Tensions have risen in the Vatican in recent days over the possible impact that re-integration into the Catholic Church of a group of ultraconservative clergy could have on ties with Jews.Pope Benedict XVI has made the inclusion of the Society of St. Pius X a key objective of his papacy but the group’s attitudes toward the Jewish faith are very negative.
German cardinal Walter Brandmueller stoked tensions Monday, saying Vatican texts that recognize a common heritage between Christians and Jews were “not as binding” as others and “could be discussed.”
But Swiss cardinal Kurt Koch, head of the Vatican’s Council for Christian Unity, stressed that the texts were binding.
“You cannot be Catholic and not accept Vatican II,” he said, referring to a landmark council in the 1960s that adopted liberal reforms and sought to improve tense ties between the Roman Catholic Church and Judaism.