Print Story: Putin defends missile sales to Syria on Yahoo! News

Print Story: Putin defends missile sales to Syria on Yahoo! News

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News

Arutz Sheva - Israel National News

Reestablished Sanhedrin Convenes to Discuss Temple
20:28 Feb 09, '05 / 30 Shevat 5765
The re-established "Sanhedrin" convened to hold its monthly meeting this week, with the question of the Holy Temple's precise location the main topic on the agenda.


The recently re-established Sanhedrin - ideally, Judaism's top legal assembly - of 71 rabbis and scholars also moved to solidify logistical aspects of the body.

The Sanhedrin heard expert testimony on the various opinions as to the exact part of the Temple Mount upon which the Holy Temple stood. The fact that there has never been an archaeological expedition or dig on the Temple Mount, coupled with continuous Muslim efforts to destroy historical evidence of the Holy Temple at the site, have made determining the exact location difficult.

Identifying the spot on which the Temple stood is a matter of controversy among scholars, and has serious ramifications for those wishing to visit the Temple Mount. It is also critical for the renewal of the Passover sacrifice, and ultimately for the building of the third and final Holy Temple. While numerous opinions have been expressed throughout the years, and while several of them were expressed at the Sanhedrin gathering this week, the two main opinions state that the Temple stood either on the spot currently occupied by the gold-topped Dome of the Rock, or just to the north of that spot. An opinion that the Temple stood south of that spot, approximately behind the present-day Western Wall, was also presented - though most scholars basically discount it.

The opinion that it is impossible to determine the site of the Temple without prophecy was also presented.

Putin Makes Historic Visit to Israel

Putin Makes Historic Visit to Israel - Yahoo! News

JERUSALEM - Russian President Vladimir Putin made a historic first visit to Israel by a Kremlin leader Wednesday, hours after calling for a Mideast peace conference in Moscow this fall.

Putin arrived from Cairo, Egypt, where he proposed a Middle East peace conference in Moscow in the fall. The topics of talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders are expected to include proposed Russian missile sales to Syria and an expanded role for Russia in Mideast diplomacy.

Putin was greeted at Ben Gurion International Airport outside Tel Aviv by Israeli Vice Premier Ehud Olmert. Putin did not make a statement to the press.

In Cairo, Putin, whose government is a sponsor of the "road map" plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, said he would discuss the conference proposal with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during his three-day visit to Israel.

"I am suggesting that we should convene a conference for all these countries concerned (with the peace process) and the Quartet next autumn," Putin said during a joint news conference with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

The Beast Kingdoms

VATICAN CITY, April 24, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – In a homily marking his inauguration, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday, April 24, paid homage to “my brothers and sisters” of the Jewish people, but failed to make any reference to Islam or Muslims.

Greeting representatives of other faiths attending the ceremony, the pontiff extended a message of welcome to “the Jewish people, to whom we are joined by a great shared spiritual heritage, one rooted in God's irrevocable promises,” reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).

A few days following his election, Pope Benedict XVI sent a message to Rome's chief rabbi vowing to foster and strengthen dialogue with Jews.

His immediate predecessor John Paul II, who died on April 2, won widespread admiration in Israel not only for being the first pope in history to visit a synagogue but also for his work in reconciling the Roman Catholic Church with the Jewish people.

Some observers fear that Jewish lobbies might blackmail the new pope for his wartime membership – which he confirms was enforced -- in Nazi Germany's Hitler Youth.

Jewish leaders have already showered Pope Benedict XVI with praise over his swift and firm commitment to follow in his predecessor's path of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation, saying it was “a very powerful signal” for the future.

The new pontiff’s known opposition to an EU membership for Muslim Turkey has also raised many question marks.

In an interview last year with France's Le Figaro magazine, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger said Ankara should seek its future in an association of Islamic nations, not with the EU, which has Christian roots.

He said Turkey had always been “in permanent contrast to Europe” and that linking it to Europe would be “an enormous mistake.”

Christian Unity

After his a Jews-directed message, Pope Benedict XVI greeted Catholics present here and elsewhere, before extending his message to other Christians.

“With great affection I also greet all those who have been reborn in the sacrament of baptism but are not yet in full communion with us,” he said.

The pontiff pledged to work towards Christian unity as he set out the priorities of his pontificate in his first homily.

“Grant that we may be one flock, and one shepherd,” the 78-year-old pone told an audience in St. Peter's Square that the Vatican estimated at 350,000 people.

“Yes, the church is alive -- this is the wonderful experience of these days, and the church is young.”

In a majestic inauguration, Pope Benedict XVI set the tone for his papacy with a plea to humanity to return to God and transform a world he called a desert of pain and poverty.

He said he was “a weak servant of God” and appealed for prayers to help him in the “enormous task that truly exceeds human capacity.”

Fewer world leaders were at Sunday's Mass than at John Paul's funeral, but the attendance list was still long with some 140 official delegations present.

The dignitaries included Spain's King Juan Carlos, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, brother of US President George W. Bush, and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual head of the Anglican Church.

Benedict XVI

NewsMax.com: Inside Cover Story

When Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen to be the next pope, NewsMax did a Web search for "Benedict XVI" and we were surprised how many prophecies – some rather eerie and apocalyptic – had predicted the name this new pope would take.

The Daily News reported Tuesday that the Irish betting house Paddy Power had three odds-on-favorites: Ratzinger would be elected; it would take three days; and he would take the name Benedict XVI.



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Yahoo! News - Pope Predicted a Short Reign to Cardinals

Yahoo! News - Pope Predicted a Short Reign to Cardinals

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI predicted a "short reign" in comments to cardinals just after his election, and his brother said Wednesday he was worried about the stress the job would put on the 78-year-old pontiff.


Joseph Ratzinger has had ailments in the past, including a 1991 hemorrhagic stroke, that raise questions about how long his papacy will last — and whether the world will watch another pope slowly succumb to age and ailments on a very public stage. Benedict was the oldest pontiff elected in 275 years.


German prelates have expressed concern about Ratzinger's health. One young priest from Cologne, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press in Rome that Benedict has trouble sleeping and has a "delicate constitution." The pope's brother expressed a similar concern in a television interview.


more info inlinewith the idea of a "Transitional figure"

Mission of Peace

My Way News

the Peace seeker

Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, listed top priorities of his papacy in a message read in Latin to cardinals gathered in the Sistine Chapel for the first Mass celebrated by the 265th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

He said his "primary task" would be to work to reunify all Christians and that sentiment alone was not enough. "Concrete acts that enter souls and move consciences are needed," he said.

The new pope said he wanted to continue "an open and sincere dialogue" with other religions and would do everything in his power to improve the ecumenical cause.

Baal Worship in the Old Testament

Baal Worship in the Old Testament

"The most prevalent religious system in the immediate Canaanite context of Israelite culture was the worship of Ba‘al. A network of mythical stories that attempted to explain in narrative the nature of the physical world supported this religious system. As with most myths, the entire story is complex, varying in details and emphasis between peoples. The basic features, however, are fairly simple. Ba‘al religion revolved around the cycles of nature necessary for survival and prosperity in the ancient world, primarily growing crops or raising livestock, as well as the growth of human populations. Not surprisingly, in an arid and agriculturally marginal area of the world the fertility of land and crops played a large role in Canaanite world view. Also as expected, water was a major element of the myth and its images. Likewise, in an environment where human existence was often precarious for a variety of reasons human fertility was an important concern, not only for survival, but also due to the fact that people were one of the most important resources."

The Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Creation Myth

The Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Creation Myth

The Enuma Elish
"When on High . . ."
The Mesopotamian/Babylonian Creation Myth

New pope's brother very concerned about his election - Yahoo! UK & Ireland News

New pope's brother very concerned about his election - Yahoo! UK & Ireland News

REGENSBURG, Germany (AFP) - The brother of Pope Benedict XVI Georg Ratzinger, 81, said he was "very concerned" and "shocked" upon hearing that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger had been elected as head of the Roman Catholic Church because of his age and frail health.

"I am very concerned. I would have thought his advanced age and his health which is not very stable would have been reason enough for the cardinals to pick someone else," said a visibly moved in an interview on German television after the election of his 78-year-old brother.

Fight Or Die

Crucifixion

From the Glory of the Olive #2 Benedict XVI it is!!

My Way News



By Philip Pullella and Crispian Balmer

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Conservative German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected on Tuesday as leader of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics, in a controversial choice to succeed Pope John Paul II.

Ratzinger, 78, the Church's 265th pontiff, will take the name of Benedict XVI. He is expected to defend John Paul's strict orthodox legacy and reject changes in Catholic doctrine. The white-haired new pope appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica soon after his election by cardinals, smiling broadly and greeting tens of thousands of cheering faithful.

"I entrust myself to your prayers," he said as the crowd chanted "Papa! Papa! Papa!" and waved umbrellas and flags.

Benedict's election by a conclave meeting in the Vatican's frescoed Sistine Chapel was signaled by white smoke from the chapel chimney and the tolling of the bells of St. Peter's

Narrowing The Focus

EXCERPTS FROM -

Cardinals Hint at Profile of New Pope: Presence Preferred

By LAURIE GOODSTEIN and DANIEL J. WAKIN




ROME, April 9 - The Roman Catholic Cardinals will take an oath of secrecy when they enter the conclave to elect the next pope, but in the week since John Paul II's death many have been publicly dropping hints about what kind of man the church now needs.

But since the pope's death, the cardinals have said they are looking for someone who can project universal appeal with a personal humility and pastoral presence that embodies the message of the gospel, as they say John Paul did. It is not, many cardinals said in interviews, that they must choose a great orator.

Aside from age and geography, they also have different priorities for the next pope to emphasize as he carries out his public ministry.

One is the need to continue forging closer ties with other religions and other Christian denominations. Many cardinals emphasized last week the need for increased dialogue with Muslim leaders. "You don't want a clash of religions," said Cardinal Avery Dulles, a theology professor at Fordham University and a nonvoter. He identified ecumenism as one of two priorities for the next pope along with pushing forward with John Paul's effort to evangelize in the West.

Several cardinals have indicated a strong desire for someone with the pastoral qualities of cardinals who are also archbishops.

One man who fits many of the current criteria is Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, 71, the archbishop of Milan. He reminds many Italian Catholics of an earlier much-beloved pope, John XXIII, with his plump appearance and his warmth. He is a son of the working class, and spoke in support of antiglobalization protesters in 2001 at the meeting of major industrialized nations in Genoa, where he told the thousands of demonstrators, "One African child sick with AIDS counts more than the entire universe."

He is also a conservative intellectual, close to Opus Dei, who is said to have helped John Paul write several key encyclicals. He has published a book on bioethics, an expertise that would be crucial for the next pope.

Another whose name is often mentioned is Claudio Hummes, the archbishop of São Paulo who speaks five languages and looks much younger than his 70 years. Brazil has the largest number of Catholics of any country, but the church is facing a serious challenge from the Protestant evangelical movement. As a bishop early on, he opposed Brazil's military government and backed striking workers. Since then, he has grown more conservative and once chastised a priest for suggesting that condoms should be used to fight AIDS.

They may opt for an older interim figure, someone who would help the church pause for breath in the aftermath of one of history's longest and most eventful papacies. A candidate for that role would be Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who worked closely with John Paul for 24 years as the chief overseer of church theology and is deeply respected for his learning and decisiveness. He is also the dean of the cardinals, effectively their chairman and guiding force, and is one of only three cardinal electors who have ever attended a conclave.

But age may hurt. Cardinal Ratzinger turns 78 on Saturday. "This is a very strong personality, of great intelligence, faith and openness," Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski told Reuters. "The problem is his advanced age."

Francis Arinze, 72, of Nigeria, who is also heavily involved in relations with Muslims, is a perennial favorite.

Cardinal Arinze has been a Vatican official for 20 years, and is head of the department regulating worship and the sacramental practice. He converted to Catholicism at the age of 9. While his spiritual credentials are strong, critics have said he lacks imagination. His language can be strong. A year ago he said that a Roman Catholic politician who supports abortion "is not fit" to receive communion, and he has criticized homosexuality as having "mocked" the family.

Could This Be The Next Pope?

Cardinal Francis Arinze from Nigeria is one of the favorite choices to be the next Pope. Could this be inline with the "prophecy" of Malachy? It will be interesting to see how this turns out. So far he fits two of the qualifications described by malachy. He is Black, he is 72 so that would make for a short stay in the Vatican (age being the factor) and as far as seeking "peace" he seems to discuss "interfaith" relations quite a bit but he seems to pull no puches.

“From the Glory of the Olive.”

The First Pope After John Paul II

Pope #111 on St. Malachy's list is given the phrase: “From the Glory of the Olive.” This prophetic phrase has several meanings which correctly apply to the next Pope after John Paul II. a. What is the glory of the olive? The olive branch is a well-known symbol of peace. The glory of the olive is peace.

The next Pope after John Paul II will be a man of great peace. Peace will be his banner, peace will be his work, peace will be his goal. He will seek peace among individuals, among nations, among Catholics, between Catholics and other Christians, and between Catholics and adherents of other religions.

The next Pope after John Paul II will have a Pontificate distinguished for seeking Peace around the world. He is correctly called the Pope of Peace. St. Malachy's prophecy about John Paul II fit his Pontificate well, once it began. But, before being elected Pope, Karol Wojtyla did not distinguish himself by traveling constantly.

The next Pope after John Paul II may not have distinguished himself yet in works of peace-making. Or, he may have distinguished himself in peace-making in God's eyes, but not yet in the eyes of the world. b. Some say that this prediction of St. Malachy, “From the Glory of the Olive,” refers to the Order of St. Benedict, because they have a well-known group within their order called the 'Olivetans.' There is some merit to this idea. But it does not mean that this Pope will come from the Order of St. Benedict, but rather that he will take the name of Saint Benedict and will live in imitation of him. c.

The next Pope after John Paul II will take the name Pope Benedict XVI, in imitation of Saint Benedict and also of Pope Benedict XV. Just as Pope Benedict XV was an emissary of peace, so will Pope Benedict XVI be an emissary of peace. Just as Pope Benedict XV sought peace and spoke of peace and wrote papal documents seeking peace, so will Pope Benedict XVI do also. Just as Pope Benedict XV failed to achieve peace in the world, so will Pope Benedict XVI fail to achieve peace in the world. Just as the Pontificate of Benedict XV began prior to World War I, so will the Pontificate of Benedict XVI occur prior to World War III. After the Pontificate of Benedict XVI, World War III will begin.

The Arab nations will threaten and attack the United States; they will threaten, attack, invade and conquer Europe; they will threaten, attack, invade and conquer the northern part of Africa. It is God's will. d. Pope Benedict XVI will be like Saint Benedict, who lived in the fifth and sixth centuries. He will be a man dedicated to peace and holiness.

"There is another Saint Benedict, a well-known Saint called Saint Benedict the Black (il moro santo, the holy Moor). Pope Benedict XVI will also be like Saint Benedict the Black. Pope Benedict XVI will be a black man, like Saint Benedict the Moor. He will be a holy Pope, who reinforces the teaching of the Church in opposition to the errors of modern culture."

The Future and the Popes

The Future and the Popes

About the year A.D. 1139, Saint Malachy O'Morgair, Archbishop of Armagh, Ireland, wrote down a list of Popes. He listed 112 future Popes, each described by a phrase in Latin. [1] There has been increasing interest in this list among Roman Catholics, for two reasons. First, the descriptions of Popes #109 and #110 match the pontificates of Popes John Paul I and John Paul II to a tee. Second, there are only two more Popes on the list, and the last Pope on the list is given a long apocalyptic description, instead of a quaint and cryptic phrase.


The Future Popes

According to "Saint" Malachy O'Morgair the next Pope will take the name of Pope "Benedict XVI"


The work of the next pope

"The Church will experience an event that will begin to transfigure the Church to greater holiness. Pope Benedict XVI will be Pope at that time. Very soon after that event, Pope Benedict XVI will suggest to the world that three booths, that is, three places, be built in Jerusalem: a Temple, a Church, and a Mosque. He will suggest that the city of Jerusalem become a place of peace and of worship for all three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam."

Pope John Paul Dies

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul II, whose 26-year papacy helped defeat Communism in Europe but left a Roman Catholic Church divided over his rigorous orthodoxy, died on Saturday after a prolonged struggle with ill health.

"Our beloved Holy Father John Paul has returned to the house of the Father," said Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, announcing the death to a huge crowd that had gathered under the Pontiff's windows to pray for a miraculous recovery that never came.

A wave of applause rippled through St Peter's Square, in an Italian sign of respect for the dead, and then hush descended, with many of the faithful weeping uncontrollably.

The Pope died in his bed at 9:37 p.m (1437 EST), surrounded by the only family he had -- his closest Polish aides.

As the news spread through Rome, thousands of faithful streamed to the Vatican to join those already there, paying homage to a man who revolutionized his office and took his uncompromising message far beyond the confines of the Vatican.

The slow mourning toll of one of the great bells of St Peter's Basilica was the only sound to break the silence.

Far beyond the Vatican walls, John Paul's death triggered a rare outpouring of global grief, with people of all faiths and none praising his humanity, courage and moral integrity.