RELIGION BRIEFING

YOM KIPPUR

Rabbi Alleges Threat Over Chicken Ritual

New York City police are investigating a rabbi's complaint that threatening e-mails were sent in connection with the slaughter of chickens to atone for sins before Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.

Rabbi Shea Hecht of the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education says the e-mails were sent by supporters of a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals campaign opposing the ritual, known as kapparot. He says some people added threatening and anti-Semitic comments to an online PETA form letter.

The Brooklyn-based Jewish organization slaughters about 4,000 chickens.

A PETA spokesman says the ritual is abusive and unnecessary.

-- Associated Press

VATICAN

Pope Pius XII Defended Over Holocaust Action

The Vatican has stepped up its defense of Pope Pius XII, countering allegations that the wartime pontiff was silent about the Holocaust by saying he saved Jews through prudent diplomacy.

The Vatican newspaper dedicated an entire page Tuesday to praising Pius, including an impassioned tribute from the Holy See's secretary of state. Last month, Pope Benedict XVI declared that Pius, who died 50 years ago, worked courageously to save Jews, and on Thursday Benedict celebrated an anniversary Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for him.

The Vatican has started the process for Pius's beatification, the last formal step before possible sainthood. Some Jews have accused Pius of not speaking out forcefully enough against the Holocaust.