Pope Exonerates Luther

An article in the London Times states that Pope Benedict XVI is to rehabilitate Martin Luther, arguing that he did not intend to split Christianity but only to purge the Church of corrupt practices. The Pope will issue his findings on the reformer in September after discussing him at his annual seminar of 40 fellow theologians at the papal summer residence. Vatican insiders say Benedict will argue that Luther, who was excommunicated and condemned for heresy, was not a heretic, a move which Cardinal Walter Kasper said would help to promote ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Protestants. Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X, who dismissed him initially as "a drunken German who will change his mind when sober."

• JJ Commentary: Not that Luther or Protestants need exoneration and rehabilitation, but it is noteworthy that Catholicism continues to purge itself of historically unscriptural acts and positions.