New York, NY, December 28, 2004… The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) commended the Vatican for clearing the way for the beatification of a Cardinal who spoke out against the Nazi persecution of Jews and euthanasia programs.  Cardinal Clemens August von Galen was Bishop of Munster during the Nazi regime and used his pulpit to criticize Hitler and the cruelty of the Nazis.

"Cardinal von Galen, ignoring great personal risks, refused to remain silent in the face of Nazi atrocities," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, and Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, ADL Director of Interfaith Affairs.  "He is credited with stopping advancement of Nazi euthanasia programs and was a passionate advocate speaking out against the persecution of European Jewry."

Beatification is considered the last step before sainthood.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.