Inter-religious dialogue Benedict's way

Jeff Israely in Time: It's hard not to notice when the Pope shows up. And you can sometimes say the same when he doesn't. Last fall, Pope Benedict XVI was a notable no-show at a September ceremony to mark 20 years since John Paul II had hosted a groundbreaking gathering of world religious leaders in Assisi, Italy. Some viewed the Pope's absence as a slap to those working for inter-faith dialogue, both inside and outside the Catholic Church. On Sunday, however, Benedict will be center stage at the most lavish, and well-attended, inter-religious ceremony of his papacy, organized by the same Sant'Egidio community that helped launch Assisi. What has changed? Why is Benedict marking 21 years since 'the spirit of Assisi' was uncorked, after skipping out on the 20th anniversary? | Read more...

Related:

• Verbatim: The Pope's address in Naples.
  
• The (Bahrain) Gulf Daily News provides background from the other side of the fence.