Mr. Robert Moynihan: Well, two issues emerge there: first is the consecration, and second is Russia. People believe that there was an attempt to consecrate Russia many times, even by Pius the 12th, then again, particularly the great moment in 1984 by John Paul the Second. But even in the affidamento, again in the year 2000, I was present that day, the entrustment, not the consecration. But then people say none of these were precisely naming Russia. So there’s a great debate in Catholic circles: did John Paul carry out the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart when he said, I consecrate the whole world, or has the consecration still not been made? And you think it should be made?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Well, we have to simply read the text of his consecration from 84, and he did not mention Russia explicitly. At least we can say he did the consecration in an imperfect form. Evidently imperfect. It was not perfect. It would be perfect if he would name Russia. Cardinal Cordes, four years ago, was in Kazakhstan as a papal legate for the Marian Congress in the basilica, in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima in Karaganda, and I was present. During the homily, the cardinal stated the following, which I now quote. He said that sometime after the consecration of 84, he was invited by Pope John Paul the second to his private dinner in the papal apartment. During this dinner, Cardinal Cordes asked the Holy Father, Holy Father, why did you not mention Russia explicitly in the formal consecration? The pope answered him, This was my intention, but those responsible for diplomacy in the Vatican said not to do this because of some dangerous tensions with the powers in the Soviet Union, for political reasons. So this answered the pope. Even so, Sister Lucia reportedly said that heaven accepted this. Of course, it was a beautiful prayer. My heaven should not accept a beautiful prayer, but it does not mean.
Mr. Robert Moynihan: Do you think Sister Lucia can be regarded as a valid witness to such questions? She was quite old, but already..
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Yes, but I repeat, even if she said it, it does not mean that Sister Lucia meant or was thinking this was the perfect form. She simply stated yes, heaven accepted. I think an explicit mention of Russia should still be done, and then heaven will accept this with more joy.
Mr. Robert Moynihan: I have two questions. One, there’s an old belief that the pope will consecrate Russia, but he will do it late. He will delay and do it late. He will be old. It will be almost beyond hope, and finally, he will do it. Could Pope Francis do it? Could Pope Emeritus Benedict do it in this more perfect way you are referring to? And would you encourage one or both of them to do it?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: Benedict cannot do it; he is no longer pope. It is clear. We have to be very clear. Who can do it is the current pope, Francis, the only current pope, or one of his successors. We do not know. It decides God, Providence. I wish very much. Of course, we pray for them. I believe that time will come when God will inspire and illuminate the successor of Peter to do this.
Mr. Robert Moynihan: Okay, then the second concern I would have is not about who would make the consecration, but who would receive it. Obviously, God, the Virgin Mary, and the Russians. The Russians are the object of this. You live in Kazakhstan. That was part of the Soviet Union; now it’s a separate country, but it was a province of the Soviet Union. You speak Russian, you have Russian friends, you know the Russian mind to some degree, and the Russian soul. Can you help us understand better this mind and soul? Is it possible that Russia, which was atheist for 70 years, can experience a conversion, a religious revival? Is it happening now, and can they receive with gratitude a gesture from the pope and the Catholic bishops that would consecrate them, or would that somehow be politically, diplomatically, or culturally unacceptable to them?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: I think that today the political situation is different than in communist times. Today, even the government of Russia, in my opinion, would consider such a gesture as positive because, in some way, Russia is valorized when you mention Russia explicitly, only Russia. It is obvious to a politician that this is in some way profitable for the reputation of his country, simply a pragmatic thought. I cannot imagine that the Russian government would be against it; on the contrary. I think the Orthodox Church should also be happy, because the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the most Marian Christian churches in the world. They venerate an icon of Our Lady every day, so it is a profoundly Marian Church. Therefore, if the first bishop in the world, the successor of Peter, and they recognize him even though they are not canonically ready to be in communion with the Holy See, prays officially and solemnly for Russia, to Our Lady, it is intrinsically a positive act. It should be considered an act of charity, fraternal charity towards their church. They should consider it in this way, and I hope this could be explained to them before the consecration takes place in the future, to the government and the Patriarchate. Even without inviting representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church to be present at the solemn consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Mr. Robert Moynihan: Well, then, even these words you have spoken could in some way prepare for a better understanding of the meaning of the gesture. There might be one impediment: the Greek Catholic churches. Could they be opposed to a consecration of Russia?
Bishop Athanasius Schneider: No, they would never be opposed. I know this for sure. Why should they be opposed? This is the request of Our Lady of Fatima. They are Catholics.