Scottish Catholic Observer

Catholic bishops in Germany have criticised plans by the country’s political opposition to boycott Pope Benedict XVI’s speech to the German parliament next week.

Around 100 of the German parliament’s 620 elected representatives plan to boycott the speech out of concern that it violates state neutrality.

The German bishops, however, have criticised the move as unjustifiable.

“That is so small-minded that one doesn’t know whether to laugh or to cry,” Archbishop Joachim Meisner of Cologne said in response to the proposed boycott of next Thursday’s speech. “And the fact that they sit in parliament does not leave a positive mark on the noble representation of the German people.”

Bishop Joachim Reinelt, of Dresden-Meißen added: “A critical examination of the content of different positions is acceptable. But a flat demonstration of ignorance and bad taste through the announced absence is embarrassing.”

Pope Benedict will begin his four-day state visit to Germany next Thursday—his first official state visit to his homeland as Pontiff—a visit which will help raise money for those suffering from the drought and famine in Africa.

Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg in Breisgau, president of the German Bishops’ Conference, revealed that one of the collections to be taken up during the Holy Father’s visit will be given as aid to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in the Horn and East of Africa.

Following his speech at parliament, the Holy Father will celebrate Mass at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Thursday evening in front of an expected 70,000 pilgrims.

The Pope’s packed German itinerary will also include visits to Erfurt, Elzelsbach and Freiburg in Breisgau.