BENEDICT XVI: NEWS, PAPAL TEXTS, PHOTOS AND COMMENTARY

Sorry for being away for 3 hours... I would have loved to feature a good photo spread on a historic day but the available pictures online so far from the newsphoto agencies are typically unrepresentative, and worse, too few. This is the best I can do so far.



The occasion was a public consistory to announce the canonization of new saints - including 801 Italian martyrs killed by invading Muslim Turks in the 15th century. It was a solemn liturgical occasion with everyone present in choir dress, including the Pope, who also wore the mozzetta and stole of papal authority.





After the liturgy was over came Benedict XVI's surprise announcement:




Cardinal Sodano addressed the Pope in behalf of all present and the College of Cardinals.



The best photo I have seen so far from today's event. What a beautiful portrait of serene joy after such a momentous decision!