Papal Outreach

Re “Papal Visit Underscores New Freedom,” June 26: Pope John Paul II has traveled about the world with a message of peace and love, asking forgiveness for things for which he, himself, was never personally responsible. Jewish and Islamic religious leaders have reached out to receive his olive branch.

Unfortunately, it is some Christians who have not been willing to meet him halfway. Rifts of the past are not likely to be healed by refusing to meet with the pope and by resorting to calling him names. Greek Catholics have suffered much. Perhaps it is guilt and the tendency to “blame the victim” that keep some from a desire for reconciliation.

Margaret Finley

Banning