Vatican moves to quell latest Jewish row

THE Vatican sought yesterday to quell its latest public dispute with Jewish groups, saying the Pope’s decision to move Pope Pius XII closer to sainthood isn’t an act of hostility against those who say he didn’t sufficiently denounce the Holocaust.

In what has now become a routine effort at fence-mending, the Vatican issued a statement saying the German-born Benedict feels great respect for and friendship toward Jews — a sentiment he hopes to reinforce during his first visit to Rome’s synagogue next month.

Benedict sparked renewed outrage among some Jewish groups on Saturday by signing a decree on Pius’ heroic virtues, paving the way for him to be beatified once a miracle attributed to his intercession is confirmed.