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I saw Pope Benedict's new coat of arms on the prayers cards given to us at the Mass on Sunday in Piazza san Pietro. He has abolished the Papal Tiara and replaced it with a mitre and crossed keys. The shield is divided into three by the hill of mount Carmel, in the right hand section there is a bear carrying a pack, opposite a moore queen and at the bottom a shell. Underneath the shield is the pallium.

He has a new coat of arms. He has abolished the papal tiara and replaced it with a mitre. John Paul I abolished the tiara on his coat of arms but it was subsequently brought back by John Paul II. The shield is divided into three sections by the hill of mount Carmel, in the right hand section there is a bear carrying a pack , opposite a Moore queen and at the bottom a shell. Underneath the shield is the pallium.

His not in prison because there is not a scrap of evidence to put him there despite a full 18 month investigation. See the DA's report and give him a break.

What does seem to be an American problem is the ability to forgive. Why do Latin cultures find it easier to forgive their fathers for even the most hideous sins? could it be your puritan background? Also is the amazing ability you have to forget a man's good works. This man suffered death threats from a lynch mob for his support of the civil rights movements. It seems that the mob, albeit under another guise now, will only be happy when they have their scalp.

Fewer than 25 of the 115 cardinals in Rome attended Law's Mass, and not a single American cardinal was in attendance, according to CNN.



Not true. Cardinal Rigali of Philadelphia was present. In fact more cardinals were present than the mass held the previous day.

How can you say that? The late Holy Father approved his appointment as Archpriest of Mary Major Basilica and his membership of several Vatican departments. Moreover, the Holy Father forgave his would be assassin teaching us the importance of forgiveness in the life of every Christian and that extends to cardinals too.

The last man to sell Jesus was Judas Iscariot and look what happened to him. The Holy See needs to rethink the question of giving out Communion at such big masses.

Bush was happy to meet the Cardinal but he didn't stay for dinner as his pastoral duties with the poor were of more importance to him than dining with the rich and powerful. You may be interested to know that the Cardinal preached an excellent homily at the mass tonight which received sustained applause. It seems that the media are intent upon destroying this man who has already been punished enough. Leave him in peace to serve the poor and needy of Rome and go find some other target.

Yes, His Eminence Cardinal Law is doing an excellent job as Archpriest of the Basilica. In no way does he seek out honors. In fact, the night before the pope's funeral he turned down an invitation to join president Bush and the American delegation for dinner so as to be present in the Basilica. On that night he joined hundreds of Philippine migrant workers for Mass. Afterwards he was on his knees before the blessed sacrament until midnight. The Basilica is right next to Termini station - an area where the homeless and poor hang out. Each day many of them find their way to him to talk to him and receive alms. At least among the poor of Rome he is recognized as a good parish priest. It's time to let this man get on with what he was ordained for - being a pastor to his people. Perhaps the reason why he was asked to celebrate Mass was because people over here recogonize that he is doing that.

Fr Johansen is mistaken. Cardinal Law does live and work at the Basilica and a fine job he is doing too. He has concerned himself with the poor of the city of Rome and is setting about establishing various initiative to help them. He has tried to reach out to the numerous visitors and nearby residents so that their visit to the Basilica will leave them spiritually renewed and uplifted. The Cardinal is carrying out his pastoral duties with humility and kindness and he has already won over many Romans. His gentle manner and clear homilies are widely appreciated. He lives in modest surrounding and drives a modest Ford automobile there are no signs that he aspires to a life of luxury; Far from it, the only impression one is left with after meeting him is of a sincere servant of the Lord wanting to serve the people of the Basilica as a true Pastor. To place the whole American clergy misconduct crisis on one man is facile and unjust. Let's not forget the good work the Cardinal has done in the past - his involvement in the civil rights movement, work for Christian Unity and the pastoral care of immigrants to the US. Leave the past to the mercy of God the present to his care, the future to his providence.</p>

Is it true that the bishop of Nebraska wrote to Cardinal McCarrick over concerns regarding his private life?