[AnAmericanMother]

Of course, people predicted JPII's death off and on for decades, ever since he was shot, actually.

It must be somewhat unnerving to be standing in the center, watching the buzzards and other scavengers circling and hoping.

Heartfelt prayers to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin to uphold our Holy Father!

[trisham]

Of course, people predicted JPII's death off and on for decades, ever since he was shot, actually.

It must be somewhat unnerving to be standing in the center, watching the buzzards and other scavengers circling and hoping.

Heartfelt prayers to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin to uphold our Holy Father!

*************

I think I feel reassured by that. :)

You're quite right; Pope Benedict has really been in the thick of it since the beginning. It must be so exhausting at times. Continuing prayers for our beloved Pope Benedict.

[NYer]

Heartfelt prayers to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin to uphold our Holy Father!

Pure speculation on my part but perhaps the pope chose to visit home before the trip to Turkey. One of the best sellers in Turkey, for now, is a novel about the assassination of the pope. As you may recall, Turkey is where Fr. Andrea Santoro was murdered, earlier this year, by a Muslim fanatic. The Holy Father will need our prayers to strengthen him for this journey.