Coverage of the Pope's trip to the Holy Land

My one-stop source will be Christopher Blosser's "Pope Benedict XVI in Israel and the Holy Land."

Slideshow: Pope Benedict visits Earthquake Zone

Related links:

• NYT: Pope Visits Devastated Earthquake Zone
• John Allen: Among quake victims, pope is simple pastor

[Forwarded me by Afonso Miguel]

Israel to Benedict: Leave Popemobile at home

At least the one that allows him to be seen by the public:

Israeli officials reportedly are concerned that security and other infrastructure for Pope Benedict XVI's trip are not yet in place.

The Israeli daily Ha'aretz reported Sunday that Israeli security forces do not want the pope to use his partially open "Popemobile" when visiting Nazareth May 14. Palestinians mark May 14, the date on the Gregorian calendar of the founding of Israel, as the "nakba," or catastrophe.

Pamphlets in Arab towns have called for protests against the pope.

Benedict is due to visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority May 8-15, arriving in Israel on May 11. A multilingual Israel Web site is promoting the trip as "A Bridge for Peace." (JTA)

During Pope Benedict's trip to Turkey Catholics were urged to pray especially for his safety. The same applies this time around.

Was Pope Benedict misquoted on condoms in Africa? Maybe not.

Damian Thompson proposes that he was:

The Vatican has just published its transcript of the Pope's comments about AIDS in Africa and it turns out he said that condoms risk making the problem worse.

Maybe it doesn't make much difference, but the English-speaking press had the Pope saying that it "even aggravates the problems". Not quite the same resonance; not as headline-worthy.

The CNS blog meanwhile reports on a clarification issued by Vatican spokesman Fr. Lombardi, this after CNS's own John Thavis claimed Pope Benedict to have said the distribution of condoms "only increases the problem of AIDS."

... now, this is not the end of the story. Here's why:

The Vatican press office has royally flubbed its handling of these situations before.

I remember breathing a sigh of relief last year during the pope's in-flight interview on his way to the United States that nothing went wrong, because things did go wrong in 2003 during the pope's in-flight interview on his way to Brazil. The Vatican press office's solution was to issue a toned-down version of the pope's remarks about Mexican lawmakers the next day.

The Vatican press office might have decided to apply that same solution today. Especially since, from what I've seen, Fr. Lombardi has not specifically claimed that the mainstream media's reporting of the pope's words was in fact erroneous.

One thing we can be sure about: because the Vatican has denied claims made by the mainstream media about what the pope actually said, you can bet that the mainstream media sources are going to go back to their audio/video recordings of the interview and double-check what he said.

So be prepared - possibly - for an audio or video clip of the Pope, well, misspeaking.

Then again, this could just be media bias. Time will tell. Stay tuned. And be aware of the history, too.

update: Ruth Gledhill agrees about the comments (though I don't agree with her about condoms).

update 2: sure enough.... "It looks like some idiot in the Vatican press office tampered with the Pope's quotes. Time for sackings"

He's landed! Pope Benedict Journeys to Africa.

I'll let him take it from here:





Not to say, of course, that I won't be regularly updating with photos/text/video.

Pope Benedict Journeys to Africa

On the airfield:

And he's off!
Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria is with him:
And already the headlines begin:

• Reuters: Benedict visits Africa for first time as pope
• UK Times: Pope says condoms are not the solution to Aids - they make it worse
• JPOST: Western Wall rabbi says pope should not wear cross at site

Reminder: Pope Benedict travels to Africa tomorrow (+ video)

Wow, this snuck up on me! Tempus fugit!

Here is the pope's schedule of activities. He asked for prayers this Sunday at his weekly Angelus:

I will do my best to stay up on the texts, photos and videos that will accompany his Apostolic Journey.

Breaking: Pope Benedict to visit Holy Land in May

The announcement:

"...the Holy See Press Office today announced that, "accepting the invitation of the king of Jordan, of the president of Israel, of the president of the Palestinian National Authority and of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries, His Holiness Benedict XVI will make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from 8 to 15 May, visiting Amman, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth".

AP Video:

NYT coverage here.

Pope Benedict XVI to conduct May Mideast tour

The AP:

A Jordanian Catholic church leader says Pope Benedict XVI will visit an Amman mosque during his Mideast tour in the second week of May.

The pope will arrive in Jordan on May 8 as part of an eight-day tour which will include Israel and the West Bank.

Father Rifat Bader, the spokesman and coordinator of the Jordanian portion of the tour, said Tuesday the pontiff will visit the Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, named after Jordan's late king who died in 1999.

It will be the Pope's second visit to a place of Muslim worship since he prayed at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul in 2006.

Bader added that the pontiff would meet with Muslim leaders to underline "coexistence between religions."

The pope also will visit biblical sites in Jordan.

A good friend of mine spent many months in Jordan. It has a small but strong Catholic community.

Released: Pope's March travel plans in Africa!

The low-down: "The programme of Benedict XVI's forthcoming apostolic trip to Cameroon and Angola from 17 to 23 March was made public today."

Highlights:

• The Holy Father will meet with representatives of the Muslim community of Cameroon.
• He will pronounce an address before members of the Second Special Assembly for Africa of the Synod of Bishops.
• He will meet with young people in the stadium of Coquieros.

Click here to see Pope Benedict's full announced itinerary. More from Whispers:

"Scheduled to depart Rome on 17 March, the seven-day trek will be evenly divided between the two West African countries, with the pontiff basing himself at the nunciatures in their respective capitals.

... All four major encounters -- the suffering, Muslims, the young and the women's movements -- will include papal addresses, as will separate meetings with the Cameroonian and Angolan bishops.

The longest journey of this pontificate to date in terms of public schedule, Benedict will return to Rome on Monday, 21 March.

A busy pope, and an urgent visit!

Announced: Themes for the next 3 World Youth Days

Hot off the press:

The Holy Father has chosen the themes for the next three World Youth Days so as to help build a spiritual itinerary that will culminate in the World Youth Day celebrations scheduled to take place in Madrid, Spain from 16 to 21 August, 2011.

- 24th World Youth Day (2009): "We Have Set Our Hope on the Living God" (1 Tim 4:10)

- 25th World Youth Day (2010): "Good Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?" (Mk 10:17)

- 26th World Youth Day (2011): "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith" (cf Col 2:7)

The '09 and '10 WYDs will be held in Rome, 2011 in the Reino de Espana.

update: more from Whispers:

Slated to take up the entire third week of August 2011, interest in the Madrid gathering is already running quite high... and as further proof that Karol Wojtyla's beloved brainchild is here to stay, the jockeying for its 2014 follow-up has already begun in earnest.

update 2: The exact dates for WYD 2011 are August 15-21.

Benedict XVI to visit tomb of Padre Pio in May

Folks are sure to be happy to hear this news:

On the feast of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, officials announced that Pope Benedict XVI will visit three Italian dioceses next year, including the diocese where San Giovanni Rotondo is located, the burial place of St. Pio de Pietrelcina or “Padre Pio.”

According to Vatican Radio, “The Pope will visit Cassino and the Abbey of Montecassino on May 24; on June 21, he will visit the shrine of San Giovanni Rotondo, where the tomb of Padre Pio is located and on September 6 he will visit Viterbo and Bagnoreggio.” (CNA)

Rumor: Pope Benedict to visit Holy Land in May 2009

Exciting news if it turns out to be true:

Israeli president Shimon Peres has extended an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Israel in 2009 and he is considering the offer, according to the Vatican’s spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi.

Speaking to the press on Thursday in Rome, Fr. Lombardi reacted to an article in the Israeli newspaper Ha’aretz that stated that Pope Benedict has indeed accepted an offer to visit the Holy Land in the second week of May, 2009.

While not denying that discussions are under way, Fr. Lombardi did not confirm the specifics. "I can confirm that contacts exist at a diplomatic level between the Holy See and Israel to study the possibility of a trip by the Pope to the Holy Land next year," he said.

The article in Ha’aretz also claimed that the Pope will visit the Palestinian territories by stopping in Bethlehem. (CNA)

If the trip accomplishes one thing, I hope it finally puts to rest this common misconception:

"[The trip] would help to ease recent tensions between Catholics and Jews over the role of wartime Pope Pius XII, who some Jews have accused of turning a blind eye to the Holocaust." (Reuters)

You can expect the Pius XII controversy to be front-and-center during the news coverage of the Holy Father's visit. Good. Maybe the Church can finally, publicly defend herself against the false charges.

But I won't be holding my breath.

On the papal horizon: hope for Africa

Zenit:

Benedict XVI will make his first trip to Africa to give hope to peoples that suffer violence and poverty, says a Vatican spokesman.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, affirmed this on the most recent edition of Vatican Television's "Octava Dies."

The Holy Father announced at the end of the world Synod of Bishops his plans to travel to Angola and Cameroon next March, an announcement that Father Lombardi called "an important piece of news."

Hope, surely. But the Pope's third encyclical will be released by then and could provide the theme for his Africa trip, much like his second encyclical provided the theme for his visit to the United States.

Announced: Pope Benedict to visit Africa in 2009!

What. A. Pope.

Details:

It’s official — Pope Benedict XVI plans to make his first trip to Africa next March, visiting Cameroon and Angola.

The pope said he will hand-deliver the African synod’s Instrumentum Laboris, or working document, when he travels to Cameroon in March to meet with representatives from African bishops’ conferences.

... Pope Benedict said he would go from Cameroon to Angola, where he will celebrate the 500th anniversary of that country’s evangelization.

For months, rumors have been percolating around the Vatican of a papal trip to Africa, a continent that has not hosted a pope since 1998. In October, the Vatican’s advance team traveled to Africa to firm up plans, according to sources.

At present, it’s the only foreign trip on the pope’s calendar next year. With the synod to follow, it looks like 2009 with be a year of Africa for the church. (CNS Blog)

Gee, I wonder who wants to give me press credentials? I'm serious.

And ... I hate to say it now, but I can predict what the mainstream media's talking points will be:

• The Church in Africa is experiencing an uptick in conversions to evangelical and other protestant churches (partially true)
• The Church's prohibition against condoms is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis (false)
• Celibacy and discipline are generally lax in the Church in Africa (partially true)

Time to start doing our homework. Pope Benedict proclaimed Hope to the Church in America - will he proclaim Love to the Church in Africa?

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.

Photos: Pope Benedict in France, Day 1

A full day:

Source: Papacy and the Vatican slideshow.

AmP complete coverage here.

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.

Pope Benedict goes to France, and to Lourdes

Longtime readers of AmP will know that it first carved a small nitch for itself in the Catholic blogosphere by providing complete coverage of Pope Benedict's journies (most extensively during his U.S. visit).

While the range of topics that AmP follows has diversified since then, papal trip coverage remains a core mission of this little enterprise, by which it strives to help communicate our Holy Father's teaching and witness beyond the geography of his journey to the worldwide audience he is always courting and addressing.

He may be in france, but he is talking to all of us.

While personal commitments are nearing an all-time high for me (preparing for next week's talk especially), I will strive to include the most important details from the pope's upcoming visit this weekend. Stay tuned!

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

Previous AmP posts:

• Regensburg Part II - Benedict to address "Crisis of Faith" in France
• French gay groups under surveillance ahead of papal visit
• A preview of Pope Benedict's five essential points about Mary

Catholic coverage:

• CNA: Pope sends message to France as he prepares to visit
• CNA: Youth to have rally with Pope Benedict in France
• CNS: Trip Preview - Pope wants to encourage a revival in France
• John Allen: Benedict hopes to tap the 'creative minority' of French Catholics
• CNA: Archbishop of Paris says papal visit will show France the Pope ‘knows how to listen’
• NLM: Papal MC Explains Changes in Papal Liturgy to French

Mainstream coverage:

• Time Mag: The Pope's Purpose in France
• Associated Press: Pope to visit French city of Lourdes as pilgrim
• Reuters: Most French view Pope positively
• WSJ: Pope, During Visit to France, Will Try To Bridge Gap Between Faith, Reason
• AP: 9,200 security agents for pope's France visit
• Reuters: Pope to find unlikely ally in France's Sarkozy
  

Looks like all they need is the pope!

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.

Pope Benedict is Pro-French

Well, no one's perfect:

If, in some weird parallel universe, Pope Benedict XVI were to be a candidate this fall for President of the United States, he could mount a serious run. Polls say Benedict enjoys a 75 percent approval rating after a successful visit last April, he packs obvious appeal to "faith and values" voters, and it would be hard to question his international experience. In an election in which the Republican nominee is 72, even the pope's advanced age wouldn't necessarily be a drawback.

In terms of the red meat of American politics, however, he would have at least one problem: He's far too pro-French.

[More from John Allen.]

This is to prepare for Pope Benedict's upcoming visit to Lourdes from September 12th-15th.

Report: French gay groups under surveillance ahead of papal visit

Wednesday Wierd:

French police have placed radical gay militants under surveillance ahead of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to France on September 12-15, the daily Le Figaro reported on Wednesday.

Eager to avoid a repeat of the condom shower that greeted the Pope in Sydney, Australia, in July, certain gay activist groups such as Act Up are being closely watched in the run-up to the visit. (DPA)

On a more serious note, France has an active al-Qaeda network that has made threats on the pope's life back in 2007. So let's keep his safety in our prayers.

Pope Benedict to visit Cagliari, Italy

Now that August is over, the Vatican is again sending out news bulletins. This Sunday Pope Benedict will be taking a trip to Cagliari, Italy for a pastoral visit:

On Sunday 7 September, Benedict XVI is due to make a pastoral visit to the Italian city of Cagliari, which lies on the island of Sardinia.

The Holy Father will depart from Rome at 8.30 a.m. whence an hour-long flight will take him to Cagliari. At 10.30 a.m. he is scheduled to celebrate Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Bonaria after which he is due to visit the chapel of the city's regional seminary.

At the seminary he will have lunch with bishops of Sardinia before going on to the cathedral of Cagliari to meet with priests, seminarians and the community of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Sardinia, to whom he will pronounce an address.

He's also included some time with young Catholics:

At 6.15 p.m. the Pope will meet with young people in Piazza Yenne. His return flight to Rome is due to depart at 7.30 p.m.

Sounds like a fun vacation. My weekend is free...

"Don't take "holy" water onto pope plane" warns Vatican

Duly noted:

The Vatican has warned journalists who will travel with Pope Benedict to Lourdes next month not to put the revered water from the shrine in their hand luggage on the papal plane or it may be confiscated.

... Security measures limiting liquids allowed in carry-on baggage have been in effect since 2006 when a plot to bring down planes with liquid explosives was discovered.

How is this important enough to merit a story? It provides useful information to about 50 people, tops!

"Bishop of Beijing urges pope to visit"

They want him:

The Beijing bishop appointed by China's state-controlled Catholic Church said in an interview yesterday that he hopes Pope Benedict XVI will visit his country. "Relations with the Vatican are constantly improving," Joseph Li Shan told Italy's RAI state TV. Li is well regarded by the Vatican, and his installation last year was seen as a positive sign. (AP)

There's just that little pesky detail about not being in communion with Rome...

Pope begins Alpine vacation, AmP to fly south soon

Pope Benedict goes north:

Pope Benedict XVI began his summer vacation on July 27, flying to northern Italy for a 2-week stay in the Alpine town of Bressanone. (CWNews)

And I'm flying south to Florida sometime in early August, to meet with some old college friends.

Because, you know, Pope Benedict said I couldn't come visit him this year...

Pictures: Pope Benedict with Serpent, Koala, Parrot & Roo!

Of course, you have to start with a Kangaroo:

And Koalas are kute:

This would freak me out too:

Whew, much better:


Fr. Z has a bit of video of the pope's meeting with animals and CNA describes it.

Ph/t: UK Evening Standard.

Pope Benedict's July Prayer Intentions & travel plans

To wit:

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for July is: "That there may be an increase in the number of those who, as volunteers, offer their services to the Christian community with generous and prompt availability".

His mission intention is: "That the World Youth Day held in Sydney, Australia, may awaken the fire of divine love in young people and make them sowers of hope for a new humanity".

Until August 13th (and except for World Youth Day) Pope Benedict will be on vacation.

But no worries, we'll still be keeping track of him.

Globetrotter: "Pope Benedict considering trip to Africa in 2009"

Welcome news:

In an interview with the Italian newspaper Avvenire, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican Secretary of State, pointed out that Pope Benedict XVI would like to visit Africa in 2009, although his travel agenda for next year "has not yet been fixed."

Cardinal Bertone also added that, "The Church in Africa deserves a trip by the Pope, who has already visited or is preparing to visit the other continents." (CNA)

In a backhand way, Bertone just added another confirmation that China is in the works as well.

Pope Benedict plans Australian holiday prior to WYD

Sharp-eyed readers noted on this post that Pope Benedict will actually be in Australia a few days before he is scheduled to publicly appear at the 2008 World Youth Day activities in Sydney.

Now we know why - looks like he wants to make sure he's rested and ready for the youth:

Pope Benedict XVI will holiday at a secret location in Australia before World Youth Day in Sydney in July, event organisers said Friday.

Sydney Archbishop George Pell said the pope would arrive in Australia on July 13 and leave on July 21, taking three days vacation before attending World Youth Day.
Event organisers said the 81-year-old pontiff "has decided to spend several days preparing for his encounter with young people" following the lengthy flight to Australia from Rome.

"The trip to Australia will be the longest journey the Holy Father has ever undertaken," World Youth Day coordinator Anthony Fisher said, adding organisers had selected a holiday destination for the Pope that was "beautiful and suitable for the leader of the world's Catholics."

"He will have the opportunity to see some of Australia's beautiful flora and fauna," Fisher said.

"We cannot, of course, disclose the location; he is a head of state seeking private time and has asked that that privacy be respected." (AFP)

Lucky guy. Flora and fauna - what's not to love about that?!

(... and I hope someone manages to sneak a picture of Papa Benny in a hammock).

The Pope in Naples - Full Coverage

Quick AmP coverage & highlights of Pope Benedict's one-day pastoral visit to Naples, Italy:

"Pope Benedict XVI kisses the relics of Naples' patron saint inside the St. Gennaro cathedral in Naples."

Vatican radio has a summary and preview of today's events: "Pope Benedict is due to make a one day pastoral visit to Naples tomorrow, during which he will meet with over 300 religious leaders attending an international, interfaith meeting sponsored by the Saint Egidio community. Philippa Hitchen reports..." [click here.]

CNA reports: Tens of thousands of Neapolitans turned out today in pouring rain to hear the Pope’s words and show their support for him. Cries of “viva la Papa” (long live the Pope) could be heard as the he made his way in the Pope mobile to the Piazza del Plebiscito, where he celebrated Mass and recited the Angelus. [click here.]

John Allen: "On a cold, rainy morning in Naples’ Plebiscite Square, flanked by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, and the Patriarch of Constantinople, Pope Benedict XVI said that “prayer is the greatest force for the transformation of the world." [click here.]

AsiaNews.It: “The real ‘spirit of Assisi’, …. opposes all forms of violence and the abuse of religion as a pretext for violence”. The pope underlined this during his brief meeting with the representatives of the religions gathered in Naples for the World Meeting for peace, promoted by the St. Egidio Community. [click here.]

Zenit: "Benedict XVI called for widespread initiatives in Naples to help curb the prevalent "mentality" of violence in the city, and slammed in particular the organized crime of the Camorra." [click here.]

Much more coverage by Teresa Benedetta et. al. over at the Papa Ratzinger Forum.

Also, a light-hearted take on one of the trip's more iconic moments at Curt Jester.

And of course, some of the best selections from the photo feed:

... I've been on those steps! In matter of fact, I've sat and ate lunch right where the Pope is standing.

In honor of his visit I think I'm going to eat some neapolitan pizza. Viva il Papa!

Pope Benedict to visit Eastern U.S. cities in April '08?

A notable upswing in cardinal-and-archbishop sightings during the last couple weeks here in DC set off rumors that something big was brewing. New to the scene myself, I shrugged my shoulders and figured that this state of affairs was average for the Nation's capital.

Disconnected as it may have been, Rocco reports that plans for a Papal visit to the Eastern seaboard were disseminated and discussed by the heirarchy during that time frame. (Quelle surprise, yes?) The highlights of Rocco's report:

The tentative dates of the visit would be April 15th-20th (Tuesday-to-Sunday).

Appearances in New York: a speech before the United Nations, Mass at Central Park, address and prayers at St. Patrick's Cathedral, a moment of reflection at Ground Zero.

Appearances in Boston: Sunday Mass on Boston Common and a meeting with the bishops of New England.

Appearances in Washington DC: Pope Benedict is reportedly eager to see the campus of CUA, he would also meet with President Bush, and probably celebrate Mass at the National Mall.

A visit to Baltimore might be added.

And, parting with tradition, the Pontiff will be visiting in an election year, right near the time when the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates should have just emerged. (Cue the fireworks.)

... well now, it seems I have to go block out a certain week in April on my calendar...

More as I find it.

Update: On Friday, CNS speculated: "Vatican officials say the pope also expects to visit the United Nations and New York in 2008, and April now looks like a likely time frame. He could easily add one or two other eastern U.S. cities, such as Philadelphia or Boston, to that itinerary."

Update 2: In fairness to my readers, I should note that this report is unsubstantiated at this point and has not been confirmed by any official source. Expect, at the very least, many of the venues and planned activities mentioned in this post to change. From what I'm hearing, the projected dates and major cities look fairly certain, but anything beyond that hasn't passed into anything resembling a consensus.

Update 3: CNA reports on the rumors here (and it appears to simply relate Rocco's details).

Obviously, in a situation like this the various involved dioceses and planning committees don't want to jump the gun and release details that have not yet been confirmed. Cities and other destinations at one time on the list would feel slighted if taken off during a later stage of planning, etc. Plus, there's a massive amount of logistics collaboration that has to go on with state and local officials (security, etc). Having the details of a visit available to the public won't help those proceedings move smoothly along in the least. So, everyone, stay patient and tuned.

There's plenty of time to book tickets.

Photopost: Capuchins welcome Pope Benedict to Loreto

Most folks probably didn't know this, but Pope Benedict visited a local Loreto shrine and the Capuchin Friars while he was there. CWNews reported on it:

During his weekend visit to Loreto, Italy, on September 1-2, Pope Benedict XVI made a private visit to the famous Holy House there.

On Saturday evening, after a meeting with young people in the town's Montorso section, the Holy Father made a visit to the shrine to pray in silence .... He also gave his blessing to the local Capuchin friars and cloistered nuns at the site.

"May the Holy House truly be the center and heart of your city," the Pope said. He reminded the local officials of "the great privilege you have of living in the shadow of the Holy House."

In his prayer at the renowned shrine, the Pope appealed to Christ to "show us, we ask of you, your ever-new face, the mysterious mirror of God's inexhaustible mercy." He asked the Virgin Mary to "help us have innocent hands and a pure heart" with which to serv God.

Happily, a Capuchin Fransiscan Friar let me know about the webpage of the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor that contains some rare (and beautiful) photos taken during the Pope's recent visit.

(click for full-size versions)

The same website also has a news post covering the Pope's visit. Some excerpts:

At 9:15 p.m., Benedict XVI entered the Basilica, welcomed by the Rector, Br. Marzio Calletti, OFMCap and his Delegate S.E. Monsignor Gianni Danzi who accompanied him to the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Mary, the Virgin of Nazareth. Here the Holy Father prayed in silence at first, then through a televised linkup, to the prayer vigil of the young people. Before he left the Basilica, the Pope met with the Capuchin Friars, guardians of the House of Mary since around 1559.

... After receiving the greetings of the Minister General, Br. Mauro Jöhri (who on this day also celebrated his 60th birthday – and may the Virgin of Loreto sustain his ministry) who was accompanied by the Minister of the province of the Marches, Br. Gianni Pioli, the Pope, in an outdoor program, wished to speak with the friars who had gathered in the German Chapel. He thanked them for their presence and for their dedication to the sacramental ministry of Reconciliation and the welcoming of pilgrims. He then added that he knew well the “Capuchin Fathers” because from the time of his infancy he listened and learned when, very frequently, they were present in his parish for preaching and the sacramental life.

What a wonderful little jem. You can even hear an audio file of the Pope's words to the community. If that isn't technology put to good use I don't know what is!