The current reigning pontiff spent much of the time during the reign of Pope John Paul II engaged in two activities - a very public attack on priests and theologians advocating liberation theology (including silencing then expelling Brazilian priest Leonardo Boff) and the far more secret cover-up of the endemic abuse of minor children by priests around the world. The Pope's obvious lie during comments made to the press accompanying his state visit to Scotland reveal - as if any further evidence was necessary - that Josef Ratzinger has serious problems with his ethical radar.
While no theological viewpoint is above or beyond criticism, and there were some excesses in the name of liberation theologies as they emerged in Latin America after the Medellin Conference in 1968, at its heart was a return to a view of the Christian faith as engaged with the very real lives of people living lives on the margins of society. Seeing how the Spirit could bring life, could give people who were viewed as of no value by the larger society a sense of worth, of value, of humanity, liberation theology was rooted in the Biblical witness.
On the other hand, ensuring that the institution of the Roman Catholic Church was not tainted by persistent allegations of sexual misconduct by the priesthood was far more important to then-Cardinal Ratzinger than supporting the pastoral ministry of priests in lands under the twin thumbs of economic and political exploitation and oppression. His sudden realization that he had no idea how widespread the sex abuse was, and that he's really, really sorry for it ring hollow. That much of this happened during the reign of a pontiff much loved should start a serious re-evaluation of the history of Pope John Paul II, as well as Ratzinger's role in his pontificate.
For the moment, though, it is enough to note that Pope Benedict, rather than being greeted warmly by Queen Elizabeth at Balmoral, should be considered an international pariah.
Virtual Tin Cup
