Given that things could escalate awfully quickly, it’s worth looking back at the role the Catholic Church played in the Cuba crisis a half-century ago – in particular, the contribution of St. John XXIII, known as “Good Pope John.”
As the drama began in mid-October, we know now, John XXIII was contacted through back channels by U.S. President John Kennedy and urged to speak out. The contact was kept private at the time.
“Kennedy didn’t want to give the impression that he was too much under Vatican influence, being the first Catholic president,” said Jesuit Father Norman Tanner, a Church historian, in a 2012 interview with Vatican Radio.
“But it’s clear from later records,” Tanner said, “that Kennedy did approach the pope.”
On Oct. 22, Kennedy went on U.S. television to announce that any missile fired from Cuba would trigger a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union, and that the U.S. was imposing a naval blockade on Soviet shipments. On Oct. 24, Khrushchev warned that such an act of “outright piracy” by the U.S. would lead to war.
That was the global situation when John XXIII took to Vatican Radio on Thursday, Oct. 25, 1962, speaking in French, the language of international diplomacy, to issue a passionate appeal for peace.
“We beg all governments not to remain deaf to this cry of humanity,” he said. “That they do all that is in their power to save peace. They will thus spare the world from the horrors of a war, whose terrifying consequences no one can predict.
“[We ask] that they continue discussions, as this loyal and open behavior has great value as a witness of everyone’s conscience and before history,” John XXIII said. “Promoting, favoring, accepting conversations, at all levels and in any time, is a rule of wisdom and prudence which attracts the blessings of heaven and earth.”
That statement was carried on the front pages of newspapers all around the world the next morning, including the Soviet party organ Pravda.
Two days after that, Khrushchev announced that the Soviet ships were turning around, and the crisis had passed.
Tanner is quick to emphasize that one shouldn’t exaggerate the consequences of John XXIII’s act, calling it a “factor” rather than a “crucial intervention.” Still, Tanner said, even Khrushchev admitted it made a difference.
“On the Russian side, we know that there were contacts with Pope John XXIII just before this broadcast,” Tanner said. “We know later that Khrushchev publicly acknowledged his gratitude and debt to John XXIII for, as it were, letting him off the hook, giving him a reason for withdrawing.”
emiesty Premium Member about 2 years ago
And Pope Paul VI came to the UN to say, “No more war, war never again.”
RonnieAThompson Premium Member about 2 years ago
Have a Terrific Thursday my friends.
Pickled Pete about 2 years ago
As the drama began in mid-October, we know now, John XXIII was contacted through back channels by U.S. President John Kennedy and urged to speak out. The contact was kept private at the time.
“Kennedy didn’t want to give the impression that he was too much under Vatican influence, being the first Catholic president,” said Jesuit Father Norman Tanner, a Church historian, in a 2012 interview with Vatican Radio.
“But it’s clear from later records,” Tanner said, “that Kennedy did approach the pope.”
On Oct. 22, Kennedy went on U.S. television to announce that any missile fired from Cuba would trigger a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union, and that the U.S. was imposing a naval blockade on Soviet shipments. On Oct. 24, Khrushchev warned that such an act of “outright piracy” by the U.S. would lead to war.
That was the global situation when John XXIII took to Vatican Radio on Thursday, Oct. 25, 1962, speaking in French, the language of international diplomacy, to issue a passionate appeal for peace.
“We beg all governments not to remain deaf to this cry of humanity,” he said. “That they do all that is in their power to save peace. They will thus spare the world from the horrors of a war, whose terrifying consequences no one can predict.
“[We ask] that they continue discussions, as this loyal and open behavior has great value as a witness of everyone’s conscience and before history,” John XXIII said. “Promoting, favoring, accepting conversations, at all levels and in any time, is a rule of wisdom and prudence which attracts the blessings of heaven and earth.”
cont’dPickled Pete about 2 years ago
That statement was carried on the front pages of newspapers all around the world the next morning, including the Soviet party organ Pravda.
Two days after that, Khrushchev announced that the Soviet ships were turning around, and the crisis had passed.
Tanner is quick to emphasize that one shouldn’t exaggerate the consequences of John XXIII’s act, calling it a “factor” rather than a “crucial intervention.” Still, Tanner said, even Khrushchev admitted it made a difference.
“On the Russian side, we know that there were contacts with Pope John XXIII just before this broadcast,” Tanner said. “We know later that Khrushchev publicly acknowledged his gratitude and debt to John XXIII for, as it were, letting him off the hook, giving him a reason for withdrawing.”
Taken from:
https://cruxnow.com/analysis/2017/08/amid-nuclear-fears-remember-pope-helped-avert-ar
Nighthawks Premium Member about 2 years ago
this time the Expert might just say to hell with them; let them blow themselves up if they want
kaffekup about 2 years ago
I’m a little surprised he’s not praying to God. That’s not someone you want to make jealous.
We all know what happens when he feels jealous…
FreyjaRN Premium Member about 2 years ago
We don’t need another war.