I've actually met this Pope on a number of occasions when he was still Cardinal Ratzinger. I studied Italian in Rome and used to go to the German Mass he gave at the Vatican thrice weekly. He is as smart and as charming a man as you're likely to meet and I had a very favorable opinion of him. That being said, he is bit reactionary at times and always puts the interests of the Church (the institution)ahead of any possible pastoral concerns. I think the Fosters with their cleverly timed publicity campaign are not likely to find much relief.

The pilgrims,while probably well behaved still sound like a nightmare. Like being in Paris in the summer with all of those backpackers, with their guidebooks and hiking shoes. UGH!

This Pope already owns at least one cat I know for sure. Her name is Oremus (which as many of you know means "let us pray" in Latin. She is often seen scurrying around the halls of the Apostolic apartmnents and been seen being toted around by more than one exasperated Swiss Guard. Thank goodness for kitties.

Bishop Fisher sounds like a real piece of work. Too bad someone doesn't molest his ass with a nightstick. What an idiot!

Thanks for the update.

Peace,
Bubba