Pope Benedict in France: Weekend Edition

I'm on the fly today, but here's where I would start reading:

• Whispers has plentiful coverage
• John Allen is also posting up a storm
• AP: Huge crowd turns out for pope's visit to Paris
• AP: Pope in Paris condemns love of money, power
• Images are being now added to this AP photostream

And remember, the essential links:

• The apostolic journey's info page on the Vatican Website
• The apostolic journey's day-by-day program of activities
• EWTN's live internet TV streams and schedule of coverage

Tweet.

Pope Benedict on the Latin Mass and "healthy secularism"

The pope surprised many by deciding to hold a mini-news conference with journalists on the short flight from Rome to Paris. Two notable things he said this morning:

Asked about his relaxation of restrictions on use of the Tridentine rite — a move that was controversial in France — the pope said fears that this would set off a liturgical conflict were unfounded.

He said the new rules were designed to satisfy the needs of a small group of faithful who had a special attachment to the old rite; it was “an act of love and tolerance” toward them. It is clear, he said, that the post-Vatican II Mass remains the normal liturgy in the church. (CNS Blog)

And:

On his way to Paris this morning, Pope Benedict XVI called fears his recent authorization for wider celebration of the old Latin Mass marks a rollback on reforms associated with the Second Vatican Council “absolutely unfounded.”

“There is no opposition at all between the liturgy approved by Vatican II and the liturgy celebrated according to the old rite,” the pope said. (John Allen)

Plus:

Pressing the case for what he called a “healthy” form of laïcité, Benedict XVI today said the time has come to reopen the debate over the relationship between church and state in France. (The concept of laïcité is usually rendered in English as “secularism.”)

The pope’s comment came in remarks to French President Nicolas Sarkozy during an early afternoon ceremony at the Elysée Palace.

“I am firmly convinced that a new reflection on the true meaning and importance of laïcité is now necessary,” Benedict said.

“In fact, it is fundamental, on the one hand, to insist upon the distinction between the political realm and that of religion in order to preserve both the religious freedom of citizens and the responsibility of the state toward them,” the pope said during the encounter with Sarkozy and other officials of the French government.

“On the other hand, [it is important] to become more aware of the irreplaceable role of religion for the formation of consciences and the contribution which it can bring to – among other things – the creation of a basic ethical consensus within society,” the pope said. (John Allen)

Remember what I said: while the pope is talking about the specific situation in France, he is also, always, talking to the universal church as well. I found his liturgical observation to be straightforward, and his comments about laïcité to be fascinating, especially the timing of them and sense of urgency.

Related: AmP complete coverage here.

Regensburg Part II: Benedict to address "Crisis of Faith" in France

Make no mistake about it, Pope Benedict's upcoming trip to France won't be a sleeper visit:

Pope Benedict XVI will give an address to Muslims and representatives from the world of culture Sept. 12 — exactly two years to the day since his lecture at the University of Regensburg, Germany, which caused uproar in the Islamic world.

The address, to be given at the Collège des Bernardins in Paris, is being billed as the Pope’s most important discourse during his short, but intense, visit to France, which runs from Sept. 12-15. Papal spokesmen Fr. Federico Lombardi said Benedict XVI spent much time working on his speech, which is expected to focus on the crisis of faith in a secularized culture.

The address will have clear relevance for France: the Catholic Church sees Christianity on the verge of “collapse” in the country despite its deep Catholic roots. (Newsmax)

I'll be keeping track.