National & International Tidbits

• Pope Benedict is reviewing final proofs on a new book about Jesus. The author of 40 books before begin elected Pope, the Holy Father's new book will be his first as Successor of Peter. Publication date has not been announced.

• Special visitor coming to Vatican City meeting with Pope Benedict on October 13th: the Dalai Lama. The exiled leaders is in Rome to receive an honorary degree from the University of Rome. He had audiences with Pope John Paul II several times. One wonders if they will talk about ... will "Regensburgate" be on the table since the Dalai Lama is, as noted by Catholic World News, not to be overlooked in his outspoken support for human rights and religious freedom.

• There is a bit of unrest going on in the Holy See among Vatican officials to a reported new directive from Pope Benedict which would extend permission to priests to celebrate the traditional Latin Mass. Apparently the Holy Father maintains that there is only one liturgicl rite in the Latin Church. However, the rite has two forms: the Novus Ordo that celebrated in the vernacular language and the 'extraordinary' the Tridentine Rite. No doubt the new document is going to stir many waters!!! According to Rome news services, the Holy Father, despite the opposition, has made it clear that he will accommodate the traditionalists. Some might see this as one candle that has given light to a whole world. Dominus vobiscum!