Benedict XVI’s Tidal Wave of Apostasy

By Bro. Michael Dimond, O.S.B.
Read more of Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

Benedict XVI’s May 20, 2009 Catechesis: “In Bethany I had the joy of blessing the foundation stones of two churches that will be built on the site where St John baptized the people. This event was a sign of openness and respect for religious freedom and for the Christian tradition which prevails in the Hashemite Kingdom and deserves deep appreciation. I was able to show this just recognition, united with profound respect for the Muslim community, the Religious Leaders, the Diplomatic Corps and the university Rectors who met at the Al-Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, that King Abdallah II commissioned in memory of his father, the famous King Hussein, who welcomed Pope Paul VI on his historic pilgrimage in 1964. How important it is that Christians and Muslims live side by side peacefully and in mutual respect! Thanks be to God and to the commitment of the government leaders this is happening in Jordan. I prayed that it would be like this also elsewhere, thinking especially of the Christians who instead experience difficult situations in neighboring Iraq… But nothing is impossible to God and to those who trust in him! For this reason faith in the one just and merciful God, which is the most precious resource of those peoples, must be able to release its full charge of respect, reconciliation and collaboration. I desired to express this wish in paying a visit both to the Grand Mufti and the leaders of the Islamic community of Jerusalem and to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, as well as at the meeting with the organizations involved in inter-religious dialogue and then, at the encounter with the religious leaders of Galilee. Jerusalem is the cross-roads of the three great monotheistic religions, and its very name – “City of Peace” – expresses God’s plan for humanity: to make it one great family… It is to this that Jews, Christians and Muslims are called to bear witness, in order to honor with acts that God to whom they pray with their lips. And it is exactly this that I carried in my heart, in my prayers, as I visited in Jerusalem the Western – or Wailing Wall – and the Dome of the Rock, symbolic places respectively of Judaism and of Islam. The Visit to the Yad Vashem Memorial, built in Jerusalem in honor of the victims of the Shoah, was also a moment of intense recollection. In silence we paused there, praying and meditating on the mystery of the “name”: every human person is sacred, and his name is written in the heart of the eternal God. The horrendous tragedy of the Shoah must never be forgotten!... My pilgrimage ended last Friday with the stop at the Holy Sepulchre and with two important ecumenical meetings in Jerusalem: at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, where the representatives of all the Churches in the Holy Land had gathered, and lastly, at the Armenian Apostolic Patriarchal Church.” [1]

Benedict XVI promotes religious freedom and “profound respect for the Muslim community.” Benedict XVI has profound respect for Muslims who reject the Catholic faith and the divinity of Jesus Christ. Benedict XVI then states that Islam and Judaism are “great monotheistic religions.” Benedict XVI then utters the heresy that Jews and Muslims honor God and are called to bear witness to God’s plan for humanity. Benedict XVI then states that visiting the sacred sites of the false religions of Islam and Judaism were moments of “intense recollection.” Benedict XVI also says that Jews and Muslims, who reject the Trinity, pray to God “with their lips.” This is bold apostasy from the arch-apostate Benedict XVI.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of India: “India is a fertile land with ancient wisdom. Her people, representing many different religions and cultures, are sensitive to the need for self-awareness, integrity and harmonious coexistence with one’s neighbor for overall personal and social well-being. The immense variety with your borders opens a range of possibilities for dialogue between philosophies and religious traditions intent upon probing life’s deepest questions. Cultivating this dialogue not only enriches your own Nation but serves as an example to others throughout Asia and indeed throughout the world… Madam Ambassador, as Chief Shepherd of the Catholic Church, I join religious and governmental leaders throughout the world who share a common desire that all members of the human family enjoy the freedom to practice religion… For her part, the Catholic Church in your Country will continue to play a role in promoting peace, harmony and reconciliation between followers of all religions, especially through education and formation in the virtues of justice, forbearance and charity. [2]

Benedict XVI states that India is a land with ancient wisdom because it contains a multitude of different false religions. This is apostasy. He then encourages the human family to “enjoy the freedom to practice religion.” He ends this heretical address by promoting harmony between followers of all religions.

Benedict XVI’s May 6, 2009 Message about Jesuit missionary Fr. Matteo Ricci: “Given his intense scientific and spiritual activity, it is impossible not to be favorably impressed by his innovative and special skill in bringing together with full respect China’s cultural and spiritual traditions in their totality. ”[3]

Benedict XVI states that “it is impossible not to be favorably impressed” by “full respect” for China’s false spiritual traditions. This is blunt heresy.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of Benin: “The development of harmonious relations between Catholics and the members of other religions, which in your country usually consist of reciprocal understanding, must also be encouraged. Cultural or religious diversities must pave the way to an enrichment in the quality of society as a whole. As I have had the opportunity to say recently, “Together we must show, by our mutual respect and solidarity, that we consider ourselves members of one family: the family that God has loved and gathered together from the creation of the world to the end of human history.’” [4]

Here the apostate Benedict XVI states that religious diversities pave the way to an enrichment in the quality of society. He then says that we need to have mutual respect and that God’s family is comprised of people who practice false religions. This is complete religious indifferentism and apostasy.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Discourse to eight new Ambassadors to “the Holy See”: “Your Excellencies, you are not unaware that new forms of violence have been manifested in recent years and that unfortunately they rely on the Name of God to justify dangerous behavior… Such excesses have sometimes led to seeing religions as a threat to societies. People then attack them and discredit them, maintaining that they are not factors of peace. Religious leaders are duty bound to guide believers and to enlighten them so that they may advance in holiness and interpret the divine words in truth. It is therefore appropriate to encourage the emergence of a world in which religions and societies can be open to one another through the openness that exists in them and with one another. This would be bearing an authentic witness of life. It would be to create a space that would render dialogue positive and necessary. In making her own contributions to the world, the Catholic Church seeks to witness to a positive vision of humanity’s future. I am convinced “of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to – among other things - the creation of a basic ethical consensus in society”’(Welcome Ceremony, Elysee Palace, 12 September 2008; 17 September 2008, p. 3). [5]

Benedict XVI states that false religious leaders should guide the followers of their false religions to “holiness.” For Benedict XVI to assert that practitioners of false religions can “advance in holiness” is outrageous apostasy. He then states that “religion,” any religion, is critical for the formation of consciences!

Benedict XVI’s May 22, 2009 Address to the President of Bulgaria: “Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, Members of the Government Delegation, Venerable Representatives of the Orthodox Church and of the Catholic Church… I offer a respectful greeting to each one of you and I extend these sentiments to the authorities and to the whole of the Bulgarian people, as well as to the leaders and faithful of the Orthodox Church and of the Catholic Church, present in your beloved country.” [6]

Benedict XVI calls the schismatic “Orthodox” representatives “venerable.” He respects each one of them as a fellow schismatic. He also mentions the “Orthodox” Church before the Catholic Church, probably because he believes that the “Orthodox” Church is of a higher order and dignity than the Catholic Church. He then calls people of a schismatic Church “faithful.” Benedict XVI is a heretic and a schismatic.

Benedict XVI’s May 22, 2009 Address to the former President of Macedonia: “Mr President, Honorable Members of the Delegation, Venerable Brothers of the Orthodox Church and of the Catholic Church!... I avail myself of the occasion to express the sentiments of esteem and friendship that unite the Holy See to the beloved Macedonia people… I wish to assure you of my personal esteem and friendship.” [7]

Benedict XVI again praises the Eastern schismatics as the “venerable brothers of the Orthodox Church.” In the eyes of Benedict XVI, to be a schismatic is to be venerable. He then tells the schismatic “Orthodox” people that he wants to make sure they understand his personal esteem for them. This is schismatic.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of New Zealand: “Your Excellency, cultural diversity brings much richness to the social fabric of New Zealand today. The growing presence within your shores of migrant communities from various religious traditions together with the Government’s increasing participation in Pacific and Asian affairs has raised the awareness of the fruits that can be obtained through inter-religious dialogue. Indeed, not so long ago, your nation hosted the Third Asian-Pacific Regional Interfaith Dialogue in the historic setting of the Waitangi. Yet some continue to question the place of religion in the public sphere and struggle to imagine how it might serve society, particularly in a highly secular culture. This of course heightens the responsibility of believers to bear witness to the significance of the essential relationship of every man and woman to God, in whose image they are made.”[8]

Benedict XVI promotes cultural diversity. He says that the presence of various false religious traditions brings good “fruits” to a country. Benedict XVI states that different false religions serve society. Benedict XVI then utters the heresy that “believers” in various religions have a responsibility to bear witness to God. Therefore, Benedict XVI believes people of any religion bear witness to the true God.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of South Africa: “South Africa’s rapid and peaceful transition to democratic rule has been widely acclaimed and the Holy See has followed with interest and encouragement this historic period of change. None can doubt that much credit for the progress achieved is due to the outstanding political maturity and human qualities of former President Nelson Mandela. He has been a promoter of forgiveness and reconciliation, and enjoys great respect in your country and in the international community. I would ask you kindly to convey to him my personal good wishes for his health and well-being.” [9]

Benedict XVI praises the Communist Nelson Mandela. He declares that Mandela is a person with “outstanding political maturity and human qualities.” He states that Mandela “has been a promoter of forgiveness and reconciliation.” He then expresses his desire to give Mandela “my personal good wishes for his health and well-being.”

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of Mongolia: “… Mongolia’s long standing respect for religious freedom. This fundamental human right, enshrined in Mongolia’s Constitution and upheld by its citizens as conducive to the full development of the human person, allows them to search for the truth, engage in dialogue and fulfill their duty to worship God immune from any undue coercion. The opportunity for adherents of different religions to speak and listen to one another has a vital role in strengthening the human family. You have referred to the bold initiative of Chinggis Khan in the 13^th century to invite Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and Daoists to live together on the steppes of Mongolia: a gesture that continues to find expression in the openness of the Mongolian people, who treasure the religious customs passed down from generation to generation, and who show a profound respect for traditions other than their own. This religious earnestness was especially evident as Mongolia emerged from years of oppression under a totalitarian regime. In this time of greater peace and stability, I heartily encourage forums that facilitate the amicable exchange of ideas about religion and how it contributes to the good of civil society. Peoples who practice religious tolerance have an obligation to share the wisdom of this tenet with the entire human family, so that all men and women might perceive the beauty of tranquil co-existence and have the courage to build a society that respects human dignity and acts upon the divine injunction to love one’s neighbor.” [10]

Benedict XVI promotes religious freedom. Benedict XVI states that the opportunity to listen to different false religions is “vital” and is a source of “strengthening the human family.” Benedict XVI praises people for treasuring their false religions, and for having profound respect for other false religions. Benedict XVI also encourages an exchange of ideas about religion, as if we can gain religious wisdom and insight from people in false religions.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of Burkina Faso: “To contribute to building the nation, the consolidation of bonds of friendship between all believers is a task that must be pursued without respite. I am particularly glad about the good relations and collaboration between Christians and Muslims in your country which have developed for some years. In seeking ever better understanding, in mutual respect and rejecting all forms of violence and intolerance, believers bear an eloquent witness to God and further the common good.”[11]

Benedict XVI states that there are bonds between “believers” of different false religions. Benedict XVI says that we should have respect for Muslims and that “believers” of Islam (a false religion) “bear an eloquent witness to God.”

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of Norway: “Like many European countries today, Norway is increasingly called upon to examine the implications of the right to religious freedom in the context of a liberal and pluralist society. I am confident that the high ethical principles and the generosity so characteristic of Norway’s activity on the international scene will also prevail at home, so that all the citizens of your country will be free to practice their religion, and all the different religious communities will be free to order their affairs in accordance with their beliefs and juridical systems, in this way making their particular contribution to the common good.”[12]

Benedict XVI promotes the condemned heresy of religious freedom. He says that people should be able to practice whatever religion they like, regardless of whether it is the true religion or a false religion.

Benedict XVI’s April 25, 2009 Address to 8,000 “Catholic” Religion Teachers: “The very person of the Catholic religion teacher constitutes this bond: to you, in fact, in addition to the duty of the human, cultural and didactic competence proper to every teacher, belongs the vocation to make it clear that the God of whom you speak in the classrooms is the essential reference point of your life. Far from constituting interference or a curtailment of freedom, your presence on the contrary is an effective example of that positive spirit of secularism which makes it possible to promote a constructive civil coexistence, based on reciprocal respect and loyal dialogue, values which a country always needs.” [13]

Benedict XVI promotes “that positive spirit of secularism,” as if secularism is a great thing. This is not Catholic.

Benedict XVI’s May 29, 2009 Address to the new Ambassador of Namibia: “The Holy See is confident, Mr Ambassador, that your country can contribute to positive developments in Africa and in the international community. Because of its history of peaceful independence and integration, its unity in diversity, and its responsible management of natural resources, Namibia can offer an example for the development of other countries… The Catholic Church is pleased to exercise her mission in a climate of religious freedom.” [14]

Benedict XVI again encourages religious freedom and “unity in diversity.”

Interview printed in the L’Osservatore Romano with Fr. Theodoro Mascarenhas, Official of the Pontifical Council for Culture:

Question: Among the eastern religions perhaps Buddhism is the one most known in the western world. Can you explain to us the philosophy that underlies the idea of fasting in this religion?

Answer from Fr. Mascarenhas: “The spiritual enlightenment of Buddha is closely linked to fasting. Interestingly, he arrived at enlightenment not during the fasting, but immediately after he had broken the fast. Therefore, fasting is a practical exercise to progress towards the liberation of the person.”

Question: What can Christians learn from the understanding of fasting by faithful of other religions?

Answer from Fr. Mascarenhas: “The practice of fasting in the three religions which we have discussed can enrich our way of conceiving and observing fasting. From Buddhism, in particular of its conception of the liberation of the person by way of fasting, we can learn to reinforce our ancient notion of fasting, as explained by Benedict XVI in his message, that fasting may be ‘a great help to avoid sin and all that leads to it.’ From the practice in Hinduism, we learn that fasting can become a form of prayer, as stated by Benedict XVI in his message, ‘open in the heart of the believer a path to God’.” [15]

This is incredible apostasy. Even though these last few heresies don’t come directly from Benedict XVI, they are fully approved by him. They were prominently published in his official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. There were many other heretical statements by Fr. Mascarenhas, but these few should provide a small idea of the kind of heresies he was promoting.

Benedict XVI’s Recent Heresies

The Heresies of Benedict XVI file

Notes:

[1] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 27, 2009, pp. 3-4.

[2] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 3, 2009, p. 6.

[3] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 27, 2009, p. 5.

[4] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 10, 2009, p. 5.

[5] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 3, 2009, p. 5.

[6] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 27, 2009, p. 5.

[7] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 27, 2009, p. 5.

[8] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 3, 2009, p. 7.

[9] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 3, 2009, p. 10.

[10] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 10, 2009, p. 4.

[11] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 10, 2009, p. 6.

[12] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 10, 2009, p. 7.

[13] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 6, 2009, p. 6.

[14] L’ Osservatore Romano, June 3, 2009, p. 11.

[15] L’ Osservatore Romano, May 6, 2009, p. 15.