Vienna, Austria, May 2, 2018 / 11:08 am
The apostolic nuncio to Austria said Tuesday that he is "saddened and ashamed" that bishops and priests have been vocal critics of the Bavarian government's mandate to display crosses in government buildings.
"You know, as nuncio, as a representative of the Holy Father, I am saddened and ashamed, that when in a neighboring country crosses are erected, it is bishops and priests of all people who think they have to criticize the decision. That is a disgrace! That is unacceptable," Archbishop Peter Zurbriggen said May 1 at the Benedict XVI Philosophical-Theological University in Heiligenkreuz.
The nuncio, who is 74, lamented such religious and political correctness.
He noted that "We are in Heiligenkreuz," which means in German "Holy Cross". He was speaking at a "day of thanks" at the pontifical university, which is operated by Stift Heiligenkreuz, a Cistercian monastery located about 20 miles southwest of Vienna.