NEWS

ISTANBUL, Turkey  - During his four-day trip to Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI, known for his precise and incisive words, showed he was also a master of the spontaneous gesture.

While his scholarly words in a September lecture in Germany offended millions of Muslims, his prayer in an Istanbul mosque surprised and delighted many of them.

TORONTO - While the 49th International Eucharistic Congress isn't until June of 2008, planning is well underway. The archdiocese of Toronto plans to send 500 people on a pilgrimage to Quebec City where an expected 15,000 Catholics will gather to gain a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist.

TORONTO - The next secretary general of Pax Christi International wants to see the international Catholic movement gain a foothold in Canada.

OTTAWA - The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has urged a completely free vote on a motion on whether to reopen the debate on marriage, one that would allow politicians to vote "in accordance with their conscience" on marriage.

TORONTO - If good liturgy doesn't happen by accident, it must surely have something to do with the work of the North American Academy of Liturgy. The first week of January, the academy will bring about 250 scholars to Toronto in its continuing crusade to make sure accidents don't happen.

TORONTO - If good liturgy doesn't happen by accident, it must surely have something to do with the work of the North American Academy of Liturgy. The first week of January, the academy will bring about 250 scholars to Toronto in its continuing crusade to make sure accidents don't happen.

TORONTO — The Golden Rule poster, a product of the Scarboro Missions interfaith desk, continues to find a home in classrooms and churches around the world.

TORONTO - Canada's shelter allowance runs out March 31, and the Catholic agencies that deal with Toronto's homeless population warn that when that happens more and more people will fall through the cracks.

OTTAWA - Politicians from several parties welcomed the recommendations Canadian archbishops presented to the House of Commons immigration committee, including the cancellation of the Safe Third Country Agreement, and the elimination of obstacles to family reunification.

ANKARA, Turkey - Acknowledging that his four-day trip to Turkey would be largely symbolic, Pope Benedict XVI opened his visit by paying respect to the Turkish state and extending a hand of friendship to its predominantly Muslim population.

On the plane from Rome Nov. 28, Pope Benedict told reporters, "We must not exaggerate; one cannot expect great results in just three days. The value (of the trip) I would say is symbolic, the fruit of the encounters themselves, of encounters in friendship and respect."