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Pope Benedict XVI

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Pope Benedict XVI

The hard-nosed theologian who leads the world's Catholics is a far cry from your friendly neighborhood priest. But in spite of tough rhetoric and a talent for controversy, his flock seems to be following

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, succeeding the enormously popular John Paul II. Sometimes called “God’s Rottweiler" for his staunch defense of traditional Catholic doctrine, the cerebral Benedict is charged with tackling many of the challenges John Paul left behind, including ensuring that Catholicism remains a ‘large tent’ even as he insists that Catholics toe the line on all matters of doctrine and theology. But Benedict hasn't kowtowed to detractors yet—he continues to spark controversy with his outspoken comments and contentious decisions, including his recent choice to restore the traditional Latin mass.

Stories

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April 2008
- Birthday Serenade for Visiting Pope
  
  Associated Press | Apr 16, 08 9:56 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - President Bush threw a birthday party for Pope Benedict XVI at the White House today, the AP reports, helping the pontiff turn 81 in style. “God bless America,” the pope told the crowd of about 9,000 invited guests. “Birthdays are typically spent with friends,” Bush said. “Our entire nation is moved that you’ve decided to spend this special day with us.” More »
- Pope's Words Anger Victims of Sex Abuse
  
  New York Times | Apr 16, 08 5:07 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict's attempt to placate priests' sex abuse victims has only served to anger many of them, reports the New York Times . The pontiff said he was "deeply ashamed" of the scandal that has triggered complaints from some 13,000 victims. He does not plan to meet with any victims' organizations during his US visit, however, and numerous protests are planned. More »
- 'Monumental' US Visit Ahead
  
  CNN | Apr 15, 08 5:05 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Today's arrival of Pope Benedict XVI "had the look and feel of a monumental and historic event," a CNN correspondent notes—and the six-day visit will indeed be eventful. Benedict will speak to US Catholic leadership tomorrow after a welcoming ceremony at the White House, then visit the UN. The Vatican hopes to galvanize American Catholics, whose enthusiasm has been sapped by sex scandals. More »
- Benedict Arrives in US
  
  Newsday | Apr 15, 08 3:13 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI arrived at Andrews Air Force Base this afternoon and received a gala welcome from a cheering crowd led by President Bush. The pope will visit Washington and New York during his six-day visit, saying Mass at a baseball park in each city. The official greeting ceremony will take place tomorrow, the pontiff's 81st birthday, at the White House. More »
- Pope 'Ashamed' by Priest Sex Abuse
  
  Associated Press | Apr 15, 08 11:01 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI said today he is "deeply ashamed" by the priest sex-abuse scandal that caused a crisis of faith in the US, and he vowed that the church "will absolutely exclude pedophiles" from the priesthood, the AP reports. "We will do whatever is possible so that this does not happen in the future," the Pope said in English on the plane flying him to the US. More »
- US Catholics Like Benedict, but Not Rome
  
  Washington Post | Apr 15, 08 7:18 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - As Pope Benedict XVI arrives for his first visit to America, a Washington Post poll finds that the pontiff enjoys wide support among US Catholics. Nearly three in four say that they have a positive impression of Benedict. But the poll also reveals that most Catholics find the church out of sync with their personal views, and that many remain pained by the clergy sex abuse scandal. More »
- America May See Soft Side of Hardline Pope
  
  New York Times | Apr 13, 08 8:01 PM CDT
  
  (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. More »
- NY, DC Prep for Papal Visit
  
  New York Times | Apr 12, 08 11:35 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - He may be the only man who can draw Mets fans to Yankee Stadium: Next week, Pope Benedict XVI will lead a stadium Mass on his 6-day tour of Washington, DC and New York. Before gracing second base, the Pontiff will celebrate his 81st birthday at the White House, and visit churches—and a synagogue—in both cities. More »
- Benedict the Right Pope for Right Now: Noonan
  
  Wall Street Journal | Apr 11, 08 1:16 PM CDT
  
  (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." More »
- Pope Will Address Abuse Crisis During US Visit
  
  Associated Press | Apr 8, 08 9:45 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI will address the clergy sex-abuse crisis during his visit to the US next week, a top aide tells the AP. The pontiff, who begins the six-day trip Tuesday in Washington, "will try to open the path of healing and reconciliation" during a mass for clergy members April 19 at New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral. More »
March 2008
- Pope Hails Easter Conversions
  
  BBC | Mar 23, 08 1:27 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Easter Mass today, hailing the miracle of conversion, "which renews itself even today" before a rain-soaked crowd in St. Peter's Square and calling for an end to hostilities in "Darfur and Somalia, the tormented Middle East, especially the Holy Land, Iraq, Lebanon, and Tibet." His address followed the controversial baptism of a high-profile Muslim journalist, BBC reports. More »
- Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope
  
  Associated Press | Mar 23, 08 6:30 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Italy's best-known commentator on Islam converted to Catholicism yesterday at the Vatican, during Easter vigil, and was baptized by the Pope himself, the AP reports. Though Magdi Allam was born a Muslim, he said he "never" practiced his native religion, and made his name criticizing Islamic fanaticism, receiving death threats in the process. More »
- Pope Knocks China on Good Friday
  
  Reuters | Mar 21, 08 8:35 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict took aim at China's lack of religious freedom at a Good Friday procession in Rome today, Reuters reports. "In many parts of the world, (the Church) is undergoing the dark hour of persecution," the Pope said, using words penned by a cardinal who has blasted China's policies. A Chinese woman shouldered the cross for part of the procession, which was broadcast to 39 countries. More »
- Pope Pushing for Church in Saudi Arabia
  
  Time | Mar 20, 08 10:37 AM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI is lobbying Saudi Arabia to let a Catholic church on its soil, Time reports. The Vatican confirms that it's discussing forging diplomatic relations with the Saudis, but a house of worship would be a major coup in a country where all religions besides Sunni Islam are banned. More »
- Bin Laden Threatens Europe
  
  Associated Press | Mar 19, 08 8:56 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Osama bin Laden threatened Europe today with "severe" retaliation over the publication of cartoons of the prophet Muhammad, the AP reports. The audio recording of bin Laden surfaced on the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war, though he made no mention of it, and a day before the Muslim world celebrates Muhammad's birthday. One expert said the voice appeared to be bin Laden's, but he noted that it had no reference points to show when it was recorded. More »
- Pope Slams Iraq War
  
  Associated Press | Mar 16, 08 1:00 PM CDT
  
  (Newser) - Pope Benedict XVI harshly criticized the Iraq war today at the close of a Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the AP reports. “Enough with the slaughters. Enough with the violence. Enough with the hatred,” he said to applause from a crowd of thousands. He said the war “provoked a breakup” of Iraqi civilian life and urged the country’s factions to work toward "reconciliation, forgiveness, justice, and coexistence among tribal, ethnic, and religious groups." More »
- Kidnapped Priest Found Dead in Iraq
  
  BBC | Mar 13, 08 12:49 PM CDT