Holocaust Denier Catholic Bishop Removed from Post in Argentina

World | February 9, 2009, Monday // 00:00
Bulgaria Holocaust Denier Catholic Bishop Removed from Post in Argentina: Holocaust Denier Catholic Bishop Removed from Post in Argentina Bishop Richard Williamson, a self-proclaimed holocaust denier, has been removed from his post in Argentina. Photo by daylife.com

A Holocaust denier Pope Benedict XVI welcomed back into the Roman Catholic Church last month has been removed from his position as head of a seminary in Argentina, CNN reported Monday.

The views of Bishop Richard Williamson, who has led the seminary in La Reja since 2003, do not reflect those of The Society of St. Pius X, said Christian Bouchacourt, head of its Latin American chapter.

"It's obvious that a Catholic bishop cannot talk with the ecclesiastical authority, but to things related to faith and morality," Bouchacourt said in a written statement.

Williamson, shortly before the pope lifted his excommunication, denied the Nazis had systematically murdered 6 million Jews during World War II.

In his blog Saturday, Williamson, referring to himself, posted a note, saying, "His Excellency is neither dead, dying, nor retired."

On Sunday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel phoned Pope Benedict about the issue, though neither side seemed to have shifted its position over Williamson.

"It was a very constructive conversation," the German government and the Vatican said in a joint statement about the call. Merkel and the pope expressed respect for each other's opinion, the release said.

Merkel demanded last Tuesday that the pope firmly reject Holocaust denial.
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