Some more recent news highlights...
* 'Cries of blasphemy' have been sparked by a Muslim worker's new gargoyle attached to the cathedral in Lyon (France) which resembles a Muslim foreman and bears a sign with the words "Allahu Akbar" in both Arabic and French. Amazingly, the cathedral's rector is reportedly "happy" about the image and finds it to be a "beautiful gesture" [Yes, that means the same phrase Muslims frequently shout before murdering non-Muslims in the name of 'Allah' now appears with an Islamic styled image on the Archbishop of Lyon's cathedral]
* Telegraph blogs editor Damian Thompson has suggested that Pope Benedict's "liturgical wishes are being shamefully ignored" in his upcoming visit to Scotland. He reports on rumors that the altar will not contain six candles and that 'extraordinary ministers' may distribute Holy Communion during papal Masses [Related: Lay 'Eucharistic Ministers': Why Not?]
* Some good news: Pope Benedict will apparently say "the most significant" parts of Mass in Latin throughout his U.K. trip. The Holy Father's actions will reportedly "send a message" to liberal bishops who (wrongly!) discourage the use of Latin at Mass [Related: Why Latin / Benefits of Using Latin]
* According to Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Pope Benedict may meet with abuse victims during his U.K. trip. Any such meetings would be private and would "not be announced in advance"
* Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi has indicated that if a formal request was made the Holy See may use "diplomatic channels" to intervene for an Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning. The possibility of obtaining clemency for the woman is unknown
* Cardinal O'Brien of Scotland has accused the BBC of 'plotting a hatchet job against the Vatican' with its new documentary set to air just before the Pope's visit to the U.K. He also accused the BBC of "a consistent anti-Christian institutional bias"
* Police are searching for a gunman who robbed and injured a volunteer in Burbank (IL) last Saturday who was selling gift cards for a Catholic school fundraiser
* Vandals in Calgary (Canada) "went on a rampage" on Sunday in a Catholic cemetery, "destroying tombstones, smashing sacred objects and desecrating the tomb where the heart of a noted Catholic priest is buried." Suspects are still being sought
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