CWNews rundown of top stories for today

Five fascinating features for faithful frequenters:

• Vatican still mum on rumored papal directive: "Pope Benedict XVI has named three new members to the Ecclesia Dei commission, which oversees pastoral outreach to traditionalist Catholics. The April 8 announcement of the new appointments came at a time of intense speculation that Pope Benedict XVI will soon release a document broadening permission for priests to celebrate the Latin Mass." I'm starting to feel it.
• Schedule released for Pope's May trip to Poland: "The Vatican has released the schedule for the May trip to Poland by Pope Benedict XVI. The Holy Father will travel from May 25 to 28, making stops in Warsaw, Czestochowa, Krakow, Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and Auschwitz. The dates for the Pope's trip had already been widely circulated in the press, but not officially confirmed before the April 8 announcement from the Vatican press office. That announcement provided some details of the Pope's travel plans." It's not too late to buy tickets. ;-)
• Outgoing Curial official criticizes Vatican: "Cardinal Stephen Fumio Hamao, who was recently replaced as president of the Pontifical Council for Mgirants, has criticized Vatican officials for paying inadequate attention to the Church in Asia and Africa. Speaking to the UCAN news agency, the Japanese cardinal also voiced dissatisfaction over the fact that he was not consulted before Pope Benedict XVI announced the decision to unite Pontifical Council for Migrants with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, under the joint presidency of Cardinal Renato Martino." boo-hoo.
• Pope plans to attend Australian WYD celebration in 2008: "Pope Benedict XVI plans to attend World Youth Day festivities in Sydney, Australia, in July 2008, according to one of the main organizers of the events. Noting that Pope Benedict will be 81 years old at the time, many observers have questioned whether the Pontiff will make the long trip to Australia in 2008. The Vatican has not commented on that question, in keeping with usual policy; papal voyages are typically not confirmed until a few months before they take place." ... which is why you should bookmark this page.
• Cardinal reports "real talks" between Vatican, Beijing: "Cardinal Joseph Zen has reported that the Vatican is engaged in "real talks" with the Chinese government about the possibility of establishing diplomatic relations. Cardinal Zen, whose promotion to the College of Cardinals has increased his visibility, was responding to a report from a Chinese government spokesman, who said there has been only informal contact between Rome and Beijing. Although he made it clear that he was not directly involved in the negotiations, the new Chinese cardinal told the ATV World television station that serious talks were now taking place in Rome. ... and once again, I'll believe it when I see it.

Fantastic!