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Article: Benedict's balancing act in Spain.(ANALYSIS; Pope Benedict XVI)
- Article from:
- National Catholic Reporter
- Article date:
- July 28, 2006
- Author:
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Benedict XVI's July 8 and 9 trip to Valencia, Spain, offered a classic illustration of the dilemma facing popes when it comes to secular politics, an arena in which they are almost literally damned if they do, damned if they don't. If they take a stand, they risk being accused of interference in the secular sphere; if they don't, critics will complain about their silence.
The solution modern popes have embraced is to speak in generalities that usually leave little doubt as to their mind, but avoiding direct statements about particular politicians, governments or debates. That's just what Benedict did during his 26-hour trip to Valencia for the close of the fifth ...