From Catholic News Service

US first lady meets with Pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hopes that the U.S. first lady's trip to the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, would be peaceful and spoke of his concern about violent protests taking place in many Islamic countries. First lady Laura Bush and one of her 24-year-old twin daughters, Barbara Bush, met the Pope at the Vatican Feb. 9 during a brief stop in Rome on the way to the Olympics. After the meeting, she told reporters traveling with her that peace, terrorism and violence were among the topics the Pope raised. "He talked to me about the worries of terrorism, worries right now about violence in Beirut, Damascus and other cities" in the Middle East as protests continued over cartoons published in Europe that many Muslims found offensive. "His hope and certainly our hope (is) for peace and tolerance" and for everyone to treat others with respect, she said.

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Pope Benedict to visit Turkey in November

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Just four days after an Italian priest was killed in Turkey, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Benedict XVI would visit the country Nov. 28-30. While the Pope had spoken publicly about wanting to go to Turkey, particularly to visit the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Feb. 9 Vatican announcement was the first to mention specific dates. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said Turkish "President Ahmet Necdet Sezer invited His Holiness Benedict XVI to make an official visit to his nation Nov. 28-30. The Holy Father accepted the invitation." Navarro-Valls said a detailed itinerary and program had not yet been completed. The Vatican announcement came on the eve of the funeral Mass for Father Andrea Santoro, a Rome priest who had been serving as a missionary in Turkey. He was shot and killed Feb. 5 as he prayed in St. Mary Church in the Black Sea coastal city of Trebizond.

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Lebanese bishops in solidarity with Iraqi Christians

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Lebanon's Maronite Catholic bishops expressed sorrow for the recent bomb attacks on Christian churches in Iraq and noted the upcoming anniversary of the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister. Previously, even in wars people avoided "the places of worship and civilians," said the Maronite Council of Bishops in a statement following their monthly meeting Feb. 1. Militants planted bombs that exploded near several Christian churches and the Vatican Embassy Jan. 29 in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad and Kirkuk. In addition to conveying their solidarity with Iraqi Christians, the bishops also remembered the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. "In a few days, Feb. 14, falls the anniversary of the assassination of the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, an event that caused a painful echo in Lebanon and in many world circles," the bishops said. "We hope that the investigation into his assassination results in discovering the doers and punishing them most severely so as to deter others from committing such condemnable crimes."

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Catholic involvement seen in Turin, on slopes

ROME (CNS) -- Snow, ice, skis and skates: Those are just some of the essential ingredients that have come together for the XX Olympic Winter Games Feb. 10-26 in Turin, Italy. The Catholic Church is also getting into the mix, adding its own sacred riches and traditions to an event that's brimming with Olympic spirit. Even the Vatican has gotten involved in the games. Pope Benedict XVI blessed the Olympic flame during his Dec. 8 Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square. A Swiss Guard, who was sporting a tracksuit and sneakers instead of his usual colorful uniform, held the torch aloft for the blessing. The guard had received the flame from a Vatican gendarme, making it the first time Vatican representatives ever participated as Olympic torchbearers. While the Vatican has never sent anyone to compete in the Olympics, the Vatican will have a representative at the games. For the first time, the head of the Vatican's new sports office, U.S. Father Kevin Lixey, will be in Turin to network with national Olympic committees and chaplains from other countries.

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Pope mourns death of murdered Italian priest

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI asked that the murder of an Italian missionary priest in Turkey intensify dialogue between religions and foster peace among peoples. At the end of his Feb. 8 general audience in the Vatican, the Pope recalled the Feb. 5 murder of Father Andrea Santoro, who was gunned down while praying in his parish church. "How can I not remember to mention today Father Andrea Santoro?" the Pope asked approximately 8,000 pilgrims in the Paul VI hall. The pilgrims immediately rose from their seats to give the slain priest a standing ovation. The Pope called the missionary a "silent and courageous servant of the Gospel" and asked that "the sacrifice of his life contribute to the cause of dialogue between religions and peace among peoples." The Pope said he had just received a letter, dated Jan. 31, from the murdered priest, who had written "a moving testimony of love and fidelity to Christ and his church." In the letter, the priest expressed his and his parishioners' desire that the Pope visit their small church during his November trip to Turkey.

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