Pope Pius returned yesterday to the theme of the doctrines of racism. In an address to 400 teacher members of the catholic action, the Pontiff denied the assertion made in Italy that Italian racist policies had nothing to do with questions of religion and philosophy.
(Pope Pius called the Fascist racist doctrine “a great and serious error which reaches the steps of the altar, touching catholic doctrine,” according to a summary of the address published in Osservatore Romano, quoted by the Associated Press.)
“It has been said,” the Pope began, “that Italian racism does not desire to engage in any polemics regarding religion and philosophy. Like the apostles, the Pope does not desire to engage in polemics, but as they did, he must tell the exact truth. Even a reader scarcely aware of the teachings of Christian doctrine cannot remain indifferent to words of this kind. how, indeed, can relations among races not be concerned with philosophy and religion?”
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