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VHP wants an apology from the Pope

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad today welcomed the visit of Pope John Paul VI to India but said he must apologise for the ''atrocities committed by the Church on Hindus.''

VHP international working president Ashok Singhal told newsmen in Bangalore that the Pope's visit would give an opportunity to create a harmonious atmosphere for peaceful co-existence.

He said in keeping with the modern tradition of apologising for the past sins committed by nations and institutions, the Pope could use this opportunity to apologise for the inquisitions committed in Goa, Kerala and Vasai, by his forerunners.

He should proclaim clearly that the Vatican declaration regarding the validity of gods other than the Christian lord of Bible still holds. This would be in consonance with the age-old Indian tradition of unity in diversity. Such proclamation by the Pope would ensure a better goodwill among the Hindus and Christians, he added.

He said the Pope's visit would help to remove many apprehensions about the activities of the church in the country.

"One of them was about the conversions undertaken by them. Mass conversion with a set date before them was incompatible with any spiritual motive," Singhal said.

Singhal said the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre should not accord a state welcome to the Pope if he was on a private religious visit to the country.

Referring to the mass conversions, he alleged that the methodology adopted and the money spent reminded of political and subversive activity rather than any spiritual pursuit.

He alleged that the Church was spreading falsehood in other parts of the world that Hindus were committing atrocities against Christians in the country. The VHP was not involved in any such activity as "we want peaceful co-existence," he added.

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