Under the Tuscan . . . mosque?

MSNBC.com is covering a story about the controversy surrounding the construction of a large mosque in Colle di Val d'Elsa, a town between Florence and Tuscany. Muslim residents say it will promote cultural exchange, while the locals are "very afraid." Overall it's an excellent intro to the problems Italy faces as it becomes Africa and the Middle East's "gateway to Europe."

Link (English)

Pope Benedict washes 12 men’s feet

In a traditional Easter ceremony, the pope washed 12 pairs of feet in imitation of Christ, who did so the night before he died. The pope encouraged all the faithful to do good works to others, especially those who are suffering or ignored by society.

I had no idea this was a Catholic tradition! It's good to see the big guy himself getting down and dirty with the faith.

Link 

Pope Benedict to visit Holy Land in 2007

From Reuters:

ROME – Senior Israeli politician Shimon Peres said on Thursday that Pope Benedict XVI had told him he hoped he would be able to visit the Holy Land next year.

Peres, a senior Kadima party politician, discussed the Middle East situation with the German-born Benedict during a 40-minute meeting at the Vatican and said he relayed an invitation from Interim Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

“He indicated he may do it in the first part of next year,” Peres told a news conference after the papal audience. “I do believe his visit can have an impact on the peace process as well."

If you recall, when first elected, the pope took some fire for his German background and his brief stint in the then-compulsory Hitler Youth. It seems, though, he's more than atoned for that less-than-perfect act of civil obedience. 

Link (MSNBC)

500 year anniversary of Saint Peter’s Basilica

Five hundred years ago today Pope Julius II placed the first stone to what would eventually become the impressive Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. The Basilica is considered by many Catholics to be one of the most sacred spots on earth, since it houses the burial place of the apostle Peter, and it is arguably the largest church in the world. The 500th anniversary will be celebrated on the 2nd of July with a concert featuring Antonio Pappalardo's composition "Petrus Eni" (meaning "Peter is within"–the inscription found in a tomb under the church, where Peter is said to be buried).

St. Peter's was begun in 1506 but not completed until 1626. The dome, which has a diameter of 140 feet and rises nearly 400 ft above the church floor, was designed by none other than Michelangelo himself (typical Renaissance man–their talents are enough to drive one to envy!).

Link (to Italian news story)