THE POPE'S VACATION: DAY 2
Sad news from Afghanistan and Iraq,
prayers, and his first walkabout
by Elisa Pinna
LES COMBES, Introd, Val D'Aosta, July 14 (Translated from ANSA) - News of the attack on Italian soldiers in Afghanistan killing a young man from Campobasso reached the chalet in Les Combes late in the morning today where Pope Benedict XVI arrived yesterday to begin his annual summer vacation.
The Pope was informed about it when he came back from his first walk in the nearby woods with his private secretary, Mons. Georg Gaenswein. He expressed his deep sorrow and issued a message assuring his prayers for the young man, for his wounded colleagues and for their families.
The above photo showing the rear of the Pope's vacation residence appears in tomorrow's (7/15/09) issue of L'Osservatore Romano; earlier photos (below) show the Pope's second-floor rooms opening to a view of Mont Blanc, the highest peak of the Alps. Les Combes is situated at 1300 meters (4,200 ft) altitude.
Arriving from Rome at midday yesterday, the Pope was apparently tired enough that he failed to take his usual afternoon walk. He indicated yesterday that he intended to rest a bit.
There is no talk so far about excursions outside the perimeter of the vacation residence, although a helicopter is on station in the adjoining meadow for any contingency.
Compared to ordinary mortals, however, the Pope's vacation continues to follow the rhythm of the priest's liturgical day, including the daily morning Mass and the Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours) that is prayed seven times a day.
Papa Ratzinger is an early riser, and that was no different today. Before breakfast, he said Mass in the chapel within the chalet. Afterwards, he read the newspapers and proceeded to write, study and meditate.
Shortly after Tierce (mid-morning prayer), he decided to avail of the bea utiful day - which was sunny, with clouds alternating with clear skies - and took a walk in the nearby fir and beech forest with Mons, Gaenswein.
They came back in time for the noonday Office and Angelus. Afterwards, they inaugurated the chalet's new lawn umbrella by taking lunch outdoors - the usual frugal meal prepared by two of the Memores housekeepers who came to Les Combes with the Pope.
The Salesians (who own the chalet and have an adjoining vacation colony) provide the food supplies - and although the menu was not known, the Pope, it is said, did have his strudel, courtesy of a bakery in Villeneuve, the nearest big town.
And his orange juice, even if his companions availed of the Valdostan wines, provided generously by Introd Mayor Osvaldo Naudin.
After his usual post-luncheon rest, the Pope returned to his study, then probably took another walk in the woods with Gaenswein.
Then, Vespers at 7 p.m. and dinner.
Three hundred security men - between the Vatican's own and those of the Italian government - have been assigned to guarantee the Pope's safety and his privacy.
Post-script on the RAI-TV
newsman who 'dissed' the Pope
Antonio Di Bella, the RAI editor who yesterday sought to minimize the offensive remark about the Pope made by Rai-3's Vatican correspondent Roberto Balducci after a report on the Sunday Angelus.
Di Bella today announced he is replacing Balducci as the channel's Vatican correspondent.
Earlier, Balducci wrote Di Bella syaing he was unhappy that his remarks "may have caused damage to you, to our newscast and to the organization", while reiterating his respect for the Vatican
[but not for the Pope - and apparently no apology to the Pope either. But neither has Di Bella expressed any apology to the Pope].
He sought to explain his remarks, saying it stemmed from his original observation that "The two cats who are reportedly awaiting the Pope up in the mountains will surely draw a smile from him - ", going on to say "at least as much as the proverbial four cats, maybe a few more,
who still have the courage and the patience to listen to him", claiming that he had in mind the image of a crowded St. Peter's Square when he said this.
[Yeah, right! Whether in Italian or in English, that last clause cannot be other than ridicule, if not contempt.]
Lella on her blog thinks Di Bella over-reacted. I disagree. It was the least he could do, seeing as no one has yet apologized to the Pope for anything. He didn't fire Balducci, he simply is taking him off the Vatican assignment.
This makes sense, as Balducci obviously has a lot of learn in terms of discretion and propriety, particularly when you have to report daily on the Vicar of Christ. You have no business covering the Pope if you forget this.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 15/07/2009 14:59]