Why did the decree praising Pope Pius XII upset Jewish leaders?
VATICAN CITY — Jewish leaders warned of new strains in Catholic-Jewish relations after Pope Benedict XVI moved the controversial Pope Pius XII one step closer to sainthood. Benedict signed a decree Saturday recognizing Pius’ “heroic virtues” and declaring him “venerable.” That makes Pius eligible for beatification, one step below sainthood. “While it is entirely a matter for the Catholic Church to decide on whom religious honors are bestowed, there are strong concerns,” said Ronald Lauder of the World Jewish Congress. Critics say Pius, who reigned from 1939 to 1958, failed to do or say all he could to stop the Nazis’ persecution and genocide of the Jews. FAITH & REASON: Can sainthood be ‘diminished?’ His defenders say he heroically condemned anti-Semitism throughout Hitler’s reign and directly and indirectly saved thousands of Jews during the Holocaust. On Sunday, the president of the Assembly of Italian Rabbis said displeasure over Saturday’s decree could lead to canceling Benedict’s