to The Irish Timesfor publishing Fr Twomey's article (Opinion, April 19th).
In contrast to Fr Hans Küng’s vehement attack on the Pope and on the church (Opinion, April 16th), Fr Twomey’s observations are well reasoned and I believe, represent those of so many of us in the Catholic Church who love and support the Holy Father.
This past weekend, on his pastoral visit to Malta, the Holy Father once again showed the world his compassion and resolve as he met victims of clerical sexual abuse.
In their own words, the encounter was an emotional one and yet filled with serenity and hope. This is part of the process of healing and an acknowledgement of the suffering of so many.
Let us continue to pray for Pope Benedict XVI as he walks in the “shoes of the fisherman”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The memory of Catherine of Sienna is celebrated on April 29th. She is a doctor of the church, a lay woman and patron of Europe. In the 14th century she wrote to Pope Urban VI: “Most holy father it is time to detest sin in yourself, in your subjects and the ministers of holy church”.
She is said to have “fumed at the silence” of those in authority. Pope Urban remarked, “She is the courageous one!” Yet in her love for the church, she persevered in hope that it would one day be the Church Christ wanted it to be. Like Catherine, many are trying to keep working for change. Seven centuries is a long time, and there are still courageous ones. – Yours, etc,
