The way Osama bin Laden died is difficult for me as an American opposed to the death penalty and committed to the courts as a space for the performance of justice. Why did Saddam get a trial and Osama not? At the same time, Osama declared war and died as a soldier, but not a martyr. Had he been given a microphone at a trial, he might have become relevant again. As it is, he died as a soldier who refused to fight; a general with no army. He died as an empty shell, the way he began.
I find that I agree with the Vatican:
Osama bin Laden, as we all know, had the very grave responsibility of spreading division and hatred amongst the people, causing the death of countless of people, and of instrumentalizing religion for this end. In front of the death of man, a Christian never rejoices but rather reflects on the grave responsibility of each one in front of God and men, and hopes and commits himself so that every moment not be an occasion for hatred to grow but for peace.
His death does not heal the world, but allows the dirt in the wound to be washed away. Now we need to spend time healing, and it will be a job. The symbol is dead, what he symbolized should die as well.
