From the S&S archives:
Bishop Sheen fears Russian A-bungle may crack planet

WIESBADEN, May 23 (S&S) — The Kremlin is so clumsy in its atomic experiments that it may inadvertently set off a fatal explosion that would crack the planet.

This fear of Soviet "bungling" was expressed here today by America's newest Catholic bishop, Fulton J. Sheen, of Washington, D.C., at a press conference preceding the opening of his EUCOM-sponsored series of four talks in Germany.

Elevation of Sheen, widely known lecturer, author, and longtime foe of communism, from monsignor to titular Bishop of Caeseropolis was reported today by Archbishop Aloysius J. Muench, of Fargo, N.D., Papal Nuncio to West Germany. Sheen also was named by Pope Pius XII as auxiliary to Francis Cardinal Spellman, Archbishop of New York.

The new bishop said he fears Soviet atomic experimentation may he "completely uncontrolled."

"The Russians are like a precocious child with a giant firecracker," he said. "An atom bomb in the hands of a St. Francis of Assisi would be no problem, but put an atom bomb in the hands of a Joseph Stalin and a terrible worldwide problem is created."

Sheen predicted "some catastrophe must occur" that will result in the rebirth of a better world. His predicted catastrophe, the high-ranking Catholic clergyman said, "may be the overthrow of the Communist Party in Russia."

"Russia is due for a tremendous religious reawakening, a return to traditional 'Holy Russia,'" Sheen asserted. "The ordinary Russian people have qualities of the soul. There is now a psychological possibility for a great political explosion."

Sheen spoke here tonight. to an audience of U.S., Allied, and German persons. He will be in Berlin tomorrow, in Heidelberg Friday, and in Munich Sunday, where he will deliver the sermon at a field Mass in Munich Stadium. In the U.S. he is national director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He will attend the society's international meeting in Rome May 20-June 1, and is expected to have an audience with the Pope.