I really do try to not get wrapped up in every little thing Pope Benedict XVI says that offends people. But sometimes crass triumphalism just crosses a line. Such was the case in his recent visit to Brazil where he made some troubling comments concerning the indigenous population of Latin America.

“Speaking to Latin American bishops in Brazil on May 13, the Pope cited the ‘rich religious traditions’ of Indian people but added that their ancestors were ’silently longing’ for Christ and seeking God ‘without realizing it.’ Pope Benedict further demonstrated his misunderstanding of history and the forced conversions of natives in North, Central and South America and of massacres and ‘just wars’ when he suggested that the Church did not impose itself on indigenous peoples and that Christianity had not been detrimental to them and their cultures. ‘In effect, the proclamation of Jesus and of His Gospel did not at any point involve an alienation of the pre-Columbus cultures, nor was it the imposition of a foreign culture.’ Benedict also added that a return to indigenous religions ‘would be a step back.’”

Not to be too hyperbolic but “they secretly wanted it” is the excuse of rapists throughout history. For such a learned man to display such shocking ignorance (and arrogance) concerning the tragic legacy of colonialism in the Americas points to a singular failing of empathy or interest in indigenous peoples. So blatant was this triumphalist screed that even the Catholic Church’s own Indian advocacy group in Brazil have criticized the pontiff.

“The Catholic Church’s Indian advocacy group in Brazil, CIMI, has called the Pope’s statement, ‘wrong and indefensible’. Before the Pope made his comments, Indian leaders had written to him about the threats they continue to face, and expressed their gratitude for the support of missionaries and the church in Brazil in fighting for their rights.”

Indigenous activists and tribal leaders in Brazil are understandably stunned and outraged by Benedict’s comments and the dangerous white-washing of history this represents.

“Jecinaldo Satere Mawe, the chief coordinator for Coiab, an Indian rights group in Brazil, called the comments ‘arrogant and disrespectful.’ Dionito Jose de Souza of the Makuxi Tribe said the Pope was trying to erase the ‘dirty work’ of colonization. Sandro Tuxa, another Indian leader, called them ‘offensive, and frankly, frightening.’”

The famous Catholic activist Dorothy Day was famously quoted as saying that while she loved the Church for revealing Christ to her, the institution itself was often a scandal to her. So must all good Catholics feel at a time like this, when their spiritual head so clearly lacks the necessary love and empathy to embody Christ to his Church. Christian triumphalism is ugly, no matter how educated or powerful the man who peddles it is, it forgives genocides and overlooks tragedy in the name of saving souls.

If Benedict represents the Christian God’s anointed, then I’m glad to be an unrepentant Pagan.

Tags: American Indian, Benedict XVI, Catholicism, Christianity, indigenous