Beatification again delayed for French priest

Published: 2005-10-28

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI gave his approval for the beatification of 25 church figures in October and November, but French Father Leon Dehon was not among them. A Vatican panel named by the pope was continuing to study whether anti-Semitic writings and speeches by Father Dehon should disqualify him from being declared "blessed." Church sources said the Vatican commission had met once in June to take a first look at arguments for and against beatification and then to "reflect prayerfully" on them. The commission, which includes four high-ranking cardinals, planned more meetings for this fall, the sources said. The case is highly unusual because Pope John Paul II had approved Father Dehon's beatification and set a date for the ceremony, but died before it could be carried out. Pope Benedict put the beatification on hold after publicity about Father Dehon's writings on Jews prompted protests from French bishops, the French government and some Jewish groups.

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