Time interviews Cardinal Levada

Throughout the first year of his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI has created a charisma all his own. For sure he has made it clear that he very firmly believes the Church has to share its message and the Gospel with the world strongly, also through the media.

The Holy Father has been interviewed by reporters and media correspondents and is expected to grant more interviews. He also gave his consent to Cardinal William Levada, his successor as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to be interviewed by Jeff Israely of Time magazine (Europe) in its issue of March 27. The interviewer confirmed the validity of the axiom that a good question brings with it a good answer. He put 10 good questions and got 10 good answers.

When questioned if he feels that his new responsibility is overwhelming, Cardinal Levada answered: "The biggest challenge now is the amount of reading - not only of new material, but regarding documents and decisions taken by the Congregation".

To the question about the spreading of violence in the name of another world religion, Islam, he clearly replied: "If a religious leader is preaching violence, he has mistaken his religion. Religion is about our vision and worship of God and recognition that we are part of God's family. Violence cannot be a religious tenet. The Holy Father made an important declaration to Muslim leaders, that we need to hear them telling their people that God does not sanction violence".

Another important question focused on whether Benedict XVI is especially open to debate. The Cardinal's prompt reply was very revealing: "Pope Benedict introduced for the first time a 'free discussion' period in the Synod of Bishops. We also adopted it in our meetings at the Congregation (for the Doctrine of the Faith), and the members appreciate it. The Congregation has members who are like a board of trustees, and I am the equivalent of the chairman".

Another pertinent question by Time's journalist was whether politicians should be given Communion if they support policies counter to Church teachings. The Cardinal's reply was clear and left no doubt: "There are certain teachings that as Catholics we have to accept as part of Jesus' Gospel. When you see Catholic politicians who favour abortion rights... you have to ask yourself how this person squares with his personal faith. Catholic politicians need to take this seriously. Maybe they need to say I'm not able to practise my faith and be a public representative."

Cardinal Levada was asked to explain the recent Instruction on whether a gay man can become a priest. His prompt reply was: "The document is very clear. It says a person with deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not suited for the priesthood. Somebody who comes to the seminary from a gay lifestyle cannot be a priest. But if you can show us after five or ten years that you have been able to live a celibate life, it could be possible. But there would need to be a spiritual and psychological evaluation."

One last question by Jeff Israely was: "As a bishop, you had to deal with cases of sex abuse by priests. Now you are the final arbiter on some of the more difficult cases from around the world". Cardinal Levada's answer was to the point: "My experience in the dioceses gives me a first-hand perspective from direct contact with the people affected by these cases. You learn the details of what has happened, and how cases differ from one to another. We have to keep our eye on what justice requires."