http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/ Commentary on Pope Benedict's visit to the United States en Copyright 2008 Tue, 20 May 2008 11:18:53 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/imgs/bg_icon.gif http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/ 82 100 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Denver's Archbishop Charles Chaput combines an intellectual's depth with the doughty persona of a politicker, which is what he used to be--he worked for the RFK campaign and later, even as a priest, was a campaign volunteer for Jimmy Carter.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/archbishop-chaput-weighs-in-ag.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/archbishop-chaput-weighs-in-ag.html casting stones Tue, 20 May 2008 11:18:53 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/archbishop_chaput_weighs_in_ag_comments.html David Gibson The elaborate courtship of Texas televangelist John Hagee--who is covering McCain's evangelical flank--and the Catholic League's Bill Donohue, who accused Hagee of anti-Catholicism for his "Great Whore" sermonizing and other standard anti-papist barbs, always seemed to hold about as much... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-hageedonohue-ticket-libera.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-hageedonohue-ticket-libera.html casting stones Mon, 19 May 2008 10:54:05 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the_hageedonohue_ticket_libera_comments.html David Gibson An item in the current edition of The Tablet of London hints at a possible opening for divorced and remarried Catholics to receive communion--even though many do, obviously, their ban from the altar under church law remains one of the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/an-olive-branch-to-divorcedand.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/an-olive-branch-to-divorcedand.html Sat, 17 May 2008 06:00:00 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/an_olive_branch_to_divorcedand_comments.html David Gibson It is summed up in a response recounted by Father Jim Martin, a Jesuit and author who posts (and edits) at America magazine's blog. Father Martin has a post on "Three Unreported Papal Stories" from last month's visit. The third... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-key-to-benedict.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-key-to-benedict.html Fri, 16 May 2008 17:12:35 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the_key_to_benedict_comments.html David Gibson It seems that the former Reagan adviser and Catholic conservative legal scholar from Pepperdine, Doug Kmiec--heretofore a man with impeccable judicial and pro-life credentials--has been barred from communion for his support for Barack Obama. In a posting yesterday, Kmiec did... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/guerilla-tactics-and-the-commu.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/guerilla-tactics-and-the-commu.html casting stones Fri, 16 May 2008 12:37:21 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/guerilla_tactics_and_the_commu_comments.html David Gibson A story in today's New York Times about a Buddhist couple--he's a monk--who have vowed never to have sex, but also never to be more than 15 feet from each other: “It forces you to deal with your own emotions... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/celibate-but-never-apart.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/celibate-but-never-apart.html Thu, 15 May 2008 13:49:10 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/celibate_but_never_apart_comments.html David Gibson Exactly a month after wrapping himself in Pope Benedict XVI's copious mantle by welcoming the pontiff with a star-spangled White House gala, George W. Bush seems to have forgotten his catechism. In Israel today, Bush used the ocassion of the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bush-disses-the-pope-no-cathol.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bush-disses-the-pope-no-cathol.html casting stones Thu, 15 May 2008 11:59:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bush_disses_the_pope_no_cathol_comments.html David Gibson Well, I may not make it to paradise (at least judging by some comments) but there's a chance you'll see E.T. there. Or those weird little guys from Area 51 who can finally solve the mystery for you. Yes, according... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/is-et-going-to-heaven.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/is-et-going-to-heaven.html Wed, 14 May 2008 11:02:53 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/is_et_going_to_heaven_comments.html David Gibson Michael Paulson had an in-depth article in yesterday's Globe about the apparent victory of Catholic bishops and alums and advocacy groups who have been pushing Catholic universities to bar Catholic commencement speakers with questionable public views, usually on the flashpoint... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/end-of-the-catholic-commenceme.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/end-of-the-catholic-commenceme.html casting stones Tue, 13 May 2008 10:53:53 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/end_of_the_catholic_commenceme_comments.html David Gibson The evil geniuses at Slate have come up with a series of cellphone rings that will leave those around you with no doubt about your political views. They include Hillary's laugh (I'd use other descriptors), John McCain calling a young... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/now-you-can-annoy-everyone-eve.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/now-you-can-annoy-everyone-eve.html casting stones Mon, 12 May 2008 12:07:00 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/now_you_can_annoy_everyone_eve_comments.html David Gibson Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City has said that Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius--a Democrat, Catholic, and abortion rights supporter whose name has been mentioned as a possible Obama running mate--should stop receiving communion. The action, outlined in Naumann's May 9... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/not-in-kansas-anymore-governor.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/not-in-kansas-anymore-governor.html casting stones Sun, 11 May 2008 16:54:44 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/not_in_kansas_anymore_governor_comments.html David Gibson Former GOP presidential candidate and exemplar of everything Mormon, Mitt Romney, last night received the 12th Annual Canterbury medal from the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, a law firm that (admirably) takes on cases of religious freedom on behalf of... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/romney-gets-it-rightthe-second.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/romney-gets-it-rightthe-second.html casting stones Fri, 09 May 2008 14:23:24 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/romney_gets_it_rightthe_second_comments.html David Gibson Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Center on Long Island released a pastoral letter today [PDF file] ending the fairly common practice of communion services in the absence of a priest--an "extraordinary" form that came into being because... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/no-priests-no-eucharist.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/no-priests-no-eucharist.html Fri, 09 May 2008 12:01:01 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/no_priests_no_eucharist_comments.html David Gibson While John McCain is arguing that Barack Obama is a friend of Hamas (I guess Hamas has signed on to McCain's political team to give him advice?), and while Hillary continues to play the race card to bolster her campaign,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill-donohue-over-the-line-the.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill-donohue-over-the-line-the.html casting stones Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:26 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill_donohue_over_the_line_the_comments.html David Gibson A week after the Catholic League's resident megaphone--a.k.a. Bill Donohue--blasted Obama's blue-ribbon Catholic advisory panel as a bunch of "dissidents" whose presence offends "practicing Catholics" (not to mention making them out to be Catholic versions of Jeremiah Wright) the panel... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/back-at-ya-bill-donohue.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/back-at-ya-bill-donohue.html casting stones Thu, 08 May 2008 17:03:45 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/back_at_ya_bill_donohue_comments.html David Gibson Doug Kmiec, the widely-respected conservative legal scholar and pro-life Catholic, made waves back in March when he wrote a piece in Slate endorsing Obama. Now he is back to reaffirm his endorsement and again explain his position. In short, he... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/doug-kmiec-still-backs-obama.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/doug-kmiec-still-backs-obama.html casting stones Tue, 06 May 2008 11:35:14 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/doug_kmiec_still_backs_obama_comments.html David Gibson Want to know why Obama hasn't put away the nomination already? One word: Catholics. (Or, for those of you with more ultramontanist sensibilities, two words: Roman Catholics.) We've expended lots of bytes debating it here, and it will surely figure... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-catholic-gap-two-views-exp.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the-catholic-gap-two-views-exp.html casting stones Mon, 05 May 2008 14:13:49 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/the_catholic_gap_two_views_exp_comments.html David Gibson Bill Donohue of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights--basically a Catholic version of the Anti-Defamation League, or a wannabe, some would say--is often over the top in denunciations of anti-Catholicism, real or perceived, and of other Cathoilics who... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill-donohue-over-the-line.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill-donohue-over-the-line.html casting stones Sat, 03 May 2008 12:23:01 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/bill_donohue_over_the_line_comments.html David Gibson I am somewhat reluctant to respond to Deal Hudson's rejoinder if only because he has such a great walkaway: "Catholics in the GOP may be step children, but not orphans." I wish I'd thought of it. But I can find... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/counting-catholics-a-reply-to.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/counting-catholics-a-reply-to.html casting stones Thu, 01 May 2008 09:11:18 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/counting_catholics_a_reply_to_comments.html David Gibson The Rev. Jeremiah Wright is not likely to fade into the woodwork anytime soon, but while we're in the midst of l'affaire Wright and its toll on Barack Obama, it is worth considering another unsettling lesson in all of this:... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/to-win-political-officelose-yo.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/to-win-political-officelose-yo.html casting stones Thu, 01 May 2008 07:14:13 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/05/to_win_political_officelose_yo_comments.html David Gibson Steve Waldman and Deal Hudson are having a debate about why Clinton is winning the Catholic vote and Obama is not--an interesting development given that the two candidates share most social justice views that might appeal to Catholics, as well... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics-as-political-orphans.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics-as-political-orphans.html casting stones Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:52:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics_as_political_orphans_comments.html David Gibson Rudy is at it again. Anyone watching the papal mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on April 19 must have been surprised to see Giuliani--twice-divorced (once annulled), thrice-married, pro-gay rights, pro-abortion rights--take communion. Rudy hadn't done this before, in my experience--neither... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/egan-v-giuliani.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/egan-v-giuliani.html casting stones Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:37:32 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/egan_v_giuliani_comments.html David Gibson The Rev. Jeremiah Wright is back in the news, delivering some fiery (the indispensible adjective with the Rev. Wright) rhetoric yesterday at the close of a meeting of the NAACP's Detroit branch. Wright's unrepentant talk and prophetic style are likely... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jeremiah-obama-and-catholics.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jeremiah-obama-and-catholics.html casting stones Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:55:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jeremiah_obama_and_catholics_comments.html David Gibson Great headline on a Catholic World News report citing a German study linking religiosity and the number of children: "Women of faith found more fertile" Think of all the money you could save on IVF, huh? Well, actually, CWNews is... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/be-faithful-and-multiply.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/be-faithful-and-multiply.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:51:52 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/be_faithful_and_multiply_comments.html David Gibson Can't get enough of Benedict? Or was il papa not your taste? You might try this curiosity--a pope made out of pizza dough. Prudence Emma Staite is a British (did I have to add that?) experimental food artist (don't ask... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/hold-the-poperoni.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/hold-the-poperoni.html Thu, 24 Apr 2008 19:41:56 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/hold_the_poperoni_comments.html David Gibson They are the majority of worshipers every Sunday (and through the week), and they make up some 80 percent of the more than 30,000 lay ministers (and growing fast) serving in the nation's 19,000 parishes. There are more of them... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what-you-didnt-see-last-week-w.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what-you-didnt-see-last-week-w.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:09:34 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what_you_didnt_see_last_week_w_comments.html David Gibson Two refrains often lost amid the accolades for the papal visit is that the trip itself was, as Pope Benedict said, a chance for a new beginning, a first step, not the end of a process. The second refrain was... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first-steps-next-steps.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first-steps-next-steps.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:37:49 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first_steps_next_steps_comments.html David Gibson Tim Reidy at America magazine, the flagship Jesuit weekly and a must-read for serious Catholics, had me over for a podcast about the pope's trip, and it is now on-line at the magazine's website. Whether it is a "must hear"... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/podcast-on-the-pope.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/podcast-on-the-pope.html Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:50:25 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/podcast_on_the_pope_comments.html David Gibson Q: Did a pope really condemn Galileo for saying the Earth revolves around the Sun? Read more from the papal answer man, Chris Bellitto and his new book, 101 Questions on Popes and the Papacy.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-7.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-7.html Bellitto Popes Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:44:31 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_7_comments.html David Gibson Pontius Pilate famously asked that question and the Gospel of John provides the answer, as did Pope Benedict XVI in recent days, most notably in his talk to young people at St. Joseph's Seminary in Dunwoodie in New York: "In... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what-is-truth-some-postpapal-t.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what-is-truth-some-postpapal-t.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:07:18 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/what_is_truth_some_postpapal_t_comments.html David Gibson The homily that sums up the visit, as the Mass was itself the capstone...... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/text-of-the-yankee-stadium-mas.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/text-of-the-yankee-stadium-mas.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:47:38 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/text_of_the_yankee_stadium_mas_comments.html David Gibson By Daniel Burke c. 2008 Religion News Service NEW YORK -- Pope Benedict XVI ended his first trip to America on Sunday (April 20) with a Mass for more than 50,000 at Yankee Stadium that celebrated 200 years of the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-ends-us-trip-with-yankee.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-ends-us-trip-with-yankee.html News Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:01:37 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_ends_us_trip_with_yankee_comments.html Ansley Roan Yes, the pope is gone back to Rome. But now is the time to process and learn. So let's continue with a few more papacy-related quizzes, this time about married popes. Huh? Yes, we're pretty sure Benedict XVI isn't married.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-6.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-6.html Bellitto Popes Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:54:35 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_6_comments.html David Gibson There are a host of online galleries of papal visit images. Here are a few, with updates to come: America magazine. The New York Times gallery. The Washington Post here and here.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-pope-in-pictures.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-pope-in-pictures.html Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:17:29 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the_pope_in_pictures_comments.html David Gibson Yes, Kelly Clarkson sang "Ave Maria", and the Pope nearly forgot to read his text in Spanish. But a good time was had by all. And maybe later everyone will go back and read the text of his talk--very meaty,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/youth-rallythe-pope-and-he-ame.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/youth-rallythe-pope-and-he-ame.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 19:19:19 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/youth_rallythe_pope_and_he_ame_comments.html David Gibson Q: How many popes are saints? Read more from the papal answer man, Chris Bellitto and his new book, 101 Questions on Popes and the Papacy.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-5.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-5.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:28:48 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_5_comments.html David Gibson At a news briefing just ended, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi sought to quell speculation in news reports (including yesterday's posting here) that Rome was considering changes in the canonical statute of limitations to make it easier to laicize future... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates-no-changes-in-canon-la.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates-no-changes-in-canon-la.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:12:38 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates_no_changes_in_canon_la_comments.html David Gibson But Benedict, an avowed animal lover, would surely be pleased by this story from FOX News (via the American Papist) that a young beaver was rescued from the East River during an NYPD security sweep ahead of yesterday's UN visit.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/thank-god-hes-not-ermine.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/thank-god-hes-not-ermine.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:38:29 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/thank_god_hes_not_ermine_comments.html David Gibson Benedict's homily (text below) at the mass with priests and seminarians this morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York (the first papal mass ever at the great church) was a heartfelt and often lyrical call for American priests to... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-to-priests-from-st-pats-f.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-to-priests-from-st-pats-f.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 09:31:08 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_to_priests_from_st_pats_f_comments.html David Gibson Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) - April 17, 2008 Washington (dpa) - Pope Benedict XVI greeted leaders of other faiths in the United States in a meeting Thursday in Washington, continuing the interfaith contacts that have not always gone well in the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedict-discuss-differences-w.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedict-discuss-differences-w.html News Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:27:25 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedict_discuss_differences_w_comments.html Ansley Roan Benedict XVI has earned headlines and goodwill on this, his first visit as pope to the United States, by speaking out repeatedly about his anguish over the clergy sexual abuse scandal and yesterday meeting with a small group of abuse... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-successorcardinal-levada-o.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-successorcardinal-levada-o.html Levada pope sex abuse Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:54:04 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the_successorcardinal_levada_o_comments.html David Gibson Below is the text of the pope's speech to the U.N. just concluded. As expected, he's a "natural" lawyer, and made the case very well. Also check out the CNS story.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-to-the-united-nations-nat.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-to-the-united-nations-nat.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:56:03 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_to_the_united_nations_nat_comments.html David Gibson In today's Wall Street Journal I have a column on a thread that is increasingly emerging from the pope's talks during this visit--namely, the need to recreate a new kind of Catholic culture, while at the same time not creating... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/christ-and-cultureand-the-pope.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/christ-and-cultureand-the-pope.html Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:27:43 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/christ_and_cultureand_the_pope_comments.html David Gibson I saw this shot in Christianity Today recently, and couldn't pass up a chance to post it. Yes, this blog is about Catholicism. But the pontiff took time out to say "Good yontif," so we should as well. It's a... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a-new-view-of-the-exodus-story.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a-new-view-of-the-exodus-story.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:11:48 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a_new_view_of_the_exodus_story_comments.html David Gibson It's been a busy day, so let's relax with some really useful trivia: Q: I’m confused when I hear “the Vatican,” “the Holy See,” and “Vatican City.” Are they all the same thing? Read more from the papal answer man,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-4.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-4.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 23:07:33 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_4_comments.html David Gibson So the pope's surprise meeting with victims capped, and likely dominates, an intense and productive day for Benedict--and those following the visit. Interestingly, the expected priorities (or at least mine, and those of many others observers) did not pan out... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/wrapup.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/wrapup.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:59:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/wrapup_comments.html David Gibson Here is Benedict’s address to representatives of other religions:... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts-talk-to-the-interfai.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts-talk-to-the-interfai.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:55:21 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts_talk_to_the_interfai_comments.html David Gibson Here is the Pope's message to the Jewish community on the eve of Passover:... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-address-to-the-jewish-co.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-address-to-the-jewish-co.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:53:08 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes_address_to_the_jewish_co_comments.html David Gibson Check out Michael Paulson's piece in the Boston Globe.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates-on-b16-meeting-with-su.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates-on-b16-meeting-with-su.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:18:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/updates_on_b16_meeting_with_su_comments.html David Gibson Here is the statement from SNAP (Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests)...SNAP is the engine whose efforts led to this pass, but they also remain on the outside of this meeting, and pushing for more. The meeting between the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/here-is-the-statement-from.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/here-is-the-statement-from.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:37:12 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/here_is_the_statement_from_comments.html David Gibson In a move that could truly be described as a breakthrough after more than six years of crisis for the church in the United States and decades of agony for victims, Pope Benedict XVI this afternoon met with several victims... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/breaking-news-pope-meets-with.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/breaking-news-pope-meets-with.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:03:30 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/breaking_news_pope_meets_with_comments.html David Gibson By Jonathan Rubin c. 2008 Religion News Service WASHINGTON -- As the sun rose over the sparkling new Nationals Park baseball stadium, the weather turned from chilly to warm to downright glorious -- not unlike the feelings many Catholics here... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics-meet-their-new-pope.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics-meet-their-new-pope.html News Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:43:00 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholics_meet_their_new_pope_comments.html Ansley Roan Read the text of Pope Benedict’s homily at Nationals Park this morning:... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/homily-at-nationals-park-mass.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/homily-at-nationals-park-mass.html Homily at Nationals Park Pope Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:50:05 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/homily_at_nationals_park_mass_comments.html David Gibson By Jeff Diamant c. 2008 Religion News Service They gathered in the Italian hillside town of Assisi. In October 1986, at the place where St. Francis famously preached repentance in the 1200s, top representatives from 15 religions stood together and... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-carves-out-distinctive-ap.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-carves-out-distinctive-ap.html News Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:39:20 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_carves_out_distinctive_ap_comments.html Ansley Roan By Daniel Burke and Adelle M. Banks c. 2008 Religion News Service WASHINGTON -- Pope Benedict XVI told the nation's Catholic bishops Wednesday (April 16) that they must heal the "enormous pain" caused by the clergy sexual abuse scandal by... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-says-us-bishops-must-heal.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-says-us-bishops-must-heal.html News Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:36:06 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_says_us_bishops_must_heal_comments.html Ansley Roan In a post yesterday on the roots of Benedict's "conversion" on the issue of sexual abuse by priests--and the enabling behavior of many bishops--I recounted the story of Anne Burke, a widely-respected Illinois jurist and former head of the National... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-gets-thumbs-up-cardinal-g.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-gets-thumbs-up-cardinal-g.html abuse Burke Pope Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:10:38 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_gets_thumbs_up_cardinal_g_comments.html David Gibson No, not the pope. He won't arrive for a couple hours yet. But they just interviewed the other great ballplayer, er, Catholic, in the house, Mike Piazza. Broadcast on the stadium Jumbotron. Couldn't hear anything, but no matter. Check out... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/always-a-met-in-our-hearts.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/always-a-met-in-our-hearts.html Nationals Stadium Pope Thu, 17 Apr 2008 07:32:08 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/always_a_met_in_our_hearts_comments.html David Gibson I'd never had breakfast at a ballpark, until today. And I'd never been to the new Nationals Stadium, until we entered early this ayem through the security checkpoints and pre-dawn darkness. A gentle way to start the day, this first... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/sunrise-at-the-stadium.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/sunrise-at-the-stadium.html Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:27:54 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/sunrise_at_the_stadium_comments.html David Gibson If this visit has proved one thing beyond a doubt, it is that Benedict can go the distance--with speech-making, that is. The morning event at the White House was just a throat-clearing for what was to come tonight. Although President... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/awesome-speech.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/awesome-speech.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:28:32 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/awesome_speech_comments.html David Gibson By Daniel Burke c. 2008 Religion News Service WASHINGTON -- Pope Benedict XVI's address to Catholic educators on Thursday (April 17) has become one of the most anticipated moments of his first U.S. trip as pontiff. Already there is debate... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholic-university-president.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholic-university-president.html News Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:14:20 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/catholic_university_president_comments.html Ansley Roan Associated Press - April 16, 2008 Remarks by Pope Benedict XVI at the White House on Wednesday, as transcribed by the White House. Mr. President, thank you for your gracious words of welcome on behalf of the people of the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/remarks-by-pope-benedict-xvi-a.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/remarks-by-pope-benedict-xvi-a.html News Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:25:26 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/remarks_by_pope_benedict_xvi_a_comments.html Ansley Roan Associated Press - April 16, 2008 A joint statement by the White House and Holy See on the Oval Office meeting Wednesday between Pope Benedict XVI and President Bush: His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush met... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a-joint-statement-by-president.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a-joint-statement-by-president.html News Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:23:44 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/a_joint_statement_by_president_comments.html Ansley Roan While Pope Benedict voiced his revulsion at the sexual abuse scandal for the first time yesterday, it is important to understand that the genesis of his statements went back to a meeting that took place more than four years ago,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts-conversion.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts-conversion.html Pope sexual abuse Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:04:55 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/benedicts_conversion_comments.html David Gibson The indefatigable American Papist, to whom the papal presence is what caffeine is to the rest of us, has a very cool entry on the history of meetings between American presidents and Roman pontiffs, including great photos like this one... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/of-popes-and-presidents.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/of-popes-and-presidents.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:49:18 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/of_popes_and_presidents_comments.html David Gibson Yesterday's strong and welcome words by Benedict XVI to reporters on the papal plane saying he was "deeply ashamed" at the clergy sexual abuse scandal set the tone for his visit--first impressions are important, and those words did a great... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/penance-and-the-pope.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/penance-and-the-pope.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:31:57 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/penance_and_the_pope_comments.html David Gibson Yeah, so at the media hotel this morning there they were, on the buffet table (a.k.a. the feeding trough), eggs benedict. I steered clear. At my age, c'mon. They didn't look like these at the right, but I was convinced... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/eggs-benedict.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/eggs-benedict.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:06:41 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/eggs_benedict_comments.html David Gibson (Yes, I'm a day behind, but please forgive.) Today's question regards the debate over whether there was once a woman pope--a story that has had a longer life than even "The Da Vinci Code"... Q: Was there really a Pope... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-3.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-3.html Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:58:55 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_3_comments.html David Gibson By Daniel Burke c. 2008 Religion News Service ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. -- Pope Benedict XVI, the shepherd of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics, arrived here Tuesday (April 15) for his first U.S. visit as pontiff and was... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-arrives-in-washington-for.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-arrives-in-washington-for.html News Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:03:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_arrives_in_washington_for_comments.html Ansley Roan The Baltimore Sun, Maryland Apr. 14--Pope Benedict XVI arrives in the United States this week amid a full-throttle presidential campaign, with Sens. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain seeking support from the same engaged Catholics the pontiff hopes to... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/politics-to-greet-pope-on-us-v.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/politics-to-greet-pope-on-us-v.html News Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:10:57 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/politics_to_greet_pope_on_us_v_comments.html Ansley Roan Associated Press - April 14, 2008 WASHINGTON - The leader of the world's Roman Catholics has been to the White House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bush is pulling out all the stops: driving out... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bush-readies-big-welcome-for-p.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bush-readies-big-welcome-for-p.html News Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:07:26 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bush_readies_big_welcome_for_p_comments.html Ansley Roan EWTN, Mother Angelica's legendary Catholic (I won't put in any controversial modifers) TV station, scored an interview with President Bush about the Pope's visit...No surprise. Bush and anchor Raymond Arroyo played softball--or perhaps volley ball, as Arroyo mainly set up... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first-putin-now-the-pope-bush.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first-putin-now-the-pope-bush.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:50:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/first_putin_now_the_pope_bush_comments.html David Gibson Over on the Commonweal magazine blog where I occasionally contribute, Sister Mary Wood points out, apropos of my papal fashion story, that the pope has "snubbed" (their words Down Under) the organizers of this July's World Youth Day in Sydney,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/fashion-flash.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/fashion-flash.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:15:02 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/fashion_flash_comments.html David Gibson This it it: I have tried to maintain a certain degree of poise and charity despite the fact that Pope Benedict XVI is celebrating Mass on Sunday at Yankee Stadium (altar mock-up at right) and ignoring Shea. Full disclosure: I... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/say-it-aint-so.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/say-it-aint-so.html Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:22:01 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/say_it_aint_so_comments.html David Gibson Today's topic is one of the most controversial--and misunderstood, for Catholics as well as non-Catholics: papal infallibility... QUESTION: Do I have to believe every word the pope says? Read more from the papal answer man, Chris Bellitto and his new... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-2.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-2.html Bellitto Popes Sun, 13 Apr 2008 17:23:20 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_2_comments.html David Gibson Benedict’s vintage vesture has been a topic of much blog-babble and tongue-wagging. No, not just the Prada shoes (knockoffs, actually). Vestments of greater import, including the news that the pope has commissioned a set of 30 new vestments modeled on... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-popes-fashion-statement.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-popes-fashion-statement.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:45:06 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the_popes_fashion_statement_comments.html David Gibson Dan Burke of RNS poses the question in today's Washington Post. It's an interesting question. Bush appoints Catholic justices and talks about "the culture of life." But...this does not a Catholic make.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/is-bush-catholic.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/is-bush-catholic.html Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:04:38 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/is_bush_catholic_comments.html David Gibson Rather than dissipating ahead of Benedict's visit to New York and Washington, Catholic-Jewish relations appear to be growing more problematic by the day. There is a history here, not just of the past 2,000 years, but also over the past... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jewish-reactions-emotional-rat.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jewish-reactions-emotional-rat.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:37:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/jewish_reactions_emotional_rat_comments.html David Gibson Catholic World News relays news of Polish church officials as saying they would like the heart of the late John Paul brought to his old Wawel cathedral in Krakow as a relic (seriously first class) if--er, when--the Polish pope is... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/his-heart-was-always-in-poland.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/his-heart-was-always-in-poland.html Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:17:04 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/his_heart_was_always_in_poland_comments.html David Gibson A papal visit like next week's trip to the U.S. by Benedict XVI is an opportunity not only to check out the current occupant of the Chair of St. Peter, but also to learn more about the 2,000-year history of... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-1.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily-pope-question-no-1.html Bellitto Popes Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:23:25 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/daily_pope_question_no_1_comments.html David Gibson By Amy Ellis Nutt c. 2008 Religion News Service NEW YORK -- Julia Winter was tending to her flock, passing out sheets of paper printed with the prayers and songs for the "Deutsche Messe." Here at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bavarianborn-pope-to-visit-new.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bavarianborn-pope-to-visit-new.html News Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:20:34 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bavarianborn_pope_to_visit_new_comments.html Ansley Roan Surely one of the most spiritually and visually powerful moments of the papal visit will be Benedict's stop at Ground Zero on Sunday morning, April 20, the final day of the visit. The pontiff will not give an address, but... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-popes-prayer-at-ground-zer.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the-popes-prayer-at-ground-zer.html Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:03:27 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/the_popes_prayer_at_ground_zer_comments.html David Gibson Renee K. Gadoua Religion News Service On the eve of Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to the United States next week, his approval rating among U.S. Catholics is 70 percent, according to a LeMoyne College/Zogby International poll released Wednesday... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/poll-pope-enjoys-70-percent-ap.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/poll-pope-enjoys-70-percent-ap.html News Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:35:00 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/poll_pope_enjoys_70_percent_ap_comments.html Ansley Roan By Benedicta Cipolla c. 2008 Religion News Service In case you've missed the countless news articles, blog posts and television segments, the leader of 1.13 billion Catholics is coming to America. When Pope Benedict XVI makes his first trip to... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/whats-the-big-deal-about-the-p.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/whats-the-big-deal-about-the-p.html News Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:14:43 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/whats_the_big_deal_about_the_p_comments.html Ansley Roan In March 2006, Benedict XVI visited the offices of Radio Vaticana at the end of Via della Conciliazione, the wide boulevard in front of St. Peter's, and went home with an iPod nano, courtesy of the radio staff. The 2-gig... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ipope-whats-on-benedicts-ipod.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ipope-whats-on-benedicts-ipod.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:06:33 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ipope_whats_on_benedicts_ipod_comments.html David Gibson Brittani Hamm c. 2008 Religion News Service Anyone who's ever tried to buy a birthday present for an octogenarian grandparent knows the dilemma: What do you buy for someone who seems to have everything and need nothing? Pope Benedict XVI... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/schools-give-pope-birthday-gif.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/schools-give-pope-birthday-gif.html News Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:49:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/schools_give_pope_birthday_gif_comments.html Ansley Roan Associated Press VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI hopes his trip to the United States later this month will be seen as a sign of friendship toward all Christian denominations and other religions. Benedict has asked the faithful to pray... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-says-us-trip-to-reach-out.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-says-us-trip-to-reach-out.html News Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:43:48 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_says_us_trip_to_reach_out_comments.html Ansley Roan Actually, that phrase should be a contradiction in terms. But it's up to you to decide if a "Christ Our Hope" slim-fit ladies t-shirt is in better taste than the Pope Bobblehead (see post below) that did not please the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/now-for-some-tasteful-kitsch.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/now-for-some-tasteful-kitsch.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:59:47 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/now_for_some_tasteful_kitsch_comments.html David Gibson The pope is very green--as in eco-minded--but his zucchetto, or skullcap, has to be white. That's one lesson the Washington metro authority learned, the hard way, when it had to yank a YouTube promo video encouraging people to take the... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bobblehead-bobble.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bobblehead-bobble.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:25:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/bobblehead_bobble_comments.html David Gibson With the price tag on the Washington end of the papal trip topping $3 million, I guess everyone has to pitch in...Well, this gem is actually by way of Thomas Peters, aka the American Papist, and a friend who sent... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/laborem-exercens-indeed.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/laborem-exercens-indeed.html Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:48:28 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/laborem_exercens_indeed_comments.html David Gibson Associated Press VATICAN CITY - The Vatican's No. 2 official says Pope Benedict XVI recognizes the damage and pain caused by the clergy sex abuse crisis and will seek healing during his U.S. trip next week. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican-pope-will-address-abus.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican-pope-will-address-abus.html News Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:40:37 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican_pope_will_address_abus_comments.html Ansley Roan Yes, he do. The Vatican has released both a statement and a video message to the United States ahead of Benedict's trip next week--the latter has been posted on YouTube. It's not exactly great theater. One can see that... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/you-tube-your-holiness.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/you-tube-your-holiness.html Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:16:34 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/you_tube_your_holiness_comments.html David Gibson Associated Press NEW YORK - In his visit this month to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI will find an American flock wrestling with what it means be Roman Catholic. The younger generation considers religion important, but doesn't equate faith... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-will-find-diverse-church.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-will-find-diverse-church.html News Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:46:10 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_will_find_diverse_church_comments.html Ansley Roan Chicago Tribune CHICAGO - Most Americans awaiting Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to the U.S. this month likely know little about him beyond his fluffy white hair, his taste for red Prada shoes and his reputation as a hard-nosed church... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-benedict-xvi-blazing-his.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope-benedict-xvi-blazing-his.html News Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:39:26 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/pope_benedict_xvi_blazing_his_comments.html Ansley Roan Associated Press VATICAN CITY - The Vatican has expressed its respect and esteem for Jews despite tension over a Good Friday prayer. The Vatican issued the assurances Friday, shortly before Pope Benedict XVI begins a visit to the United States... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican-assures-jews-of-its-re.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican-assures-jews-of-its-re.html News Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:26:24 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/vatican_assures_jews_of_its_re_comments.html Ansley Roan Following on a previous post about a U.S.-based petition to convince Pope Benedict to ban smoking in the Vatican (yeah, right), Vatican Radio did a bit of snooping around the Eternal City and discovered that in the nineteenth century, Pope... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/white-smoke-bad-habits.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/white-smoke-bad-habits.html Popes Tobacco Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:05:25 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/white_smoke_bad_habits_comments.html David Gibson The obituaries for Charlton Heston tend to play up his larger-than-life roles, such as the fearsome, bearded Moses or the powerful, bare-chested Ben-Hur, or the noble, doomed El Cid. I always think of him as the passionate, difficult genius... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/agony-and-ecstasy-and-rip.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/agony-and-ecstasy-and-rip.html Heston Sistine Chapel Vatican Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:49:15 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/agony_and_ecstasy_and_rip_comments.html David Gibson The Vatican has issued a clarification of its revision of the old Good Friday prayer that was re-authorized by Pope Benedict as part of his effort to re-introduce the old Latin Mass. Confused? You're not alone. The Vatican today tried... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/conversion-clarification-confu.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/conversion-clarification-confu.html Judaism Pope Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:44:18 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/conversion_clarification_confu_comments.html David Gibson Media mogul and self-professed Big Mouth, Ted Turner, has done a 180 on Christianity, which he once famously described as "a religion for losers." (Actually, the phrase has a certain theological validity, though I don't think that's what Ted meant.)... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ted-turner-joins-the-losers.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ted-turner-joins-the-losers.html Christianity religion Ted Turner Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:47:49 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/ted_turner_joins_the_losers_comments.html David Gibson In a development sure to be welcomed by the Jewish community, Pope Benedict has added a stop during his New York leg and will visit the Park East synagogue, long headed by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor and champion... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/update-pope-to-visit-ny-synago.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/update-pope-to-visit-ny-synago.html Jews Judaism Pope Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:51:03 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/update_pope_to_visit_ny_synago_comments.html David Gibson Pope John Paul II was the spiritual force behind the Solidarity labor movement that helped bring Soviet-led communism to its knees in the 1980s, but bishops have struggled with unions operating within the walls of the Catholic Church, especially as... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/strikes-social-justice-and-the.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/strikes-social-justice-and-the.html Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:21:00 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/strikes_social_justice_and_the_comments.html David Gibson By Nicole Neroulias Religion News Service NEW YORK -- High-profile political leaders get Secret Service agents and police escorts to guard against assassins. Celebrities rely on bodyguards to shield them from overzealous fans. When it comes to Pope Benedict XVI,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-loving-fans-an-added-sec.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-loving-fans-an-added-sec.html News Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:02:44 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes_loving_fans_an_added_sec_comments.html Ansley Roan --> Wednesday marks the third anniversary of the death of John Paul II, a passing that provoked such an enormous outpouring that the world—and even the College of Cardinals who gathered with the unenviable task of choosing his successor—was... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/john-pauls-white-martyrdom.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/john-pauls-white-martyrdom.html Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:14:24 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/john_pauls_white_martyrdom_comments.html David Gibson By Elizabeth Birge Religion News Service Two days after the 2004 presidential election, William Portier ran into an acquaintance at the grocery store. The man was a strong opponent of the Iraq war and had demonstrated against it, but when... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-subtle-impact-may-be-fel.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes-subtle-impact-may-be-fel.html News Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:04:56 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/popes_subtle_impact_may_be_fel_comments.html Ansley Roan The pre-papal spinning is picking up speed, though it seems largely in the form of pre-emptive whirling by those who fear Benedict won't get the fair shake he deserves. I wonder if some of the spinning is so out of... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/getting-dizzy.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/getting-dizzy.html Pope and Media Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:38:08 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/04/getting_dizzy_comments.html David Gibson Several readers, including the sharp-eyed Thomas Peters and his posse over at American Papist, noticed that one of the questions in our survey--the one on possible roles for women--did not allow for an alternative to the role of "priest" ("priestess"?)... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/catholic-survey-tweak.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/catholic-survey-tweak.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:00:51 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/catholic_survey_tweak_comments.html David Gibson Interest groups are cranking up campaigns to take advantage of the publicity attending Benedict's visit, and among them is one of the more novel approaches I've seen: According to a CNS story, Physicians and Nurses Against Tobacco, a U.S.-based group,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/the-great-vatican-smokeout.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/the-great-vatican-smokeout.html Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:19:09 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/the_great_vatican_smokeout_comments.html David Gibson For those of you who may not know already, if you really want to start a knock down, drag out, mud-slinging dust-up among Catholics, start a debate about LITURGY. Nothing draws attention or raises hackles as quickly, and nothing... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/battle-of-the-stars-catholic-s.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/battle-of-the-stars-catholic-s.html Sat, 29 Mar 2008 07:51:47 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/battle_of_the_stars_catholic_s_comments.html David Gibson By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY -- For more than two decades, Pope Benedict XVI served as one of the closest and most influential subordinates to his predecessor, John Paul II, a relationship built on common priorities,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope-carves-out-a-quieter-more.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope-carves-out-a-quieter-more.html News Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:10:35 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope_carves_out_a_quieter_more_comments.html Ansley Roan As CNS reports, the Popemobile is on its way! I can't wait till the Magliozzi brothers on "Car Talk" get hold of this one. Popes have almost always used Mercedes (though you'd think the Bavarian Benedict might like a... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/driving-pope-benedict.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/driving-pope-benedict.html Papal visit Popemobile Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:25:58 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/driving_pope_benedict_comments.html David Gibson Actually, that may be “suo.” Is “blog” masculine? I trust this blog is. Perhaps Reggie Foster, the pope's inimitable Latinist, can help out here. I don’t have enough Latin to know. And it’s not because I am a convert to... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/apologia-pro-blog-suaan-introd.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/apologia-pro-blog-suaan-introd.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:33:49 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/apologia_pro_blog_suaan_introd_comments.html David Gibson By David Gibson Religion News Service Central to the anticipation surrounding Pope Benedict XVI's April visit to the United States is a widespread curiosity among U.S. Catholics about a pontiff whom they mostly know only through headlines and video clips.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/us-trip-introduces-unknown-chu.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/us-trip-introduces-unknown-chu.html News Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:16:16 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/us_trip_introduces_unknown_chu_comments.html Ansley Roan By Francis X. Rocca Religion News Service VATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict XVI will become the third leader of the Catholic Church to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following Pope Paul VI in 1965, and Pope... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope-at-un-to-address-issues-t.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope-at-un-to-address-issues-t.html News Thu, 27 Mar 2008 15:04:39 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/pope_at_un_to_address_issues_t_comments.html Ansley Roan Yet another papal paradox: The Pope who was expected to create such a stir among Catholics after his election has instead found his greatest controversies centering on his relations with Islam. First he met--in secret, until the word leaked out--with... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/oops-he-does-it-again.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/oops-he-does-it-again.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:03:01 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/oops_he_does_it_again_comments.html David Gibson So the popular Build-a-Bear company is getting in on the papal memorabilia craze, having won rights to market, yes, an official Benedict "Christ Our Hope" teddy bear t-shirt. Here's the catch: The company is only selling the t-shirt in... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/buildabear-honor-the-pope.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/buildabear-honor-the-pope.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:15:27 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/buildabear_honor_the_pope_comments.html David Gibson Don't let all the talk (much of it mine) of a Gregorian chant-loving, Latin Mass-celebrating, professor-pope turning the April 15-20 visit into a five-day Vespers service. It's impossible to quell the Jamboree atmosphere surrounding any pope's visit to America,... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/gnarly-pope-on-deck.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/gnarly-pope-on-deck.html Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:36:04 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/gnarly_pope_on_deck_comments.html David Gibson By Daniel Burke Religion News Service WASHINGTON (RNS) Most Americans hold a favorable opinion of Pope Benedict XVI, but the vast majority confess they don't know much about the pontiff, according to a new poll. Just weeks before Benedict's first... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/poll-pope-unknown-to-most-amer.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/poll-pope-unknown-to-most-amer.html News Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:08:36 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/poll_pope_unknown_to_most_amer_comments.html Ansley Roan By Daniel Burke Religion News Service Asked about her church's ban on artificial birth control, Emily Kunkel inhales deeply and pauses. "It's hard because the church has had this stance for so many years, there's so much tradition behind it,"... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/contraception-ban-colors-usvat.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/contraception-ban-colors-usvat.html News Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:55:37 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/contraception_ban_colors_usvat_comments.html Ansley Roan By Brittani Hamm Religion News Service WASHINGTON -- With only two months to design and construct the altar that will be used for the giant outdoor papal Mass next month, two first-year grad students at Catholic University have relied on... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/technology-aids-students-in-ra.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/technology-aids-students-in-ra.html News Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:36:04 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/technology_aids_students_in_ra_comments.html Ansley Roan By Tom Feeney Religion News Service This the official schedule for Pope Benedict XVI's trip to Washington and New York April 15-20: TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 4 P.M. Arrival at Andrews Air Force Base. Greeting by President Bush and Mrs. Bush.... Benedictions: The Pope in America http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/schedule-for-pope-benedict-xvi.html http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/schedule-for-pope-benedict-xvi.html News Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:24:04 -0500 http://blog.beliefnet.com/benedictions/2008/03/schedule_for_pope_benedict_xvi_comments.html Ansley Roan