Pope Benedict's Trip to Malta (Links Links Links)

I had some compter problems yesterday afternoon so I am getting a lot start. I will be adding to this through the morning and day as I try to find the best of the web on it

From the Vatican Web Site
WELCOMING CEREMONY
ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

VISIT TO THE CAVE OF SAINT PAUL
PRAYER AND GREETING OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION (A wonderful homily)

Via Father Z-President of Malta defends the Church

From John Allen -Vatican strategy in Malta: 'Let Benedict be Benedict' (it appears to be working from what I can see)

From the National Catholic Register Malta Puts on Party for the Pope (This includes the Pope's informal Press Gaggle on the Plane to Malta)

It is breaking that Pope Benedict met with abuse victims. Some intial links. John Allen has NEWSFLASH: Pope meets abuse victims in Malta. The Times of Malta has Updated: Pope 'deeply moved' in meeting with abuse victims

The Times of Malta has a nice web page on the trip here . Some interesting ones Wrap-up: Malta gives Pope enthusiastic welcome -The Pope's visit: A fun experience for children -Luqa 'phallic' monument partly hidden with banner -Pope urges Malta to stand up for 'indissolubility of marriage' No seafood, spicy food or mushrooms for the Pope .

Some more is coming out on the metting with abuse victims. John Allen has Victim in Malta: Pope had 'tears in his eyes'

The immigration issue is right now HUGE in Europe as it is in Malta and will be another storyline coming out. Damion Thompson has En route to Malta, Pope hints at the disaster of mass immigration These remarks of the Pontiff are similar to the ones he made when he was on the plane to the USA for his trip. That is immigration and Church teaching advocates a need for a two prong approach of looking at it.

John Allen has another piece up at Benedict's strategy on crisis: 'Pastoral not Political' It is a good piece but I have disagreements. I think the Vatican and the Pope will address those issues that Allen raises. But is waiting to do it at a time where it can get its message clearly apart. I also think the Church is correct not to have its mission to be sidelined totally by the sex abuse scandal. It might be shocking to folks but I doubt the under round Church in China has this as their top concern, nor the Christians in Pakistan, India, and parts of Africa that are being slaughtered. Nor as we saw here on this trip the many that are effected by the immigration issue. Those problems cannot be "put off" . Also the basic Gospel Message must still be preached.

Ok we have a the Pope Remarks to his meeting with young people online ( I am putting a seperate entry on my blog as to a part of this) There was a interesting part of this dealing with people struggling with different orientations I saw come across live on Twitter from a reporter there. More on that later.

The following podcasts can be downloaded and listened too (3 cheers for Vatican Radio for getting this up quick)

Meeting with Young People in Malta. Address of the Holy Father

Address of the Holy Father, and Regina Coeli prayer in FLoriana, Malta.

Homily of Pope Benedict XVI for the Holy Mass in Floriana, Malta

Pope Benedict's Remarks on Leaving Malta Are Up

This does not mean this will not updated as no doubt a lot will be posted of importance on the events of the day.

The back and forth Dialogue between Youth and the Pope is VERY INTERESTING . Here is part of it.

Anna Arco's Diary is a reporter blog that is one the scene great entires here at Called to a vocation of love and service, Benedict arrives by boat, and More waterfront shots

National Catholic Register has Pope Wraps Up Successful Visit

Lots of great pics and vids here B16's Malta Trip, UPDATED-New Pics, Meets With Abuse Victims