Concern for Christians in the Middle East.  Fighting world hunger and disease.  Continuing theological dialogue. These were just three of the topics discussed in the private meeting between Pope Benedict and Archbishop Rowan Williams. Read more on the closed door meeting at Lambeth Palace from a joint communiqué released Friday afternoon: Fifty years after the ...read more

A warm embrace. That was how Pope Benedict was greeted as he met with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams.  It was as if His Grace flew to meet the Holy Father as he stepped out of his car, arriving at the Archbishop’s residence, Lambeth Palace. The Holy Father emphasized the importance of praying ...read more

As Pope Benedict XVI was meeting with students at St. Mary’s University College in Twickenham, London, the news was revealed that police in London had arrested five men suspected of posing a risk to the Pope’s security. Scotland Yard, the British police force, told reporters the five men were arrested at 5:40am London time. The ...read more

Pope Benedict met with leaders of other religions this morning in London. Before speaking, Chief Rabbi of London Lord Jonathan Sacks gave an address, as did the director of the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts Dr. Khaled Azzam.  Rabbi Sacks offered a great comment noting that we live in an “information saturated” but “wisdom starved ...read more

It was a quaint gathering at St. Mary’s College in Twickenham this morning on day 2 of Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK. After having spent yesterday in Scotland, the Holy Father made his way to London and then this morning to the school in Twickenham, a suburb just west of London. The Holy Father ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI donned a specially designed Papal tartan over his shoulders as he traveled from Holyroodhouse Palace to the Archbishop of Edinburgh’s residence.  His route was part of a St. Ninian Day parade; the feast of the 5th century Bishop is celebrated today in Scotland. The tartan itself has great symbolism.  The white line ...read more

It’s a grey overcast day in London, nothing new there. Despite the fact that London is home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II there is undeniably an air of anticipation in the city. Although the British media has been highlighting all the reasons the Holy Father should not be visiting the UK or why taxpayers ...read more

This morning at 5:30 am EST (10:30am local time), Pope Benedict XVI landed in Edinburgh, Scotland. This journey is history in the making; it is the first ever state-visit to the UK by a Pope. Shortly after the Holy Father’s arrival, we spoke to CNS’ Rome bureau chief, John Thavis who was aboard the flight ...read more

Just over a week from now Pope Benedict will flying from Rome to Scotland to begin his Apostolic Journey to the United Kingdom. Organizers have been posting weekly audio updates on the official Papal Visit website.  The updates are short, and the page also has a transcription of the audio. It provides some nice background ...read more

In addition to a September 16th to 19th Papal trip to the United Kingdom which Pope Benedict has asked prayers for, September brings us the following papal intentions: General Intention: The Word of God as Incentive for Social Development That the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work ...read more