Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Hitler Youth Pope

I have a suggestion. When considering Germans for prominent positions, make sure they are 60 or younger. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger is now Pope Benedict XVI. Here is the official story of his youth in Nazi Germany.

In his memoirs, Ratzinger wrote that he was enrolled in the Nazi youth movement against his will when he was 14 in 1941, when membership was compulsory. He said he was soon let out because of his studies for the priesthood.

Against his will? Yeah Benedict, whatever. In any case, Mark Morford has the money quote.

Very old school and drab, a real lover of repressive, bitter, orthodox doctrine. No fun at parties. Catholic in chains.