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Top monk pays visit to abbey

The Times spoke with Wolf during his fundraising mission.

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published October 18, 2006

ST. LEO - Abbot Primate Notker Wolf, the highest-ranking Benedictine in the world, visited Saint Leo Abbey on Tuesday to raise money for the International Benedictine University of Sant' Anselmo in Rome. Wolf, who lives in Rome and reports directly to Pope Benedict XVI, said the university educates about 450 students from around the world. Facing rising costs for restorations, construction, faculty development and student aid at the university, Wolf announced the creation of the Saint Benedict Education Foundation to collect contributions in the United States.

During his visit, Wolf picked up a donation and discussed controversies within the Catholic Church and his own interests.

You were with the pope in Bavaria when he made his controversial speech quoting a Byzantine emperor's criticisms of Islam. What did you think of it and the reaction from Muslims?

I knew this strong reaction would come for two reasons. First, it was a quotation of a tough text. And I know that we have already kind of Islamic correctness in Europe. We are no longer allowed to say anything critical against Islam. You may say all kind of critical things against the Catholic Church, but you are not allowed to do the other way around. And the reaction, I knew already that would just prove what the pope was saying. They didn't think of that.

Given the violent reaction of some Muslims, are you concerned about your safety and the pope's when you both travel to Turkey next month?

I'm not concerned about my safety. If it's time to go, it's time to go. But on the other hand, I'm sure that the Turkish government will do everything (to ensure) that the life of the Holy Father is safe. All of this would be such a bad reputation if something would happen to the Holy Father. ... But I'm never shy. I went to North Korea. I go everywhere. I think as a Christian I don't have to be afraid.

Florida Rep. Mark Foley recently resigned after a sex scandal with some underage pages. He said he was abused by a Catholic priest. What do you think of the increasing abuse allegations against the church? Do you think the church is becoming a scapegoat?

There have been cases - and you have to lament these cases - and there has to be justice. ... It's true we have to admit we are sinners. But other people are sinners. ... It's unjust and it's hypocrisy, and I think it's kind of antipathy against the Catholic Church.

How do you think Pope Benedict XVI is doing so far?

I'm amazed, positively amazed. He's well accepted in Germany, although there has been a lot of prejudice against him. He is bringing back the Christian message to its roots: God is love. He's showing that he's not just an administrator, but that he's a shepherd.

I hear you're in a rock band. Tell me about it.

The (band members) were alumni of our school. ... Much later on when we created a circus at our school in the summertime, there was music to be played. And so they played, and they said, 'Oh come on, Father Abbot, you have always been with us and shared our joy. ... They gave me a guitar and said, 'Come on, we'll teach you some riffs.' And so the first song I played was the Rolling Stones' It's All Over Now.

[Last modified October 18, 2006, 01:36:48]