That cover letter

From Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Worthiness to Receive Holy Communion. General Principles

Included with this cover letter are my recommendations about those who are in manifest grave sin receiving the most Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. On the eve of your general assembly in Denver I hope that this will will provide a basis for your actions involving this issue.

I would like to give you a warning that my letter is based both on current Canon Law, scripture and tradition. This may not be palatable to some and might involve resentment. To try to prevent such problems I have instituted a new rating system on official documents.

If denying communion to those who publicly persist in sin makes you uncomfortable and you feel that my statements do not give you pastoral flexibility then I hope you will understand the meaning of the phrases involved. For example "should" does not mean "could" when speaking to the press on this letter. The phrase "must refuse to distribute it" should not become "there are circumstances in which Holy Communion may be denied."

The Holy See has repeatedly expressed its confidence in our roles as bishops and pastors. The question for us is not simply whether denial of Communion is possible, but whether it is pastorally wise and prudent. I believe that it is and is necessary to both save souls and to prevent scandal to the faithful.

I encourage you to take my letter into serious advisement in the development of your policy. In other words don’t make me come down there.

With gratitude for your assistance and with prayerful best wishes I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger