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Showing posts with the label Pope Benedict XVI

More on the Vatican financial scandals

The current nuncio to Washington cannot stand having been driven out of Rome. And he is reacting against his archenemy, Cardinal Bertone. He has many supporters in the curia. And the pope is getting caught in the fray Vatican Diary / Viganò, the untouchable

Aging Pope Uses Wheeled Platform In St. Peter's - This will prime the rumor pump about his health and possible successor.

AP Photo: Gregorio Borgia - credit AP Aging Pope Uses Wheeled Platform In St. Peter's - From the Wires - Salon.com

Peter Seewald: The Pope triumphed over the media war in Germany :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)

"In the interview, Seewald, author of “Light of the World,” described the Pope’s visit as “a small miracle” because “shortly before there was a very aggressive, anti-clerical assault by the media.” “All of this brings to mind George Orwell’s ‘1984,’ in which an imaginary enemy, a nightmare, is created in order to scare people.” “And yet,” Seewald noted, “despite all of this incredible effort by the media, an innumerable amount of people stood up and refused to be deceived.” “They said the Germans would turn their backs on him and all kinds of other stupidities. There appears to be nothing more offensive in our times than being Catholic. As the magazine ‘Stern’ said, ‘The brief euphoria at the outset was followed by an irreparable distancing between the majority of Germans and their fellow countryman.’ It’s as if they were saying that everything would be wonderful and orderly in the world if the Vatican just ceased to exist.” However, Seewald continued, “We wer...

9/11, Benedict XVI and Regensburg | First Things

Here is an excellent summary, written by George Weigel on the challenge posed to the Islam by the west in the 21st century. In light of the threatened execution of a Christian convert pastor in Iran, the challenge seems all the more relevant today than when B16 issued it five years ago. 9/11, Benedict XVI and Regensburg | First Things

From The Catholic League: SINEAD O’CONNOR—”KILL THE POPE” | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Fascinating! If someone publicly calls for the killing of a civil leader, they can be charged. I wonder if the same is true if someone publicly calls for the death of a religious figure like the Pope? Want to bet the answer is a resounding 'NO!' ??? From The Catholic League: SINEAD O’CONNOR—”KILL THE POPE” | Fr. Z's Blog – What Does The Prayer Really Say?

Pope: “Agnostics are closer to the Kingdom of God than believers whose life of faith is 'routine'”

I have often posed a question to Christian thinkers that follows the Pope's line of argumentation. It goes like this: Imagine on the day of judgment you are made to stand in one line or another:  line #1 is for people who faithfully attended religious services and prayed every day but they lived a sinful life (love of God: yes; love of neighbor: no). Line #2 is for people who did not go to Church or pray but lived exemplary lives (love of God: no; love of neighbor: yes). Which line would you want to stand in? Would either or both merit a place in paradise? Given that we are obliged to fulfill both commitments of love if we wish to obtain paradise, I have always believed that the best option is line #2. It seems that B16 might agree with me! Pope: “Agnostics are closer to the Kingdom of God than believers whose life of faith is 'routine'”

Pope acknowledges abuse scandal as German trip begins - CTV News

Note in this article that the first of the 'big demonstrations' that are predicted by the media to dog the Pontiff throughout this visit numbered about 20 people. Now, let's see if the predicted 10,000 come out to demonstrate when he addressed the German parliament. The 'massive' demonstration of similar size was predicted to confront him when he visited Britain produced a few hundred protesters. I wonder if the German opponents to the Church will be any more successful in organizing and turning out protesters than were the Brits. ** (addendum) Well, we are beginning to get our answers. Here's a quote taken from a news report of the first 'mass demonstration': "It was estimated that only "several thousand" protesters ended up showing up at the capital's Potsdamer Platz, far fewer than organizers had predicted. There were no reports of any incidents." Pope acknowledges abuse scandal as German trip begins - CTV News

Visiting Berlin, Pope Benedict Faces a Combative Homeland - NYTimes.com

They (the media) keep repeating that B16 is going to face demonstrations and conflicts each time he leaves for a foreign country... and each time he has triumphed.  I was a doubter until I witnessed his winning over the crowds in Britain. I'm a doubter any longer. This visit will most likely simply become the latest in a series of diplomatic and pastoral successes he's racked up over the past five years.  The trick then becomes, how can the Church in Germany take advantage of positive impact of a papal visit? That will be the hard part. Visiting Berlin, Pope Benedict Faces a Combative Homeland - NYTimes.com

Benedict XVI on 9/11: no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism

" I join you in commending the thousands of victims to the infinite mercy of Almighty God and in asking our heavenly Father to continue to console those who mourn the loss of loved ones. The tragedy of that day is compounded by the perpetrators’ claim to be acting in God’s name. Once again, it must be unequivocally stated that no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism. Every human life is precious in God’s sight and no effort should be spared in the attempt to promote throughout the world a genuine respect for the inalienable rights and dignity of individuals and peoples everywhere." From letter of Pope Benedict XVI to +Timothy Donlan of NY Benedict XVI on 9/11: no circumstances can ever justify acts of terrorism

2005 WikiLeaks cable: Ratzinger ‘lacks enough support’ to become Pope

Probably an assessment written by the same folks who assured the world that Sadaam had weapons of mass destruction ready to launch at the west! Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : 2005 WikiLeaks cable: Ratzinger ‘lacks enough support’ to become Pope

WYD Countdown: 48 Days to Go | Daily News | NCRegister.com

One of the greatest initiatives of Pope John Paul II was the establishment of World Youth Days. These are annual events where Catholic youth are invited to gather in one place to celebrate their faith and learn how to become faithful Catholics throughout their adult life. This year the event is being held in Madrid, Spain. Our little Diocese of Pembroke has sent a delegation of enthusiastic youths to these events throughout the years, with fantastic reports being shared in the parishes upon their return. We look forward to hearing from these young Catholics when they return from Spain. Pope B16 greet youth at 2008 World Youth Days WYD Countdown: 48 Days to Go | Daily News | NCRegister.com

What the Pope might say to Stephen Hawking if the two had a chat

  What the Pope might say to Stephen Hawking if the two had a chat