The document was greeted with equal enthusiasm by the Most Rev. Michael D. Pfeifer, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, which includes much of the Abilene area. Roseman noted that the position of the Roman Catholic Church has been evolving since the Second Vatican Council held in the 1960s. The document, addressed to all Catholics, was sent to Jewish leaders around the world. Roseman said he was pleased that the document expressed repentance and was more than just an apology.
Apologies are just words.
That is, I hope, where the major discussion will continue. Pfeifer said he believes that will happen and was pleased that the document says the church has a duty to raise people's consciousness and to make sure the younger generations don't forget. I am happy it says we have a duty to remember. Pfeifer also noted that the new Vatican statement makes it clear that the persecution of Jews during World War II was anti-Christian, even though some Christians did nothing to help stop it. Jews and Christians share a belief that we all come from one God and all have one final destination back to God, Pfeifer said.