Photo Caption Call - 4/30/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: AP Photo/Brennan Linsley]

Breaking: John Michael Talbot’s Hermitage Burns To The Ground

Horrible:

A major fire is testing the faith of a Catholic monastery near Eureka Springs. Flames destroyed the chapel and dining hall of Little Portion Hermitage just after midnight Tuesday.

Firefighters from four departments were able to keep the intense fire from spreading to the living quarters of its members. They lost their archives, library, and storeroom. Little Portion's founder is recording artist John Michael Talbot, who says some at the monastery suffered from minor smoke inhalation.

If you'd like to make a donation for recovery and rebuilding, you can do so at Little Portion’s Web site.

More:

• Music News: Fire destroys Little Portion Hermitage (GrapeVine)
• Breaking News: John Michael Talbot’s Hermitage Burns (Catholic Online)

Ph/t: AmP reader Joan.

Pictures: Franciscan Univ. of Steuenville hosts Latin Mass

From Fr. Z:

He has more pictures and first-hand comments.

What Pope Benedict is up to, from May - August

The Vatican released his official schedule of events (reproduced by CNA):

May:

• Saturday 3: Recitation of the Rosary at 6 p.m. in the Roman basilica of St. Mary Major.
• Sunday 11: Pentecost Sunday. Mass at 10 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica.
• Saturday 17 and Sunday 18: Pastoral visit to Savona and Genoa, Italy.
• Thursday 22: Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Mass at 7 p.m. in the basilica of St. John Lateran, followed by a procession to the basilica of St. Mary Major for Eucharistic blessing.

June:

• Saturday 14 and Sunday 15: Pastoral visit to Santa Maria di Leuca and Brindisi, Italy.
• Saturday 28: At 6 p.m. in the Roman basilica of St. Paul's Outside-the-Walls, First Vespers for the solemn opening of the Pauline Year.
• Sunday 29: Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the Vatican Basilica. Blessing and imposition of the pallium on metropolitan archbishops.

July:

• Saturday 12 to Monday 21: Apostolic trip to Australia for World Youth Day in Sydney.

August:

• Friday 15: Solemnity of the Assumption, Mass at 8 a.m. in the parish church of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castelgandolfo.

It's never to early too plan your summer vacation around seeing the pope!

Vatican allows injured bishop of Gallup Pelotte to resign

Finally:

"The Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the diocese of Gallup, U.S.A. presented by Bishop Donald E. Pelotte S.S.S., in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law." (VIS)

The wierd backstory:

Last July, Bishop Pelotte, the first American Indian bishop ever appointed, suffered from a fall at his home in Gallup, New Mexico. The fall caused head injury and heavy bruising across his face, chest, both arms, knuckles, legs, and feet.

While doctors and news agencies speculated that the injuries were more consistent with an assault than a fall down a staircase, the bishop insisted that he was not attacked by anyone.

A few months later, the bishop made the news again when he called the police to report four "gentle little people, about 3 to 4 feet tall, and wearing Halloween masks" who refused to leave his home. (CNA)

Local coverage:

Pelotte returned to Gallup Sept. 21 after receiving treatment in Arizona, Texas and Florida. He left Gallup again on Dec. 13 for further medical treatment, diocese officials have said. They have declined to say where Pelotte is recovering.

The Vatican granted Pelotte a one-year medical leave and the pope appointed Diocese of Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted as apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Gallup.

Olmsted will run the Diocese of Gallup until Pelotte's successor is appointed and installed.

The diocese encompasses all of San Juan and McKinley counties in New Mexico and most of northeastern Arizona. (AP)

My previous posts on this story as it was developing here. It's a strange one, for sure.

I'm glad to see the Vatican has officially allowed him to resign so the diocese can move on.

update: Diogenes bemoans the lack of (elsewhere-touted) "transparency" in all this.

Photo Caption Call - 4/29/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: Flickr user "M&M Ski"]

Update: New Bishop of Lansing Earl Boyea to be installed at 2PM EST

See the Diocese of Lansing website for more details.

Local coverage:

Faithful to greet newest bishop (Lansing State Journal)
Local news in brief (Detroit Free Press)
Bishop's installation will be a large logistical challenge (MLive)

I lived in the Diocese of Lansing for six years, and covered Boyea's nomination here when it happened.

My father, Canonist Ed Peters, will be co-anchoring live coverage of the liturgy with Al Kresta on Ave Maria Radio here.

update: you can hear the live coverage right here. I'm trying to listen in now.

Breaking: Cardinal Egan calls out Guiliani for papal Mass communion

This is the big story of the day. Read the report first, then scroll down for my comments and context.

Here are pictures of Rudolph Giuliani in line to receive communion at the papal Mass (credit: AP).

LifeSiteNews presents the situation accurately and briefly. It's worth your time:

The decision by several prominent pro-abortion politicians to publicly receive Holy Communion at papal Masses during the recent visit of Pope Benedict XVI, despite clear Church teaching that says that their reception of Communion would constitute a grave sacrilege, may have backfired. While at first it seemed like it would be business as usual, today Cardinal Edward Egan of New York issued a statement condemning the reception of Holy Communion by former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

The Archdiocese informed LifeSiteNews.com that the issue is being brought forward publicly at this time "because it has become a public issue and a public question."

"The Catholic Church clearly teaches that abortion is a grave offense against the will of God," said Egan. "Throughout my years as Archbishop of New York, I have repeated this teaching in sermons, articles, addresses, and interviews without hesitation or compromise of any kind."

He continued, "Thus it was that I had an understanding with Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, when I became Archbishop of New York and he was serving as Mayor of New York, that he was not to receive the Eucharist because of his well-known support of abortion."

"I deeply regret that Mr. Giuliani received the Eucharist during the Papal visit here in New York," said Egan, "and I will be seeking a meeting with him to insist that he abide by our understanding."

Giuliani's response?

Responding to the matter in the press, Giuliani said that his faith "is a deeply personal matter and should remain confidential."

Catholic News Agency tells us:

Giuliani's spokeswoman, Sunny Mindel, responded to the cardinal's statement by saying that Giuliani is willing to meet with the cardinal but added that his faith "is a deeply personal matter and should remain confidential."

Carl Olson at the Ignatius Press blog has the response to that false defense:

Well, [Guilian's] "faith" might be a "deeply personal matter," but reception of the Eucharist is not just a "personal matter," but a public act of worship and a declaration that one is in right relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

Here is the full statement of Cardinal Egan:

“The Catholic Church clearly teaches that abortion is a grave offense against the will of God. Throughout my years as Archbishop of New York, I have repeated this teaching in sermons, articles, addresses, and interviews without hesitation or compromise of any kind. Thus it was that I had an understanding with Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, when I became Archbishop of New York and he was serving as Mayor of New York, that he was not to receive the Eucharist because of his well-known support of abortion. I deeply regret that Mr. Giuliani received the Eucharist during the Papal visit here in New York, and I will be seeking a meeting with him to insist that he abide by our understanding.”

Rocco at Whispers in the Loggia holds this up as a counter-example:

The move is a notable change of public tack by [Cardinal Egan]. In an early 2007 TV interview, when asked how he'd "come down" on public officials who defy church teaching -- Giuliani included -- Egan said that the politicos named were "all friends of mine."

"I wish them all the best, and they've been very good to us" the cardinal told WNBC's David Ushery.

Suffice it to say, compare and contrast.

I'm not sure if this interview response necessarily contradicts the statement he issued today. If anything, Cardinal Egan's tone of surprise and hurt would seem to imply that he sees Guilian's action as a violation of their previous understanding.

What provoked this move, we might ask?

John Allen noted back on April 20th that "At least three times during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the United States, a prominent pro-choice Catholic politician has received communion during a papal Mass." (Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, and Rudolph Guiliani).

From this example, Allen concluded:

"While it would be a stretch to say that Benedict XVI authorized what happened, one can at least infer that the pope did not issue strict instructions to the contrary. The cumulative effect of these events will likely be to weaken the case that the Vatican wants the American bishops to take a stricter stance against communion for pro-choice Catholics in public life."

And yet, here we are, April 27th, and Cardinal Egan issues this unambiguous statement.

Bob Novak, in the interim, has been most vocal about the scandal the intervening silence caused:

In the aftermath of the U.S. visit by Pope Benedict XVI, traditional Catholics are asking a troublesome question: Did pro-choice politicians receiving Communion at the papal Masses indicate the pope had softened on the abortion question? The answer is no. On the contrary, it reflected disobedience to Benedict by the archbishops of New York and Washington.

And he was particularly harsh about the situation in New York:

In New York, Giuliani receiving Communion was even more remarkable. Unlike Pelosi and Kennedy, who attend Mass regularly, the former mayor says he goes to church only "occasionally," usually for holidays or funerals. Abortion aside, Giuliani's third marriage would make him ineligible for Communion because his second marriage was not annulled by the church. But Cardinal Egan is no more apt than Cardinal McCarrick was to offend the powerful, and Giuliani was invited to the Mass.

Novak published this Monday the 28th in the Washington Post. That same day Cardinal Egan published his statement. I don't know the timeline for sure, but it's possible Cardinal Egan was told in advance about Novak's piece. Or, it could be a coincidence that both Novak and Egan went to presses the same day.

update, 3:30pm - I was right, the statement was in response to Novak and the questions circulating:

"... the statement from Cardinal Egan was prompted by Robert Novak’s column and by comments circulating about the elected officials who had received Communion. “The cardinal felt it was important to clarify what had been the understanding, and to address it publicly,” he said. (CNA)

First things first, however - Cardinal Egan made the right move here. He did nothing new, or radical, he simply preached what the Church teaches in a moment when the teaching was challenged by Guiliani. In making this bold move to defend the Eucharist and prevent the scandal caused by these public figures receiving communion, he stands by Archbishop Raymond Burke, who up to this point has been the most prominent (and practically solitary) bishop to do so.

Canon Lawyer Ed Peters says that Cardinal Egan's statement is a slam dunk in terms of doctrine and Church Law:

"...whether for pro-abortion activism or for divorce and remarriage, to say nothing of both, Rudy is barred from receiving Communion. Period. His very, very public act of defiance in taking Communion at the papal Mass deserves swift and firm condemnation."

Now, one wonders if anything will happen here in Washington DC, where Kerry and Pelosi received (update: as well as Kennedy and Dodd).

The first public fruits of the pope's visit to America might well be giving the pastors of the Church the courage they needed to call out the wolves who have been attempting to masquerade as sheep in the American fold.

More on this story as it develops. Stay tuned....

update, 3:30pm - the response from Washington....

The Archdiocese of Washington also weighed in on the controversy, telling the New York Times that Archbishop Donald Wuerl had “consistently and persistently presented the Church’s clear teaching on the evil of abortion and the need for those in public office to recognize that the support of abortion is wrong.”

“How to respond to those in public office who support abortion legislation is open to various legitimate pastoral approaches, as the United States bishops affirmed in their June 2004 statement on Catholics in political life,” the statement said. “The decision concerning the refusal of Holy Communion to an individual can best be made by the bishop in the person’s home diocese with whom he or she presumably is in conversation.”

When contacted for additional comment by CNA, Susan Gibbs, Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Washington, would not provide anything further. (CNA)

Pictures: The Best Photos of Pope Benedict XVI

Flickr User Christus Vincit has done us a service - the best photos of Pope Benedict XVI.

A sample:

.... an endless supply of Papist Pictures of the Day! ;-)

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/26/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

"Guardian of the Pontifical Fire Escape" sounds more glamorous than it is.

[source: REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN)]

Lombardi describes rumors about pope's health as "baseless" and "paradoxical"

Via Zenit:

Rumors suggesting that Benedict XVI's health is failing are "baseless," confirmed the Vatican.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, said this in statements to the press after the French newspaper Le Figaro published an article Saturday that raised questions regarding the Pontiff's health. The report also speculated on future successors to the papacy.

The spokesman said the article's assertions, published less than one week after the Pontiff ended his five-day apostolic trip to the United States, were "paradoxical.”

“Benedict XVI is well and it is paradoxical that doubts about his health are being manufactured precisely after his return from his demanding trip [to the U.S.], during which his schedule was not lightened in any way, and given the obvious joy with which the Pope responded to the welcome he received,” he said.

Exactly, if anything, Pope Benedict appears to have gained energy and vigour since becoming Pontiff. He was positively spry during some events. I was exhausted trying to keep up with everything he was doing during those five days. Like Pope John Paul II, he appeared to draw energy from his loving audience and the importance of his mission (the grace attached to the office of Peter's successor, I'm sure, helps as well).

At the same time, however, I think the Vatican significantly damaged its credibility on the issue of the pope's health during the many declining years of Pope John Paul II. During which, despite obvious signs to the contrary, the press office often claimed that he was in good health. Do I think they hide this pope's health issues? No. But a few extra prayers sure couldn't hurt in any case.

Photos: Pope Benedict XVI Ordains 29 Men to the Priesthood

A busy day in Vatican City at St. Peter's Basilica:

The joy intrinsic to the ordination and the sorrow caused by news of violence coming from tormented Africa marked Benedict XVI’s day today as he ordained 29 deacons from the diocese of Rome this morning in St Peter’s Basilica. The Pope later talked about the rite and made an appeal for Somalia, Darfur and Burundi. He also mentioned his ‘mission’ to the United States and extended his best wishes to Orthodox Christians who celebrate Easter today, thus renewing his hope in full unity. (AsiaNews.IT)

Selected photos:

My, but doesn't this picture speak volumes? Here's the official photo caption:

New ordained priest Jarjis Robert Sayd of Iraq looks on during a ceremony lead by Pope Benedict XVI in which he ordained 29 new priests, in St. Peter Basilica at the Vatican, Sunday, April 27, 2008.

More photos at New Liturgical Movement.

Commentary: Cardinal Mahony says he is a "different disciple" after pope's visit

A changed man?

Cardinal Mahony writing in The Tidings - italics are my own:

For me personally, the two most memorable moments of grace with our Holy Father were ones shrouded in quiet prayer, silence and few public words: his meeting with victims of sexual abuse in Washington, D.C., and his visit to Ground Zero in New York. Both of these events had the dignity of silence, the depth of sadness, and the promise of hope-filled prayer - and both captured deeply the most wounded parts of our Church and of our country.

Yes, the great outdoor Masses were inspiring, the meetings with ecumenical and interfaith leaders were moving, and the gathering with young people and seminarians was memorable. But the power of those times of quiet healing moved me more deeply than all the rest of the Holy Father's many public appearances.

At first, I didn't know why. After all, concelebrating Mass with the Pope and tens of thousands of people was surely uplifting and a source of joy for us all. Slowly the realization became real: those times of quiet healing grace were exactly what I needed at this time in my own journey of faith. My own mistakes and failures over the years had continued to burden me - a weight that I failed to realize was holding me down.

The gentle and quiet manner of Pope Benedict touched me in the most vulnerable depths of my soul. I felt uplifted by our Shepherd and my heavy burdens somehow seemed lighter. How did our Holy Father accomplish this? Through his consistent call to faithful discipleship in Jesus Christ, and his reassurance that we are truly saved by hope in our loving God! His recent Encyclical Letter, Spe Salvi [Saved by Hope], continues to point us forward and upward on our journeys. He does not allow us to remain mired in our sins and faults, but instead, kept repeating the call to "true freedom" in Jesus who has come as "the way, the truth, and the life" for each one of us.

I return to Los Angeles a different disciple of Jesus than when I left a week ago. Thank you, Lord, for sending us not only the Vicar of Christ and the Successor of Peter, but also a brother and friend who knows Jesus personally and gave us six extraordinary days of grace and hope!

I dearly hope that Mahony's change of heart is authentic and bears fruit through internal and external reform.

Mahony, regular readers of this blog know, has a long history of doctrinal selectivism, allows and and promotes liturgical abuse, by many accounts has been deeply involved in abuses related to clergy sexual misconduct (during which he has often thrown the interests of the Church under the treads of civil law to protect himself), and is guilty of such deeply imprudent things as the construction of an ugly, vacant, $200 million cathedral in an archdiocese which could ill-afford such expenditures.

Has Mahony learned that it's never too late to begin acting for the best interest of the Church? Has he internalized the full range of Pope Benedict's teachings and exhortations? I hope so, on both counts.

If not, this letter is an empty lament, and a sounding gong. More than that: it's a crying shame.

Ph/t: Gerald Augustinus.

"Bill to Ban Human-Animal Hybrid Creation Introduced in Congress"

An AmP shout-out to Rep. Chris Smith:

Yesterday, Rep. Chris Smith introduced the Human-Animal Hybrid Prohibition Act, H.R. 5910, to ban the creation of part-human, part-animal hybrid beings. The legislation is timely as researchers are already tinkering with human-animal hybrid technologies. British scientists are actively perfecting the hybrid technique. On April 1, 2008 the BBC reported that, "Scientists at Newcastle University have created part-human, part-animal hybrid embryos for the first time in the UK." (LSN)

In the mailbox: The Last Secret of Fatima

The latest from DoubleDay religion:

Wow, written by the Cardinal Secretary of State, and a forward by Pope Benedict XVI!

I'm going to start reading it this afternoon.

"Papal visit triggers “tsunami” of New York seminary applications"

The good kind of tsunami:

St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers, New York, has received dozens of applications following Pope Benedict’s visit, the New York Daily News reports.

"It's been like a tsunami, a good tsunami of interest," said Father Luke Sweeney, the Archdiocese of New York's vocations director. “I've been meeting people all week and have a lot of e-mails I haven't had the chance yet to respond to. It has been incredible.”

The dire side:

For the first time in 108 years, the seminary had been preparing for a year with no students. Only 23 seminarians are expected to be ordained for New York City over the next four years. A study carried out by Catholic World Report claims the archdiocese’s ratio of priests to congregation members is among the worst in the country.

Hope:

“We were hoping the Pope would convince many who were considering the priesthood to make the next step. It looks like he did,” he said

“One said he came, saw the crowd, heard what the Pope said and then called us," the priest said. "He said his questions and concerns were answered when he heard him speak.”

Let's all pray for these brave young men.

Local Bishop claims no responsibility for "balloon priest"

When I reported on the story of a balloon-flying priest earlier in the week, I asked "Which bishop, exactly, approved this leave of absence?!"

Looks like the bishop in question ... is distancing himself from his earlier approval:

Bishop Joao Alves Dos Santos of Paranagua said this week the Church warned Father Adelir de Carli, who disappeared last Sunday, against the dangers of taking a balloon flight.

The 41 year-old priest was hoping to break a balloon flight record in order to raise money for a spiritual rest stop for truck drivers. Although he said he was prepared for the journey, he went missing a few hours after he began his flight and he has still not been found. Rescue efforts by the Brazilian Air Force were suspended on Thursday, but the priest's family is persisting in the search with the help of a rented twin engine plane.

Bishop Dos Santos had joined in the now suspended search effort and said he is praying for the wellbeing of the priest.

According to the bishop, the Church did not encourage Father De Carli to take the flight. “We respected his decision but we advised against the trip because it was dangerous,” he said. (CNA)

Sure, suspending yourself hundreds of feet above the ocean with party balloons. What's not to respect?

Seriously, I hope they find him. But is this sort of thing really the best way to raise money in Brazil?!

"Bee Tornado" or Modern Day Eleventh Plague?

True story [with my bracketed comments for illustrative purposes]:

A giant cloud of thousands of bees mysteriously appeared and began to swirl in a "tornado pattern" around [an Egyptian-run] Central Florida Mexican restaurant [and brick manufacturer].

[Hebrew] Customers at Oxie's restaurant located near Highway 17-92 and Plymouth Avenue in [in Lower Egypt] said they noticed a cloud in the sky and thought it was raining. They then realized, the cloud was a swarm of bees.

"A lot of people said it was bees and ran to their cars [and chariots]," restaurant owner [and Pharaoh] Oxie Ochiana said. "It was scary. I was panicking. I didn't know what to do. [When one of my customers claimed his God was a jealous God, I totally didn't believe him.]"

Witnesses said the bees began to swirl like a tornado and menace customers Thursday [saying, "Let my people go!"].

"I looked and it was like a tornado of bees just all around our parking lot, swarming," said restaurant worker Marie Olson [whose Hebrew name is Zipporah].

A crowd formed at a distance to watch the cloud of bees [and praise the Lord with Timbrel and Harp]."

"It was crazy," Olson said. "I was shocked. I was surprised to see it. I don't know where they came from, so it was amazing to actually see them like that. It was awesome. [Our God is faithful to his promises!]"

I swear, the non-bracketed parts are completely original.

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/25/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Some claim the Orthodox are overzealous when picking saints.

[source: REUTERS/Mihai Barbu (ROMANIA)]

Quotable Benedict: "Music infuses hope into the human soul"

Some excerpts from a speech he made at the Vatican after a concert performed in his honor:

This week the Italians took their turn at showing their affection and respect for the Pope by hosting a classical music concert in honor of his third anniversary and birthday. Benedict XVI thanked the choir and the orchestra for sharing the gift of music with people. Music, he said, has a spiritual value because it can “infuse hope into the human soul.”

.... The concert featured pieces by Luciano Berio, Johannes Brahms and Ludwig van Beethoven and was performed by the Giuseppe Verdi symphony orchestra and choir of Milan.

.... The Pope explained that there is a “spiritual value” to the art of music which, “in a special way, is called to infuse hope into the human soul, marked and sometimes injured by its earthly condition.

“There is a profound and mysterious relationship between music and hope, between song and eternal life", the Holy Father said. "It is no coincidence that Christian tradition shows the spirits of the blessed as they sing in chorus, captivated and enraptured by the beauty of God. But true art, like prayer, is not foreign to everyday reality, rather it calls us to 'irrigate' that reality, to make it sprout that it may bring forth fruits of goodness and peace.

Music, in fact, has a far greater value because it "reminds us furthermore of the value and the universal importance of artistic heritage,” the Pope said. He also mentioned that it is of particular value to the young, who can draw "new inspiration" from such heritage "in order to build a world founded on justice and solidarity, putting the multiform expressions of world culture to good account at the service of mankind".

Benedict XVI mentioned the importance that "educating people to recognize true beauty has for the formation of the young", and he explained how art "contributes to refining their souls and leads towards the construction of a society open to the ideals of the spirit. (CNA)

Underlinining my own. Many of the performers were young adults.

A few pictures from the event:



Credit: REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN), AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano, HO

Peggy Noonan on airport security, Pennsylvania, and Bush

My Friday morning treat is to read Peggy Noonan's latest column. Now it can be yours, too!

McCain-Jindal spotted in New Orleans, VP rumors denied

McCain in New Orleans:

Surrounded by gutted homes in the Lower 9th Ward, Sen. John McCain promised Thursday that the federal government won't be so slow after the next big storm.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee toured a residential street with Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, a Republican, before addressing about 50 activists, journalists and Hurricane Katrina survivors in front of a church.

"Never again will we experience such mishandling of natural disasters and the suffering that ensues from it," McCain said. "There are so many lessons that … need to be learned." (USA Today)

Bobby Jindal, for his part, said he wasn't considering or remotely expecting the VP spot. Instead:

"I intend to be governor for four years and run for a second term," Jindal said.
Jindal’s national profile will rise again next week with an appearance on "The Tonight Show" on Monday and in front of the National Press Club in Washington on May 2. (The Daily Advertiser)

Hey, I'm free May 2nd. Maybe I should check it out.

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/24/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

The separation of Church and State, ballpark-style.

[source: Mike Segar/Reuters]

Exclusive: On day of PA primary, Hillary Clinton wears Madonna Bracelet!

Check out this photo of a celebratory Hillary Clinton taken on the night of the PA primary:

Now let's have a closer look at that bracelet she's sporting:

To many Catholics, it's instantly familiar as a "Madonna bracelet", such as this one (maybe exactly this one):

So, here it is: on the day of a crucial primary for her campaign, in a state with a large Catholic vote, Hillary Clinton deliberately wears a piece of religious jewelry identifying her with a popular Catholic devotion.

Am I surprised? Not at all. After all, it paid off. She won the "Catholic vote".

But I thought it should be pointed out nonetheless.... what do you think of her choice?

update - this story has gone big. Feel free to add this to Digg, etc. The buttons are below.

update 2 - welcome, readers of HotAir, MichelleMalkin, Ace of Spades, NRO's The Corner & Lucianne.

You saw it here first: Hillary Clinton, a Methodist, wearing a Catholic devotional bracelet! See more of my posts:

• Hillary Clinton
• Barack Obama
• 2008 Presidential Race
• Catholicism & Politics
• My previous exclusives

.... and if you want some Friday humor, check out the archived papist picture of the day!

Video: This week's "Catholic Colbert"

The latest "Catholic Colbert":

Frankly, not that funny. This is why he should interview me.

Stephen, I know you're watching. I am papist, and so can you.

AmP Featured on BlogAwards.com

Pretty cool:

In honor of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the good ol’ USA, we bring you the blog American Papist: Not Your Average Catholic. For those not in the know, a Papist is a Catholic who is a strong advocate of the papacy. The blog is written by Thomas Peters, a young lay Catholic currently studying and working in Washington D.C., who has been blogging about life as a Catholic American since 2005. Brimming with images of the Pope’s visit thus far (he only arrived yesterday in D.C.) and extended coverage of his every move, American Papist is a must-read for Catholics and non-Catholics alike who are interested in the Holy Father.

Thanks for the nod!

Vatican to take disciplinary action against renegade Paraguayan bishop?

The headline gives us the picture: Former bishop Fernando Lugo scores historic win in Paraguay.

The story fills it in:

Former Roman Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo won a historic victory in Paraguay's presidential election Sunday, ending more than six decades of one-party rule with a mandate to help the nation's poor and indigenous.

.... News of the win by the gray-bearded Lugo, dubbed the "bishop of the poor," set off massive parties in cities across Paraguay with horn-honking caravans of cars blaring music. Others stamped on torn-down banners of the Colorado Party, which many Paraguayans blame for decades of corruption by political elites.

.... In Paraguay's long-volatile politics, Lugo still awaited final official returns confirming his landmark triumph, which would make him he first former Catholic bishop elected as a president.

.... A bishop since 1994, he resigned the post in December 2006 to sidestep Paraguay's constitutional ban on clergy seeking office. Lugo says he was influenced by the liberation theology frowned upon by the Vatican. But he says he is neither on the left nor the right, but leads a pluralistic coalition.

Trouble is, it's meaningless to "resign" from being a priest (or a bishop) in the Catholic church.

[edited - see update below]

Canon Lawyer Ed Peters (my father) explains the complexities of the canonical case:

Pope Benedict XVI is believed to be mulling over the possibility of expelling a bishop, Fernando Lugo, from the clerical state. That would certainly be a first under the 1983 Code (the Jacques Gaillot case in 1995 was not a precedent; Gaillot was removed from office, but not from the clerical state), and I'm pretty sure it never happened under the 1917 Code.

[More arcanum and "practicalum" in his post.]

Catholic World News follows the above-cited canonical analysis of Ed Peters, and adds this:

A former Divine Word missionary, Lugo was named Bishop of San Pedro in 1994. He resigned that post in 2005, citing health issues. He is now 58 years old and his health appears to be fine.

How shocking. A miraculous recovery. Must have been a sign, right?

The Vatican's spokesmen, Fr. Federico Lombardi, says they are going to "take things slow."

In other words, don't expect an immediate specific condemnation of the bishop's most recent action (winning the election). Lugo is already in enough trouble for abandoning his ministry, so he's not going to get into more trouble for succeeding at what he left his office to accomplish. If anything, in accepting the position he proclaims his obduracy in sin. Plus the Vatican doesn't want to look like it is meddling in the political process.

update: Gregor of TNLM, in the comments section to this post, raises the possibility that removal of a bishop from the clerical state is in fact impossible, citing a statement by Cardinal Re. Considering that the original "source" for these rumors that the pope was considering removing Lugo from the clerical state is not the Vatican but instead a UK newspaper, it's not surprising that they would get this matter of fact wrong.

Heck, these journalists can't even get the concept of laicization down in the first place (instead they often use the non-technical term "defrocking", which they actually used again in today's story).

Updates as I see them....

update 2: Ed Peters responds that dismissing a bishop from the clerical state is not impossible, but will save explaining why until later tonight when he can do so at length on his blog. So check back there.

Flash: John Henry Cardinal Newman to be beatified this year!

Deo Gratias!

The Vatican has approved the beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman [wikipedia page], the English convert and theologian who has had immense influence upon English-speaking Catholicism, the Birmingham Mail reports.

The Catholic Church has accepted as miraculous the cure of an American deacon’s crippling spinal disorder. The deacon, Jack Sullivan of Marshfield, Massachusetts, prayed for John Henry Newman’s intercession.

At his beatification ceremony later this year, John Henry Newman will receive the title “Blessed.” He will need one more recognized miracle to be canonized.

The case of a 17-year-old New Hampshire boy who survived serious head injuries from a car crash is being investigated as a possible second miracle. (CNA)

Intentional Disciples anticipated this story, and has some helpful resources.

Plenty of folks are going to be tickled pink about this news. Me, for one.

Ph/t: Gashwin Gomes.

Brazilian balloon priest missing at sea; feared apostasized, raptured

Well, the first part of this blog title is true:

Rescuers reached a cluster of brightly colored party balloons floating in the ocean off Brazil's coast Tuesday but did not find the Roman Catholic priest who had been using them in a bid to set a flight record.

Rev. Adelir Antonio di Carli remained missing after lifting off from the port city of Paranagua on Sunday strapped to hundreds of helium-filled balloons.

He was also wearing a helmet, aluminum thermal flight suit, water proof coveralls and parachute and was seeking to break a record for the longest time in-flight with party balloons.

He planned to use the money raised in his attempt to break the 19-hour record to fund a "spiritual" rest-stop for truckers in Paranagua, home to Brazil's largest grain port. (AP)

*scratches head* Which bishop, exactly, approved this leave of absence?!

Photos: Pope Delivers Homily at Funeral Mass for Cardinal Trujillo

More fantastic photos at New Liturgical Movement.

From the Vatican Information Service:

This morning in St. Peter's Basilica, Benedict XVI pronounced a homily following the funeral Mass for the late Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, who died on Saturday 19 April at the age of 72.

The Pope highlighted "the zeal and passion" with which the cardinal worked over the last 18 years, "his tireless activity in safeguarding and promoting the family and Christian marriage" as well as "the courage with which he defended the non-negotiable values of human life".

Among the late cardinal's achievements, the Pope mentioned "the 'Lexicon', which is a valuable formational text for pastoral care workers and an instrument for dialogue with the modern world on the fundamental themes of Christian ethics. We cannot", he added, "but be grateful for the tenacious battle he fought to defend the truth of familial love and to spread the gospel of the family".

He was well loved and will be dearly missed.

Catholic Radio gets a Sirius Papal Shout-Out

Talk about a fun listen, Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to New York sat down to record a 30-second spot for the Catholic Channel on Sirius Satelite Radio, which you can hear here. The story has been picked up by Zenit.

Hmm, "other media" - is that a subliminal reference to Catholic blogs?!

Oh, and they offer a free 3-day trial on their website.

Plans are in the works to have Pope Benedict guest-blogging on American Papist soon. ;-)

Help an Eastern Rite Seminarian

I often get requests along these lines, but it's rare that someone has done the legwork to where it's easy for me to pass on their request. He's been accepted as a seminarian but needs to pay off his college debt.

• Real Clear Religion explains the situation
• The young man speaks on Catholic Exchange
• His website: http://www.helpmebecomeapriest.com/

If you don't feel able to help his financial plight, please keep him in your prayers.

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/22/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

The pope's eighth-inning call for a lavabo cleared the bench.

[source: Erin Siegal/Reuters]

Exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the NYC papal Mass!

These sent to me by AmP reader Jeff, studying at St. Mary's Seminary and University.

A gorgeous altar crucifix, seen close up. This guy had access.

The sacristy (aka the Yankee's locker room) all decked-out.

Cardinals DiNardo, O'Malley and Maida chat before the Mass.

Cardinal Folley takes an opportunity to get off his feet prior to the official activities.

Cardinal O'Malley shows off his spiffing matching red socks. Get it ... red sox?! :)

Angels in the outfield, and bishops in the dugout!

The commemorative plaque donated by the KofC that will remain in Yankee Stadium.

I had to laugh at this one: the famous orange fanta that the pope supposedly loves!

A couple more photos can be found on the AmP Flickr set I've created for these.

My thanks to Jeff for sending these to me. I think they reveal a nice alternative perspective on what was - by all accounts - a "well polished production of a Mass."

If you have any behind-the-scenes photos, please, send them along! I'd love to share them with AmP readers.

Update: Papists and Today's Pennsylvania Primary

update, 11:30PM:

Clinton wins PA by about 10 points. So that means she's staying in the race.

As Deal notes, Catholics went for Clinton big time, but had a less-than-expected showing.

update, 6:30PM:

early word out of PA is that Clinton has narrowly won the state over Obama 52-48.

if true, that's a much slimmer margin than she was hoping for, and now she needs Indiana.

more:

• Analysis: Philadelphia area key to winning state
• Exit polls: New Dems break for Obama, late deciders for Clinton

update, 3:30PM:

• "The former first [lady] is favored to win today's contest, but polls show a wide range of possible victory margins, and it's unclear what impact thousands of newly registered voters will have on the race. Many political observers believe she must win by double-digits here or face pressure to bow out." (MSNBC First Read)

Voter turn out is high today, aided by good weather.

• "The margin in the popular vote ultimately will be secondary to how Pennsylvania affects the battle for pledged delegates," Dan Balz writes in The Washington Post. "Clinton badly needs to make up ground in the delegate fight and, given the way they're distributed, that could be difficult." (ABC NEWS The Note)

If not impossible - at least for anyone who isn't named Clinton.

original post:

Tomorrow (Tuesday the 22nd), Pennsylvania is holding its democratic primary.

How much do Catholics figure in this primary? Plenty.

Estimates for the percentage of Catholics who will participate in the election run as high as 40%, which is above the state's overall demographic (where Catholics make up about ~30% of the population). This still means that Catholics are the largest voting block in Pennsylvania by religion. It seems safe to guess that 1/3 of the voters tomorrow will be Catholic.

This is good news for Clinton, who normally wins more Catholics than Obama.

Obama is wise to this situation, however, and he has formed a "Catholic advisory council", that Deal Hudson takes a look at here. The Catholic vote is crucial to Obama's long-term prospects. As CNN's Ed Henry notes, Catholics have picked the winner "in eight of the last nine presidential elections."

Will Pope Benedict's recent trip to the U.S. have an effect on voting or show up in the polls? It's very unlikely. Matt Drudge has reported that the Clinton campaign has internal polling numbers showing her with an 11-point lead going into tomorrow, but that up-tick I'm sure is due to many factors.

So, what do you think? I'll keep this thread updated tomorrow so concentrate the comments here.

A seminarian blogs his experience of the Papal Youth Rally

In his own words:

Due to the generosity of my bishop, I was able to attend the Youth Rally at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers NY during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the USA.

I found this particularly amusing:

Here is a diagram to 1) give you a better idea of where I was and 2) put my stellar paintbrush skills on display. The yellow part is the buffer zone between the crowd and the Pope (there was actually Gold carpeting laid down here. The white at the top is the stage, and the white at the bottom is the gathering space.

Go visit his blog for the rest of his on-the-ground reporting!

Richard Sipe "outs" retired DC Cardinal McCarrick

It's interesting (surprising?) that Catholic World News would report on this accusation:

Richard Sipe, a former Benedictine priest and psychologist who has commented extensively on the sex-abuse scandal in the US, has accused Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the retired Archbishop of Washington, of recruiting seminarians as sexual partners.

Here is Sipe's statement.

A couple reactions:

• It is doubteful that Sipe would go this far if he did not think he could survive a counter-lawsuit saying that he is guilty of libel for making these claims. By the same token, however, the failure of McCarrick to bring such a lawsuit should not automatically be taken as an admission of guilt on his part.
• I don't know much about Richard Sipe, but it appears he has taken some of his advocacy on behalf of uncovering abusive priests too far. For instance, he thinks clergy celibacy should be repealed.

In posting this story, I'm not trying to take a position on the veracity of Sipe's claims, or the prudence of addressing the situation in the way he chose (publicly). CWNews has already let the story out of the bag.

Charge: CNS behaves more like "LPNS" when choosing interview subjects

In other words, not "Catholic News Service", but "Liberal Protestant News Service" says Carl Olson over at the Ignatius Press blog.

Christopher Blosser at the Benedict in America Blog explains the cause for Carl Olson's charge - it's the inexplicable fact that CNS writer Chris Herlinger chose to interview students at a "nondenominational graduate school of theology with Protestant roots and a home for Catholic academics who have run afoul of the Vatican" to get a reaction to the pope's visit.

It shouldn't surprising the resulting article came up with quotes like this:

"For her part, [Union doctoral student Kim] Harris -- a Catholic who used to be Presbyterian -- said her concern about church reform, specifically the need to expand the eligibility for clergy to include noncelibate men and women, is coming out of real and "lived experience.""

Christopher Blosser asks in response:

Does this subjective feeling of resentment invalidate the argued position of the Church?

Catholic News Service identifies itself as "the primary source of national and world news that appears in the U.S. Catholic press," however with the disclaimer that "while created in 1920 by the bishops of the United States, is editorially independent and a financially self-sustaining division of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops."

I wonder if "editorially and financially independent" is to the USCCB what "plausible deniability" is for the President, when the CIA does a black operation? Honestly, I would have normally expected this backstabbing tripe from the likes of the National Catholic Reporter.

Diogenes at Catholic World News' Off the Record blog doesn't have much patience for this sort of thing either.

Aussie Cardinal Pell Disputes “global warming hypothesis”

CNA reports:

In the April 20 edition of the Australian newspaper, the Sunday Telegraph, Cardinal George Pell expressed his concern regarding the “global warming hypothesis” in an article titled, “Global warming is over.”

Cardinal Pell began his article by giving recent examples of countries that have experienced more bitter temperatures and heavier snow than usual.

... The cardinal stated that while “the world is much bigger than both China and Canada combined, which might be the exceptions to the new rule of man-made global warming, but they are inconvenient facts for the climate-change bandwagon.”

"And it is an intolerant bandwagon with loud, exaggerated claims that the issue is settled and that an unchallenged consensus among scientists confirms the hypothesis of dangerous, humanly caused global warming. In fact, the issue is far from settled.”

He continued by listing three significant points. [Read them here.]

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/21/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

Vice-President Cheney was disappointed when he was informed that he could not accompany the pope back to Rome. No, not even if he asks nicely.

[source: REUTERS/Mel Evans/Pool (UNITED STATES) ]

Archive: AmP Coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the USA

Complete Coverage of Pope Benedict's visit to the U.S.:

Day 6:

• AmP: Thanks, Papa!
• Humor: Papist Picture of the Day
• Recap: Suffering from Papal withdrawal?
• Photo Caption Call (My 3000th post!)
• Pope trip: Papal Mass in Yankee Stadium beginning now
• A youth's first-hand account of the papal youth rally
• Pictures: Pope Benedict Prays at Ground Zero

Day 5:

• Video: Kelly Clarkson performs for Pope Benedict
• Commentary: On Pope Benedict's Speech to Youth
• Liveblogging Pope Benedict's Youth Rally
• Humor: Papist Picture of the Day
• Quotable Pope: On Academic Freedom, and Heterodoxy
• Commentary: The pope's global warming speech that wasn't
• Offbeat: Papal Security Sweep Saves Life of Area Beaver
• Exclusive: Kelly Clarkson will sing for Pope Benedict

Day 4:

• Notice: I'll be on CNN this Saturday morning at 11:30
• Video: President Bush praises Pope Benedict
• Pictures: Pope Benedict at the United Nations
• Awesome Picture: Pope Benedict Descends From Helicopter
• Aside: Pope leaves 46,000 happy (and sunburned!) Catholics
• Text: Pope Benedict's address to the United Nations
• Pope trip: Pope to NYC, and U.N. Address (includes links)

Day 3:

• Video: Abuse victims describe personal meeting with Pope
• Links: All the speeches of Pope Benedict so far
• AmP Videos: Papal Mass in Washington DC
• AmP Pictures: Papal Mass in Washington DC
• Video: Catholics Come Home
• Noted: Pope meets privately with victims of sexual abuse
• Picture: John Kerry Receives Communion at Papal Mass

Day 2:

• President Bush to Pope: "Awesome speech your Holiness"
• Reactions to Pope Benedict's Speech to U.S. Bishops
• Humor: Photo Caption Call
• Photos: Pope addresses U.S. Bishops
• AmP Pictures: Pope Benedict visits the Shrine
• Amp Videos: Pope Benedict visits the Shrine
• My Videos & Photos taken at Pope Benedict's visit to the National Shrine with the U.S. Bishops
• Text: Address of the Holy Father to the U.S. bishops
• Pictures: Pope Benedict at the White House
• Text: Address of the Holy Father at the White House
• AmP: Blogging from near the National Shrine
• AmP: Tonight, I sleep in the same city as the pope
• Videos: Day 1 highlights of Pope Benedict XVI's visit
• AmP: I'm interviewed in OSV's article on Catholic blogging
• Cardinal: Pope's reflections aren't irrelevant to politics
• Personal: I've got the golden ticket!
• Noted: Abp. Wuerl to ride with Pope Benedict in Popemobile
• Info: DC Papal Mass at Nationals Stadium - All you need.

Day 1:

• Day 1: Pictures of Pope Benedict's Arrival
• Day 1: Liveblogging the pope's arrival (w/ live video links!)
• Video: My MSNBC interview on the pope and his trip
• Day 1: Hillary Clinton makes her move
• Day 1: Vatican's papal itinerary (and already a typo)
• Day 1: Pope Benedict speaks to reporters on Shepherd One

My email: thomas [at] americanpapist.com

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What does Pope Benedict have to say to the Catholic youth of today? Find out in this affordable book!

Thanks, Papa!

Needless to say, Pope Benedict XVI's visit was a huge shot in the arm for AmP's readership numbers. The blog was featured on the Today Show and MSNBC.com, and I was able to do interviews with CNN, BBC World News and Our Sunday Visitor. AmP was also recommended as a "go to" blog for papal coverage by countless blogs and websites.

Thank you for the trust.

Hopefully people were able to find out more about our beloved Holy Father. After all, he's why I'm here.

As a result of all this exposure, some AmP numbers for you, in case you find these things interesting:

• Bloglines subscribers are up to 160.
• Almost 400 subscribers through Google Reader.
• Over 23,000 picture views recorded on Flickr.
• AmP's YouTube videos have been watched almost 17,000 times, with 46 subscribers.
• The official AmP Facebook page has almost 350 members now.
• In the last week, well over 40,000 visits and 100,000 pages viewed.

... and a couple folks even dropped a little something in the Paypal donation box. Thank you!

And please remember, following Pope Benedict XVI is a year-round gig around here - so stick around!

Suffering from Papal withdrawal?

I am.

I'm also rather exhausted by these last five days. I can only imagine how happy Pope Benedict is to be finally going home. I mean, he has almost 60 years on me. And what's around-the-clock coverage and a few interviews when compared to the schedule he had? Not much, really.

(Gosh, I already miss him.)

That said, I don't want to lose the momentum. I will, however, probably allow a few days to slip by before I try to glean what the "consensus" is following his visit. In the interim, AmP will be returning to its normal wide coverage of things Catholic, plus I'll be drafting a reflection piece on what the pope's visit means, now that he is gone.

(I wonder if anyone wants to publish it? Drop me a line.)

Also, I'd love to hear what you thought about the visit. Favorite moment? Favorite line? Did you see him? What was good? What was bad? Did the media behave? Did the pope exceed your expectations? Disappoint?

There's plenty to discuss, so go for it!

Photo Caption Call - 4/20/08 (My 3000th post!)

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: REUTERS/Mike Segar]

As I've said in many recent interviews, I expected to publish my 3,000th post during Pope Benedict XVI's visit.

Well, here we are. See you at 4,000!

Papal Mass in Yankee Stadium beginning now

The pope's final public appearance - celebrating Mass at Yankee Stadium in NYC - is beginning now.

I would recommend watching it on the USCCB's papal visit site: http://www.uspapalvisit.org

A youth's first-hand account of the papal youth rally

This sent to me last night by an overjoyed Megan B., of Hyde Park, New York:

"Hello! I’m a long time reader of your blog and I wanted to give you some more details on the papal youth rally, which I was able to attend today.

First of all, it was absolutely amazing. It was like a giant 4th of July fireworks event, or county fair (including long lines for food!)

One of the things they didn’t show on TV (I don’t know if they mentioned it) was that there was also a prayer chapel and confessions available. The prayer chapel was a white tent with a gold tabernacle, a life-sized crucifix and big picture of the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. All day they had prayer services like meditations, songs, the rosary, and dance. I was with a group that did two prayer services, and people just kept coming in and out to pray.

Also, I’ve never been to a world youth day, so this is the most brothers, sisters and priests I’ve seen in one place! There were tons of priests/seminarians in cassocks everywhere. I also saw the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, the Sisters of Life, Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist (from Michigan!) and Mother Theresa’s sisters, the Sisters of Charity. I saw regular Franciscans, and also Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, including…Fr. Benedict Groschel! He passed by my area in a wheelchair; it looked like he was going to the VIP section.

It was also so amazing to see everyone’s shirts. Almost all the schools/parishes had personalized shirts. Some had the Christ our Hope logo, and the year and their parish name, there were jersey style “Benedict 16” shirts, I "heart" B16 (styled after the I love NY logo), “I’d rather be studying theology,” “I love Jesuits.” It was amazing. It really made you realize how many people there are that love their faith.

Besides the marriage vocation video, they also showed a clip of “God in the Streets of New York” by Grassroots Films. They also showed an interview with a friend of mine, sharing an experience of living the Gospel in daily life, specifically through sports.

Overall, the vibe was really great. The MCs were good, and they kept dangling Kelly Clarkson in front of the audience, but honestly, I think all the other Christian artists did a better job of psyching people up. What better way to prepare for seeing the pope than singing “Jesus Freak” with TobyMac, or the Apostle’s Creed with Third Day or “Here I am Lord” with Matt Mahr. The last one was the only song that everyone sang along with.

Once the pope arrived, we all just couldn’t stop cheering. I think we ran overtime because of that. The seminarians were the worst—I don’t know if you could tell, but the pope actually stopped at one point to let them finish the song they were singing—I think it was a Gregorian chant. The pope was definitely happy to be there.

Also, everyone got a good bag with:

• a bottle of water
• emergency poncho (which we used to sit on, since there was no rain)
• a white or yellow bandana (you can see them in the pictures)
• a 2-for-1 admission pass t the Cathoics in New York dispay at the museaum of the City of New Yorka prayer card for the pope's visit
• a "Come Follow Me" vocation prayer carda brochure and card about vocations to the priesthood
• the program book, which had the songs that were song with the pope, including "Happy Birthday" in German (you didn't think we all knew that, did you?)"

Thanks, Megan, for your wonderful account!

Pictures: Pope Benedict Prays at Ground Zero

Words below, but images first:

Read the Vatican's account of the pope's visit to Ground Zero, along with the text of his prayer, here.

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/19/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

PopeBerry n., "A phone addictively used to take pictures of the pope."

(The same people normally have this image as their phone's wallpaper.)

[source: REUTERS/Mel Evans/Pool (UNITED STATES) ]

Video: Kelly Clarkson performs for Pope Benedict

Here ya go (link updated):

Thoughts on Pope Benedict's Speech to Youth

Quotations and comments:

"I am most grateful to them all. Also, I wish to acknowledge your singing to me Happy Birthday! Thank you for this moving gesture; I give you all an "A plus" for your German pronunciation!"

Ha!

My own years as a teenager were marred by a sinister regime that thought it had all the answers; its influence grew - infiltrating schools and civic bodies, as well as politics and even religion - before it was fully recognized for the monster it was. It banished God and thus became impervious to anything true and good. Many of your grandparents and great-grandparents will have recounted the horror of the destruction that ensued. Indeed, some of them came to America precisely to escape such terror.

Pope Benedict is never afraid to use his own life and experience as an example to youth, good and bad.

The second area of darkness - that which affects the mind - often goes unnoticed, and for this reason is particularly sinister. The manipulation of truth distorts our perception of reality, and tarnishes our imagination and aspirations. I have already mentioned the many liberties which you are fortunate enough to enjoy. The fundamental importance of freedom must be rigorously safeguarded. It is no surprise then that numerous individuals and groups vociferously claim their freedom in the public forum. Yet freedom is a delicate value. It can be misunderstood or misused so as to lead not to the happiness which we all expect it to yield, but to a dark arena of manipulation in which our understanding of self and the world becomes confused, or even distorted by those who have an ulterior agenda.

Have you noticed how often the call for freedom is made without ever referring to the truth of the human person? Some today argue that respect for freedom of the individual makes it wrong to seek truth, including the truth about what is good. In some circles to speak of truth is seen as controversial or divisive, and consequently best kept in the private sphere. And in truth's place - or better said its absence - an idea has spread which, in giving value to everything indiscriminately, claims to assure freedom and to liberate conscience. This we call relativism. But what purpose has a "freedom" which, in disregarding truth, pursues what is false or wrong? How many young people have been offered a hand which in the name of freedom or experience has led them to addiction, to moral or intellectual confusion, to hurt, to a loss of self-respect, even to despair and so tragically and sadly to the taking of their own life? Dear friends, truth is not an imposition. Nor is it simply a set of rules. It is a discovery of the One who never fails us; the One whom we can always trust. In seeking truth we come to live by belief because ultimately truth is a person: Jesus Christ. That is why authentic freedom is not an opting out. It is an opting in; nothing less than letting go of self and allowing oneself to be drawn into Christ's very being for others (cf. Spe Salvi, 28).

A favorite theme of the Holy Father: our freedom is meant to lead us to happiness, but it is a delicate possession that must be closely guarded and fostered. Freedom is not an end in itself.

The pope now focuses four "essential aspects of faith":

1. personal prayer and silence
2. liturgical prayer
3. charity in action
4. vocations (not just to the priesthood - to the married life as well)

In detail (my abbreviated quotations from the Holy Father's text):

1. What matters most is that you develop your personal relationship with God. That relationship is expressed in prayer....Friends, do not be afraid of silence or stillness, listen to God, adore him in the Eucharist. Let his word shape your journey as an unfolding of holiness.

2. Whenever you gather for Mass, when you go to Confession, whenever you celebrate any of the sacraments, Jesus is at work....Your faithful participation, is an active hope which helps to keep the world - saints and sinners alike - open to God; this is the truly human hope we offer everyone.

3. Contemplating Jesus on the Cross we see love in its most radical form. We can begin to imagine the path of love along which we must move. The opportunities to make this journey are abundant. Look about you with Christ's eyes, listen with his ears, feel and think with his heart and mind. Are you ready to give all as he did for truth and justice?

4. Let us pray for mothers and fathers throughout the world, particularly those who may be struggling in any way - socially, materially, spiritually. Let us honor the vocation of matrimony and the dignity of family life. Let us always appreciate that it is in families that vocations are given life.

To seminarians:

Gathered here at Saint Joseph Seminary, I greet the seminarians present and indeed encourage all seminarians throughout America. I am glad to know that your numbers are increasing! .... Dear seminarians, I pray for you daily. Remember that what counts before the Lord is to dwell in his love and to make his love shine forth for others.

His final paragraph:

Friends, again I ask you, what about today? What are you seeking? What is God whispering to you? The hope which never disappoints is Jesus Christ. The saints show us the selfless love of his way. As disciples of Christ, their extraordinary journeys unfolded within the community of hope, which is the Church. It is from within the Church that you too will find the courage and support to walk the way of the Lord. Nourished by personal prayer, prompted in silence, shaped by the Church's liturgy you will discover the particular vocation God has for you. Embrace it with joy. You are Christ's disciples today. Shine his light upon this great city and beyond. Show the world the reason for the hope that resonates within you. Tell others about the truth that sets you free. With these sentiments of great hope in you I bid you farewell, until we meet again in Sydney this July for World Youth Day! And as a pledge of my love for you and your families, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

See you in Sydney (God willing)!

Liveblogging Pope Benedict's Youth Rally Remotely

*** The Live feed by the USCCB is here: http://www.uspapalvisit.org/ ***

6:30PM - Sorry to say that I must cease liveblogging at this point, but do continue to watch the feed!

5:55PM - We're watching five youths read the short biography of American saints, and meet the Holy Father.

5:40PM - A wonderful line from Cardinal Egan: "Here before you, Holy Father, is the hope of the Church in America!"

5:31PM - I can't believe it. He walked all the way down the "catwalk" platform to shake hands!

5:30PM - I've lost track of how long they've been cheering. Something rediculous like 6-7 minutes?!

5:24PM - He's taken the stage. One of the happiest I've seen him. He hasn't sat down yet.

5:15PM - Waiting to leave, he rolled the window down and continues to greet the youth.

5:13PM - Before getting in the popemobile, the pope made a run for the barrier and said hi!

4:59PM - He's leaving down the center aisle now. Blessing children like crazy. Seeking them out sometimes.

4:54pm - The pope is addressing the assembled youth with disabilities. It is actually a planned speech, and not "off the cuff" as the USCCB commentator's surmised. His speech gains force because you can here in the background some of the children, and see their parents caring for them.

4:47PM - The archdiocesan deaf choir is singing along with a hymn for the Holy Father.

4:46PM - Pope Benedict is receiving gifts from children. Super cute. He's all smiles.

4:29PM - Oh, and I just have to mention that in this lengthy promo video I appear TWICE! :-D

4:22PM - They're rolling a video promo for the next in World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia. Contrary to what the commentators said - it's happening this summer (2008), not next summer.

4:20PM - Colleen Carroll Campbell has an excellent piece on what Catholic youth see in Pope Benedict, and what he expects of them. One of the best treatments I've read recently.

4:15PM - The commentators have been saying some helpful things. We're basically just waiting for the pope. I just read the pope's speech in advance - it's going to be great! Stay tuned to see if he adapts the text....

4:00PM - Here's an interesting move. They are playing a lengthy video about Saint Gianna Beretta Molla and her husband as an example of marriage. Pope Benedict has already spoke often about the importance of teaching young people about the full reality of marriage.

3:58PM - And that's it. She's gone. :-)

3:55PM - Back to familiar territory - Since You've Been Gone.

3:50PM - Kelly's taken the stage. Walk Away is her first song. Second one is a "more spiritual song" by the name of Up to the Mountain.

3:45PM - Kelly Clarkson is about to go on. I wonder what her selections will be?!

3:35PM - A few links:

• "Holy Father expected to address vocations in seminary in Yonkers" (CNA)
• "Warming up the crowd for the Pope" (OSV's Papal visit blog)
• "Grinding for God: Pope to get 'official papal skateboard' from youths" (CNS)

3:25PM - Three Graces have taken the stage. Opera, Pop and Broadway music. Nice combination.

3:15PM - Just caught the end of Fr. Stan Fortuna's set. I heard him perform a couple times at World Youth Day 2005 in Germany, and got to meet him. Cool dude. Here's one of his songs on YouTube.

Quotable Benedict: On Academic Freedom, and Heterodox Teaching

In Pope Benedict's address to Catholic educators delivered yesterday, he succintly framed the questions about (and implied the answers to) some basic issues which seem to continually escape the erudite academic community here in the United States:

In regard to faculty members at Catholic colleges universities, I wish to reaffirm the great value of academic freedom. In virtue of this freedom you are called to search for the truth wherever careful analysis of evidence leads you. Yet it is also the case that any appeal to the principle of academic freedom in order to justify positions that contradict the faith and the teaching of the Church would obstruct or even betray the university's identity and mission; a mission at the heart of the Church’s munus docendi and not somehow autonomous or independent of it.

In the grand spirit of recent academic scholarship, let me provide some Cliffs Notes:

• Academic freedom is a good, as long as it honestly examines the evidence at hand
• Academic freedom is not a free "get out of jail" card, in fact it can put you in the doghouse of relativism and "novelty for novelty's sake" when it becomes the sole measure of academic merit
• To falsely justify "positions that contradict the faith and the teaching of the Church" is in fact a betrayal of a Catholic university's fundamental identity and mission.

For anyone cramming for the future final exam, I hope they put these bullet points on their quicksheet.

And if you're wondering about the duty of Catholic educators to provide a faithful witness to the world, try counting the number of times the pope uses the word "witness" in this address.

I'll give you a hint - the answer is eleven.

The pope's impassioned speech on global warming ... that wasn't

British tabloids and other less-than-reputable news organizations claimed last year, early in the papal visit planning process, that Pope Benedict would use his speech at the United Nations to "deliver a powerful warning over climate change." At the time of these rumors, I published a lengthy rebuttal of their accuracy and likelihood.

It's worth repeating some of the claims that were circulated:

The Pope is expected to use his first address to the United Nations to deliver a powerful warning over climate change in a move to adopt protection of the environment as a "moral" cause for the Catholic Church and its billion-strong following....

....It will act as the centrepiece of a US visit scheduled for next April – the first by Benedict XVI, and the first Papal visit since 1999 – and round off an environmental blitz at the Vatican, in which the Pope has personally led moves to emphasise green issues based on the belief that climate change is affecting the poorest people on the planet, and the principle that believers have a duty to "protect creation".

Today, now that the speech has been delivered and made available, I went looking for the pope's "centrepiece" to complete the Vatican's "environmental blitz" making it a "moral cause for the Catholic Church." This is what I found:

"....questions of security, development goals, reduction of local and global inequalities, protection of the environment, of resources and of the climate, require all international leaders to act jointly and to show a readiness to work in good faith, respecting the law, and promoting solidarity with the weakest regions of the planet. I am thinking especially of those countries in Africa and other parts of the world which remain on the margins of authentic integral development, and are therefore at risk of experiencing only the negative effects of globalization."

"... international action to preserve the environment and to protect various forms of life on earth must not only guarantee a rational use of technology and science, but must also rediscover the authentic image of creation. This never requires a choice to be made between science and ethics: rather it is a question of adopting a scientific method that is truly respectful of ethical imperatives."

Note what the pope is actually worried about: environmental and climate protection are one among many moral imperatives facing the international community, with his eye especially on regions of Africa that suffer underdevelopment (as opposed to the "overdevelopment" of industrialized nations).

Furthermore, this entire project must possess a "rational use of technology and science, but must also rediscover the authentic image of creation", which necessarily implies a union of "science and ethics." The authentic image of creation which the Church reveals is always connected to the idea that creation is meant to serve the human person, who receives the fruits of creation as a reward for his labor.

Of course, abuses of the environment, which may have ill-effects on the climate, are against the image of creation, but this is so because the ultimate meaning of creation is tied up with the image of man who is the steward and custodian of creation. That's why the pope talks about "ethics," because it is only human persons who are bound to act "ethically" and see that their actions do not impinge upon the rights of the global community.

If the UK tabloids were looking for their "moral cause" - they've found it: preservation of the image of creation by those who are made in the image of God on behalf of those made in the image of God. People first!

Photo Caption Call - 4/18/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert]

Papal Security Sweep Saves Life of Area Beaver

An unexpected good consequence of the papal visit to the United Nations:

The NYPD's Harbor Unit, patrolling the East River near the United Nations as a part of security operations for the Pope's visit, rescued an apparently sick beaver from the water.

The ever-vigilant harbor cops spotted the animal, which appeared to be having trouble breathing and struggled to swim, not far from the U.N., where the Pope was speaking.

pulled it aboard, and placed it in a bucket with water. Officers brought the beaver to shore for transport to an animal hospital.

They did not say if they considered the animal to be a security risk.

But "it has pretty big claws," said Lt. John Harkins of the NYPD SCUBA Unit. He indicated the beaver was four feet long and about 40 pounds.

No word if the beaver was trying to get a closer look at the Pope. (FOX NY)

The beaver might have been sub-contracted to fell trees as part of the papal altar fabrication process for the Yankee Stadium Mass. More on this developing story as it appears....

Kelly Clarkson will sing for Pope Benedict

A little bird told me that Kelly Clarkson, pop superstar, will perform Franz Schubert's version of the Ave Maria towards the end of the Gathering with Youth and Seminarians program at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, with Pope Benedict XVI in attendance.

No word yet if the performance will subsequently be released as a single. ;-)

I'll be on CNN this Saturday morning at 11:30

I just got off the phone with one of the producers for CNN. It looks like I'll be appearing on their NewsRoom tomorrow morning at about 11:30AM to discuss the pope's visit and Catholic blogging.

It goes without saying, you're more than welcome to tune in!

Video: Bush praises Pope today

At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast:



His full speech is actually quite lengthy, and viewable here.

Pictures: Pope Benedict XVI Day Four (United Nations)

The best of the photostream (which contains hundreds of new images each day)....

What a wide variety of situations the Holy Father is encountering!

Awesome Picture: Pope Benedict Descends From Helicopter

Remember, he is a head of state.

[source: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Pool (UNITED STATES)]

Pope leaves 46,000 happy (and sunburned!) Catholics

Since I haven't seen anyone else mention this yet....

In the wake of Pope Benedict's public Mass at the Washington National's Stadium yesterday, well, let's just say it's as obvious as the ruddy, sunburnt glow on your face whether or not you were in attendance (at least for fair-skinned individuals like me).

In fact, the Pope brought with him the temperate Mediterranean climate and clear skies, which chased away the rain showers and general dreariness that had been pervading DC up until the day before his arrival.

While it wasn't particularly hot, everyone had to be in the stadium by 8:30 am, and the Mass didn't end until almost 12:30 pm. Luckily there were plenty of volunteers handing out water. Most folks managed to improvise make-shift hats. But you had to sympathize with the numerous vested clergy as well as the seminarians in their black clericals. Plus the aluminum flooring they placed on the field served as very efficient double-sided quick-tan setup.

And of course, Pope Benedict had more layers than probably anyone else in the stadium, but he was in the shade most of the time. Actually, by the time he was ready to leave a brisk breeze was blowing. How convenient.

If you want to see how my skin fared, it's looking like you'll have that chance tomorrow in the late morning on CNN, presuming my plans for an appearance on that network work out. So stay tuned, I'll have an update soon!

Text of Pope Benedict's address to the United Nations

It will go up here as soon as Pope Benedict finishes delivering it and the media embargo is lifted.

update: Here is the full text of the Holy Father's speech.

A standing ovation from the assembly after his presentation, and kind words from the officials.

Day 4: Pope to NYC, and U.N. Address

He's off to NYC:

In these three days I'll be shifting from first-person pictures and video to my regular coverage and commentary.

Notable items on the papal agenda today:

• 10:30 a.m. - The Holy Father Addresses the United Nations
• 6:00 p.m. - Ecumenical Prayer Service with Holy Father

Live video feeds online from the USCCB and EWTN.

[photo source: (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)]

Video: Abuse victims describe personal meeting with Pope

CNN has posted the video: "Unfiltered access to the pope". I highly recommend watching it.

Ph/t: Amy Welborn.

update: someone put it on YouTube, though I don't know how long it will last:

Photo Caption Call - 4/17/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito]

Links: All the speeches of Pope Benedict so far

My choice commentary to follow, once I get a chance to read them (notable ones in bold):

• Pope John Paul II Cultural Center - Message to the Jewish Community
• Pope John Paul II Cultural Center - Meeting with other religions
• The Catholic University of America - Address to Educators
• Nationals Park - Holy Mass (Homily)
• The Basilica of the National Shrine - Meeting with the Bishops of the United States
• White House - Welcome Ceremony Speech
• Interview of the Holy Father during the flight to the United States of America

Video & Photo: Pope Benedict Receives Enthusiastic Greeting!

After attending the Papal Mass at Nationals Stadium today in Washington DC, I decided at the last minute to catch a final glimpse of Pope Benedict as he arrived on the CUA campus to address Catholic Educators.

This (shaky) video I took captures well the level of enthusiasm I've been witnessing for the pope:

Amid all this hubbub, I managed to snatch this photo:

What a pope.

AmP Videos: Papal Mass in Washington DC

I've got some good ones for you today!

First, a video I took from the field at Nationals Stadium while waiting for the Papal Mass to begin:

Second, I videotaped the first 60 seconds of Pope Benedict's homily:

Finally, one more scanning shot of the full stadium during the Papal Mass:

Hopefully these videos help give you a feel for what it was like. In a word: awesome.

AmP Pictures: Papal Mass in Washington DC

A perfect day....

A packed house to greet the Pope. Click here for a larger version.

This is my view of the papal altar. I won't lie. They were good tickets.

The altar and local crucifix used for the Mass. Look at the seven candles!

I had to include this: every concession bought in the stadium that day rang up as "Pope Food".

Deacons conduct a pre-Mass planning session. They were placed at each level of the stadium to expedite the distribution of Communion, a very prudent and efficient way to do this on such a large scale.

And of course, what we're all here for: Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass.

A few more images on the AmP Flickr album.

Video: Catholics Come Home

This video has been receiving alot of (merited) attention. It was also played prior to the Papal Mass this morning at Nationals Stadium on the big screen:

Their website: http://www.catholicscomehome.org/ - tell your non-practicing friends!

Pope Benedict meets privately with victims of sexual abuse

Disproving the false notion that Pope Benedict somehow doesn't care about the victims of abuse:

• John Allen reports: "In an unexpected and essentially unprecedented move, Pope Benedict XVI met quietly with five victims of clerical sexual abuse this afternoon at the Vatican’s embassy to the United States, located in Washington, D.C.
  Prior to this afternoon, no pope had ever met with victims of sexual abuse by priests. That omission has been oft-cited by critics of the church’s response to the crisis as an indication that Rome and the papacy are out of touch with American realities, or in denial about the magnitude of the problem."
• CNS provides more: "Father Lombardi said it was a very emotional meeting; some were in tears."
• The Vatican noted the meeting in an official press release.

Picture: Pro-Abortion Senator John Kerry Receives Communion at Papal Mass

A picture that says it all:

Frankly, he doesn't even have good technique. LifeSiteNews has more.

update: Deal Hudson claims this move had to have been orchestrated in advance.

President Bush to Pope: "Awesome speech your Holiness"

This recorded comment from President Bush to Pope Benedict is quickly becoming the talk of the town:

When you hear it being talked about on the newsfloor of the BBC, it's gotta be news.

Oh, and by the way, my interview on BBC World News went very well tonight. They talked with me for almost 4 1/2 minutes, which is a good stretch in the television news world, for those who keep track of these things.

Reactions to Pope Benedict's Speech to U.S. Bishops

In a phrase: it's turning heads.

I've posted the full text here for you to read yourself. John Allen summarizes here.

Pope Benedict also held a Q&A session with the bishops, which CNA has posted here.

As far as reactions go, Tim Drake starts us off with some comments from lay people and bishops.

Russell Shaw at OSV, meanwhile, calls the speech "A bit of a bombshell" and says "If the bishops were looking for an agenda, they have one now." Alehandro Bermudez, the editor of CNA blogging for the New York Times, takes Pope Benedict to mean "Catholics Should Be…Catholics."

Goodness, if that's what the pope had to say to the U.S. Bishops today - I wonder what he'll have to say to the U.S. Catholic Educators tomorrow when he addresses them. Stay tuned, I'll have the latest.

Photos: Pope addresses U.S. Bishops and visits National Shrine

Some good images in this batch....

Note how attentive Francis Cardinal George appears. It's wonderful for me to see these pictures. because I often attend daily Mass in the crypt church of the National Shrine where this was held! I've sat in those pews!

AmP Pictures: Pope Benedict visits the National Shrine

Some choice pictures from the AmP photo stream I uploaded today:

(check back tomorrow for my photos taken at the Papal Mass!)

The rest of them (in high-quality) are on this AmP Flickr Album.

AmP Videos: Pope Benedict visits the National Shrine

First, a video to give you a feel for what it was like "on the ground" waiting for the pope to arrive. I'm standing at the street entrance to the National Basilica looking down Fourth Street where the Popemobile arrived later.

Now here's the moment we'd all been waiting for - the appearance of Pope Benedict XVI in his popemobile. This captures the crowd response well, and of course - Il Papa!

This second video shows him greeting the crowds - listen for the "Happy Birthday" song! Towards the end I focus on some of the Bishops and Cardinals who were in his train.

Darn tree.... if you only knew how hard I had to finagle to get that "prime viewing spot."

My Videos & Photos from Pope Benedict's visit to the National Shrine with the U.S. Bishops

They are all uploading now to these locations....

Videos will go to the AmP YouTube Channel and the pictures will be on this AmP Flickr album.

Hope you enjoy them!

I'm heading out to do an interview with the BBC right now. After that, more blogging this evening.

Then, tomorrow morning, I'll be on the field during the Papal Mass at the Washington Nationals' stadium, and probably on the mall when Pope Benedict XVI addresses Catholic educators. So check back soon!

Day 2 Pictures: Pope Benedict at the White House

Fresh from the photostream. One of my roomates was lucky enough to have a ticket (I haven't had a chance to see his pictures yet, these are from the AP's photo feed):





Anyone who lives in DC would know what a miracle today's weather is - just glorious.

Text: Address of the Holy Father at the White House

Direct from the (USCCB media) source:

Mr. President,

Thank you for your gracious words of welcome on behalf of the people of the United States of America. I deeply appreciate your invitation to visit this great country. My visit coincides with an important moment in the life of the Catholic community in America: the celebration of the two-hundredth anniversary of the elevation of the country’s first Diocese – Baltimore – to a metropolitan Archdiocese, and the establishment of the Sees of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Louisville. Yet I am happy to be here as a guest of all Americans. I come as a friend, a preacher of the Gospel and one with great respect for this vast pluralistic society. America’s Catholics have made, and continue to make, an excellent contribution to the life of their country. As I begin my visit, I trust that my presence will be a source of renewal and hope for the Church in the United States, and strengthen the resolve of Catholics to contribute ever more responsibly to the life of this nation, of which they are proud to be citizens.

From the dawn of the Republic, America’s quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator. The framers of this nation’s founding documents drew upon this conviction when they proclaimed the “self-evident truth” that all men are created equal and endowed with inalienable rights grounded in the laws of nature and of nature’s God. The course of American history demonstrates the difficulties, the struggles, and the great intellectual and moral resolve which were demanded to shape a society which faithfully embodied these noble principles. In that process, which forged the soul of the nation, religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as for example in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement. In our time too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideals and aspirations.

In the next few days, I look forward to meeting not only with America’s Catholic community, but with other Christian communities and representatives of the many religious traditions present in this country. Historically, not only Catholics, but all believers have found here the freedom to worship God in accordance with the dictates of their conscience, while at the same time being accepted as part of a commonwealth in which each individual and group can make its voice heard. As the nation faces the increasingly complex political and ethical issues of our time, I am confident that the American people will find in their religious beliefs a precious source of insight and an inspiration to pursue reasoned, responsible and respectful dialogue in the effort to build a more humane and free society.

Freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility. Americans know this from experience – almost every town in this country has its monuments honoring those who sacrificed their lives in defense of freedom, both at home and abroad. The preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate. It also demands the courage to engage in civic life and to bring one’s deepest beliefs and values to reasoned public debate. In a word, freedom is ever new. It is a challenge held out to each generation, and it must constantly be won over for the cause of good (cf. Spe Salvi, 24). Few have understood this as clearly as the late Pope John Paul II. In reflecting on the spiritual victory of freedom over totalitarianism in his native Poland and in eastern Europe, he reminded us that history shows, time and again, that “in a world without truth, freedom loses its foundation”, and a democracy without values can lose its very soul (cf. Centesimus Annus, 46). Those prophetic words in some sense echo the conviction of President Washington, expressed in his Farewell Address, that religion and morality represent “indispensable supports” of political prosperity.

The Church, for her part, wishes to contribute to building a world ever more worthy of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God (cf. Gen 1:26-27). She is convinced that faith sheds new light on all things, and that the Gospel reveals the noble vocation and sublime destiny of every man and woman (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 10). Faith also gives us the strength to respond to our high calling, and the hope that inspires us to work for an ever more just and fraternal society. Democracy can only flourish, as your founding fathers realized, when political leaders and those whom they represent are guided by truth and bring the wisdom born of firm moral principle to decisions affecting the life and future of the nation.

For well over a century, the United States of America has played an important role in the international community. On Friday, God willing, I will have the honor of addressing the United Nations Organization, where I hope to encourage the efforts under way to make that institution an ever more effective voice for the legitimate aspirations of all the world’s peoples. On this, the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the need for global solidarity is as urgent as ever, if all people are to live in a way worthy of their dignity – as brothers and sisters dwelling in the same house and around that table which God’s bounty has set for all his children. America has traditionally shown herself generous in meeting immediate human needs, fostering development and offering relief to the victims of natural catastrophes. I am confident that this concern for the greater human family will continue to find expression in support for the patient efforts of international diplomacy to resolve conflicts and promote progress. In this way, coming generations will be able to live in a world where truth, freedom and justice can flourish – a world where the God-given dignity and rights of every man, woman and child are cherished, protected and effectively advanced.

Mr. President, dear friends: as I begin my visit to the United States, I express once more my gratitude for your invitation, my joy to be in your midst, and my fervent prayers that Almighty God will confirm this nation and its people in the ways of justice, prosperity and peace. God bless America!

Blogging from near the National Shrine

People are starting to filter in. No one can take their places to greet the pope until 2:30pm. In the meantime it's the waiting game, or for me, frantic blogging and planning. At least the weather is perfect!

Photo Caption Call - 4/16/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

[Credit: Max Rossi/Reuters]

Tonight, I sleep in the same city as the pope

I checked the distance on Google maps, and it turns out that I live a scant four miles away from where Pope Benedict XVI is staying this evening, at the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See.

Somehow, I think I'll sleep more soundly tonight knowing that. See you tomorrow, Holy Father!

Videos: Day 1 highlights of Pope Benedict's visit

First, CNN's raw video of Pope Benedict XVI stepping off the plane and being greeted by President bush:

I've also created a photopost of the ceremony and liveblogged it and listed the dignitaries present.

Second, Dominican Friars pull off an engineering feat in mounting a banner to welcome the pope properly:


It looks like the banner turned out nicely! This is the view Pope Benedict will have of it tomorrow.

Third and finally, Local WBAL reports on the preparations for the Papal Mass happening on Thursday:


Exciting times!

Papist Picture of the Day - 4/15/08

[For today's blog topics, click here.]

This girl's response to the pope coming: "Like, wow!"

(I walk by this poster whenever I go to Mass at the National Shrine. There's always someone having their photo taken with it.)

[source: AFP/Tim Sloan]

AmP interviewed by OSV article on Catholic blogging

"Bloggers driving media coverage of U.S. papal visit" by Mary DeTurris Poust:

The media frenzy surrounding Pope Benedict’s visit to the United States is being driven in part by a newcomer on the media block: bloggers. For the first time in history, a U.S. papal visit is being covered around the clock by bloggers of all stripes – Catholic and secular, independent and staff, spiritually focused and news focused – and they are doing what they do best, bringing online readers information almost as fast as it happens.

It’s a new way of covering the pope, and, according to those on the front lines, it is changing the landscape of media coverage in general, bringing to light errors in the press that might otherwise go uncorrected and creating communities of people who not only read the news but participate in it through comments and e-mails.

“Blogs add a personal dimension that mainstream coverage lacks (ostensibly for purposes of objectivity). They also present near-instant reaction to events and response to errors in mainstream reporting,” said Thomas Peters of American Papist, a popular Catholic blog which, as the name suggests, covers all things pope-related.

“They sometimes let you see the event ‘from the inside,’ by posting their own pictures, experiences, word-of-mouth and the thousand of little things that have trouble filtering through traditional media intact,” Peters told OSV in an e-mail interview as he geared up to cover the papal visit.

Oh yeah, and the rest is really good as well: Amy Welborn, Jeff Miller & Rocco Palmo - she did her homework! Although I'm sorry to see she missed Christopher Blosser, the man behind not only Benedict in America, but also the Cardinal Ratzinger & Pope Benedict XVI fan clubs!

Hey, I own one of the Ratzinger Fanclub shirts. :-)

Cardinal: Pope's reflections aren't irrelevant to politics

A healthy reminder:

Pope Benedict XVI will not bring political directives during his U.S. trip, but his reflections should help Americans make a "deeper moral judgment" during this year's election campaign, a leading U.S. cardinal said.

Cardinal J. Francis Stafford, one of two U.S. cardinals who will accompany the pope from Rome to the United States in mid-April, said he thinks Americans will listen closely to what the pope has to say.

"The pope is coming at a particularly sensitive time, with the presidential election scheduled for November," Cardinal Stafford told Catholic News Service in an interview April 8 in his Vatican office.

The cardinal said he does not expect the pope to address partisan political issues, but to "heighten people's awareness" about what is right and what is wrong. (CNS)

I've got the golden ticket!

The seating area for the Mass? Field level. And although you can't see it well in this picture, the inner borders are actually colored a shiny gold. Thanks for this opportunity go to the amazing bloggerette at Cnytr.

Archbishop Wuerl to ride with Pope Benedict in Popemobile

Not the most earth-shattering news item, but I found it cool:

Archbishop Wuerl remembers the thrill he felt as a seminarian in Rome in the early 1960s when he gathered with classmates along a road around dawn, to see Pope Paul VI leaving for his historic visit to the Holy Land.

Now, he will get to ride with Pope Benedict in the popemobile in Washington.

"There are still moments when you greet the pope, and you are overcome, because he is Peter," Archbishop Wuerl said in an interview with the Catholic Standard, Washington's archdiocesan newspaper. (CNS)

Which of course, falls in line with what he said to local DC youth at his recent theology on tap appearance, which I videotaped and uploaded to my AmP YouTube channel right here (and here, here, here).

You can see both the Archbishop and Pope Benedict XVI along these DC roads tomorrow. Check it out!

Info: DC Papal Mass

This post is a service announcement for the Papal Mass to be held at the Washington Nationals Stadium on Thursday here in DC (which I have a ticket to, luckily enough). This post will be updated as I find more info.

Important resources:

• Information on taking the Metro to the Stadium, including how to get a Papal Mass pass
• Archdiocese of Washington has a helpful list of frequently asked questions (and answers)
• They've also released a one-page Papal Mass Fact Sheet (in PDF format):

Ticket holders should arrive at Nationals Park as early as possible and no later than 8:30AM. The best way to get there is Metro, or by charter bus to designated locations where complimentary shuttles will run to Nationals park. Parking near the stadium is nearly non-existent.

Important notes:

• You must have your ticket and a government issued photo ID
• All children need a ticket, regardless of age (minors don't need a photo ID)
• You must go through a magnemeter - bags will be searched
• Once inside the Park, you can't leave and be able to re-enter
• PROHIBITED ITEMS: Metal, plastic or glass containers, backpacks, fireworks (duh!), whistles, food and beverages, large bags, large flags or banners, poles and staffs (metal, plastic or wooden), weapons and illegal substances, video cameras and tripods. No pets are allowed, only service animals may enter the stadium.
• (You can bring a handheld camera.)

The U.S. Bishops asks that you keep these things in mind:

• Read any instructions received with your ticket very carefully and follow them exactly.
• Make sure you have government-issued photo identification with you.
• Allow extra time to get from place to place and bring plenty of patience.
• If you are attending the Mass at Nationals Park or the Mass at Yankee Stadium, gather the religious articles that you would like to have blessed by the Holy Father.
• Prepare for your journey with prayer and reflection.
• After the visit, share your experience with people in your parish and diocese. You can also share your experience in the comments on this blog.

Day 1: Pictures of Pope Benedict's Arrival

Fresh from the photostream....





Looks like he's energized for his visit. He almost ran down those steps!

Day 1: Liveblogging the Pope's arrival

The Pope will be among us soon! Less than 45 minutes at time of posting....

EWTN has live streaming feeds online here, Pope2008 has it embedded here.

The USCCB feed will start live video at 3:45pm.

The pope's plane (Shepherd One) should arrive at 4pm, where he will be greeted by President Bush, etc.

updates....

4:05 PM - I'm watching EWTN, and listening to the bells of the National Shrine ring.

4:12PM - The Pope is here! Walking briskly down the stairs to meet President Bush. Huge response from the crowd. Abp. Wuerl of Washington looking very distinguished. Cardinal Bertone close at hand.

4:15PM - The Pope and President are off to their brief private meeting before the official one tomorrow.

top links:

• John Allen has a transcript from the in-flight papal interview
• Plenty of good coverage at Pope2008
• Benedict in America is also humming

NBC Nightly News interview: the extended cut

Here is the extended cut of the interview I taped last week:



World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia is actually this summer, not next summer.

On the fly right now, just wanted to make the video available for those interested.

update: keep the interview requests coming, my email is "thomas [at] americanpapist.com".

Day 1: Hillary Clinton makes her move

New York Times blog:

"Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton issued a statement this morning praising Pope Benedict XVI for his work on world peace, social justice and climate change and welcoming his visit to Washington and New York this week. Mrs. Clinton, of New York, and her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, are intensely courting Catholic voters, particularly in advance of the Pennsylv