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America May See Soft Side of Hardline Pope

Posted Apr 13, 08 8:01 PM CDT in US 

(Newser) – Pope Benedict XVI is a known hardliner, but Americans may see his softer side during a 5-day US tour this week, the New York Times reports. During stops at the White House, United Nations, and various churches, Benedict will touch on abortion, divorce, war, and the priest sex-abuse scandals, but “what he will not do is wag fingers,” said one professor.

Vatican officials hope to shed Benedict’s pit-bull image. But he makes no apologies for his dogmatic style, seeing it as the only defense against secularism. One Vatican expert says his approach “smacks of the Old Church triumphalism," but such criticisms have not dulled the pontiff’s affection for America, which he deems crucial to the Church’s survival.

Source New York Times

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Workmen take crucifix to a baseball stadium, where the pope will deliver Mass.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Security personnel walk through the chapel where the pope will bless disabled children.   (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Pope Benedict XVI will visit the US this week for five days.   (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Americans could be treated to a softer side of the Pope next week during his US tour.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito, file)
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