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Benedict the Right Pope for Right Now: Noonan

Posted Apr 11, 08 1:16 PM CDT in Arts & Living,  World 

(Newser) – John Paul II was an incredible Pope, but Benedict might be just what the world needs today, writes Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal. Benedict, who "lacks an immediately accessible flair," succeeded a telegenic "showman" who brought joy to the faithful. "John Paul made you burst into tears," Noonan writes. "Benedict makes you think."

In his 2006 speech that riled the Muslim world, Benedict’s main message was the incompatibility of religion and violence, that God “is not pleased by blood” and that “not acting reasonably is contrary to God’s nature.” In these times we need that message, Noonan says. On his visit to America, she writes, "I hope he speaks even more than usual about love."

Source Wall Street Journal

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Pope Benedict XVI acknowledges the crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
Pope Benedict XVI waves as he is driven through the crowd during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing as he arrives in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.   (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)
Pope Benedict XVI waves from his pope mobile as he is driven through the crowd at St. Peter's Square for his weekly general audience, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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