Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Pope's Message at Auschwitz

As the Pope commemorated those who lost their lives to the Nazi Holocaust at Auschwitz-Birkinau on Sunday, May 28, may we pray that all those who died rest in peace.

"As a Son of the German People, I Could Not Fail to Come Here"

KRAKOW, Poland, MAY 28, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered today when visiting the site of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the last stage of his apostolic trip to Poland.

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To speak in this place of horror, in this place where unprecedented mass crimes were committed against God and man, is almost impossible -- and it is particularly difficult and troubling for a Christian, for a Pope from Germany. In a place like this, words fail; in the end, there can only be a dread silence -- a silence which is itself a heartfelt cry to God: Why, Lord, did you remain silent? How could you tolerate all this?

In silence, then, we bow our heads before the endless line of those who suffered and were put to death here; yet our silence becomes in turn a plea for forgiveness and reconciliation, a plea to the living God never to let this happen again.

Twenty-seven years ago, on June 7, 1979, Pope John Paul II stood in this place. He said: "I come here today as a pilgrim. As you know, I have been here many times. So many times! And many times I have gone down to Maximilian Kolbe's death cell, paused before the execution wall, and walked amid the ruins of the Birkenau ovens. It was impossible for me not to come here as Pope."
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posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 8:16 AM