De Omnibus Dubitandum Est.

When was the last time this happened? Rome reports offers us this video of the historic meeting of Pope Francis with Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI which took place today at Castel Gandolfo at about 12.15 pm local time. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, said it was “a moment of profound communion”. We can see in the video Benedict offering the place of honour to Pope Francis when they arrive in the chapel. However, Francis responded “we are brothers” and wanted them to share the same kneeler—what a beautiful gesture! The two popes then went to the library where their private meeting began around 12:30pm. It is the place where popes usually receive important guests at Castel Gandolfo. Their meeting lasted 45 minutes. Pope Francis gave Benedict a beautiful icon known as Our Lady of Humility. You can see how ornate and beautiful it is—hopefully this will prove demonstrative that Pope Francis does understand the value of beautiful things. Benedict had...

I suppose it is only natural that after such a wonderful papacy as that of Benedict XVI, during which all those who know and care about the Apostolic faith felt truly safe and nurtured, that change is going to be unsettling. Of course this could not be more accurately related than through my own personal disquiet when Cardinal Bergoglio, unknown to me, stepped out onto the balcony after the Conclave. Our house was full, and I had been so animated about the process, every eye turned to me for exuberance at the choice made by the Conclave. Instead of joy they found uncertainty, worry, nervousness. Very quickly, I set to the task of finding out a little more about this man who is now our Pope, and my heart began to rise. He is erudite, he has integrity, but most importantly, he literally oozes faith. Despite our relative ignorance, there has been a real division evident over the last few days between a kind of triumphalism of more liberal factions in the Church, those who typi...