Also, people here may not know that a few days ago, the Spanish government sponsored (yes, that's right, they paid for it all) a conference in Valencia on "gay families." It was timed to nearly coincide with the Catholic family conference, and featured a gay rally outside the Cathedral, etc.
No, I was not aware of this, nor am I surprised. Zapatero was not elected by a mandate. How convenient that the elections just happen to coincide with the terrible bombings last year. Nothing like 'igniting' an election. As a NYer, I can fully appreciate the confusion surrounding those events which obviously swayed the election.
However, while the Pope is going personally to meet with the King and Queen of Spain at a government building in Valencia, he is making Zapatero come to the Episcopal Palace if he wishes to meet with the him!
How clever! German ingenuity ... okay, I'll give credit to where it is due - the Holy Spirit - at work.
So the Pope is not about to grovel to ZP, but is asserting his position, which in my opinion is a very important thing to do right now. BXVI is very, very good at the symbolic gesture, and very aware of the meaning of these things. Truly, our Pope is a genuine "defensor fidei."
How truly blessed we are to have Ratzinger as pope! I pray for him each and every night. As the Italians love to say ... Cent Anni!.
Thanks again for this post.
Thank you for all your posts! You truly keep us informed.