Perhaps so, but it is a reaction to the "under-generous" interpretation given by so many others.
However, even if I am inclined to give the ailing Pontiff the benefit of the doubt, the comments by his surrogates are unacceptable.
I can probably agree with that. Especially if "illustrious" was meant to be a compliment.
SD
La Santa Sede si unisce al dolore del popolo palestinese per la scomparsa del Presidente Yasser Arafat. Egli è stato un leader dal grande carisma, che ha amato il suo popolo ed ha cercato di guidarlo verso l’indipendenza nazionale. Dio accolga nella Sua misericordia l’anima dell’illustre Defunto e conceda la pace alla Terra Santa, con due Stati indipendenti e sovrani, pienamente riconciliati tra loro.
It's an error to translate "illustre" as "illustrious". In Vatican diploma-speak, illustre is a throw-away honorific, intended to convey respect. Its best translation in English would be "distinguished".
Like all governments, the Holy See frequently deals in euphemism or opportune flattery. You can be sure President Bush regularly finds himself offering public compliments that far exceed his private opinions of the recipients.