Restitution necessary

In the article, "Opinions divide over pope's gaffes in Brazil" (NCR, June 8), it is said that Pope Benedict would have people believe that the church was separate from the vast and horrific crimes against the indigenous peoples of the Americas. But the tons of gold, silver, precious stones, a myriad of valuable artifacts and vast tracts of land in church possession stand as witness to centuries of crime and continuing guilt. Those possessions constitute blood on the hands of Catholic leaders both in the past and today. Full restitution is an essential part of real repentance. It is also essential for a true believer in Jesus Christ.

MARY BETH ROMEO

San Antonio

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