Of the many many bad takes on Pope Benedict XVI’s passing, we take our hat off to Anglo journalist Kevin Maguire of Anglo media outlet Daily Mirror.

Maguire asked if the ‘Panzer Pope’ ever ‘apologised’ or ‘explain’ his ‘Hitler Youth Service’.

Did the “Panzer Pope” ever explain and apologise for his wartime Hitler Youth service?

Deeply conservative, the cover-up of priests who sexually abused children was also dreadful. https://t.co/077FWeBhvH
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) December 31, 2022

The replies were overwhelmingly scathing of the poor journalism, which has marked much of Anglo Journalism’s reaction to Benedict XVI’s death. Many Anglo outlets seem incapable of getting past World War II, with coverage focusing on Benedict’s role in Hitler Youth and his lifting of the excommunication of the SSPX bishops, which Sky News described as ‘rehabilitating a Nazi denier’, referring to Bishop Richard Williamson.

You would’ve stood up to Hitler, Kevin. Your family would’ve made sure of it. #Brave
— Los (@catorano) December 31, 2022

the absolute state of journalism

ffs
— Tony infra Octavam Nativitátis Dómini (@AthletaChristi7) December 31, 2022

He was forced into the Hitler youth as were all German boys.
— Adm. Raphael Semmes (@CSAbot2) December 31, 2022

Get your facts straight, ‘journalist’.

He was conscripted into a flak unit, and later deserted.

He could have been shot for that.

Josef Ratzinger was a braver man when he was a teenager than you’ll ever be.

May he Rest in Peace.
— Mirkwood_Bypass (@BypassMirkwood) December 31, 2022

Aren't journalists supposed to research and verify stuff?
— Zach Lebold (@ZachLebold) December 31, 2022

Encouragingly, many in the public seem to be aware that Benedict XVI was the one who began the public fight against abuse and started to clean house.

For once I disagree with you - I normally agree with your views as expressed on GMB. He started enquiries into abuse by priests and was a vocal supporter of democracy owing to his experience growing up in Germany. He was a far more complex character than you give him credit for.
— Martyn Berry (@MartynBerry5) December 31, 2022

One also told the Anglo journalist of how Benedict XVI had a cousin who was euthanised for having Down Syndrome.

"in 1941, one of Ratzinger's cousins, a 14-year-old boy with Down syndrome, was taken away by the Nazi regime and murdered during the Action T4 campaign of Nazi eugenics."
— Jesus Christ, yesterday, today and forever 📿 (@nick55053384) December 31, 2022

World War II ended in 1945, perhaps Sky News and the Daily Mirror should move on.

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