Monsignor Ratzinger Awarded Austrian Cross

Pope looks on...Austria Decorates Monsignor Ratzinger (it is his brother).

Vatican Says No Church Action Planned Against Legionaries' Founder

This story generated a lot of energy yesterday based on Sandro Magister's piece in Chiessa. CNS STORY: Vatican says no church action planned against Legionaries' founder

Ignatius Press--Publisher of the Pope

Interesting story about Ignatius Press...RELIGION / The pope has a friend in local priest, editor / Conservative Fessio clashed with liberal Jesuits at USF

Pope and Russian Piligrims

Speaks to them in Russian, they beg him "come and visit us"....reminds of Scripture where St. Paul has a vision of a Macedonian asking him to come to them..Pope Benedict XVI Gives Audience to Russian Piligrims - NEWS - MOSNEWS.COM

The "School of Peace"

If you want peace, go to Mass. Those familiar with the famous saying of Paul VI will know what I'm playing off of here...



Cardinal Martino Announces New Document

Three Stories from Davenport, Iowa Diocese

Probably all related in one way or another....



First the former Vicar General who has settled a civil lawsuit (that involved sexual abuse of a minor) wants to work as a priest again in the diocese...DesMoinesRegister.com



Next a priest who has just been released from prison from the same diocese for having child porn on his computer has just been hired as a janitor in the diocese (where somehow he won't have access to computers--not sure how that is since it seems like he is working at the chancery offices)...Quad-City Times Newspaper Online - the Quad-Cities Home Page



Finally and not surprisingly I would guess Bishop Franklin of the same diocese has just turned 75 and wants out...Quad-City Times Newspaper Online - the Quad-Cities Home Page.



I'm guessing that for him the Holy Father's acceptance can't come soon enough.

Pope Arrives to Watch "Karol" the Movie

Amy has a funnier shot of the pope seated on a throne in the middle of the crowd watching the film. John Paul's secretary is right behind the pope in this picture.