The Unattractive Church (plus some bookmarks)

It is customary for the Pope, during his flight, to meet the press corps flying with him on an apostolic journey. Here was one question put to him:

“The United Kingdom, like many other Western countries, is considered to be a secular State. There is a strong culturally-motivated atheist movement. Nonetheless, there are also signs that religious faith – particularly faith in Jesus Christ – remains alive at a personal level. What does this mean for Catholics and Anglicans? Can anything be done to make the Church a more credible and attractive institution?”

Listen to the Pope beautiful answer:


“In my view a Church which seeks above all to be attractive is already on the wrong path, because the Church does not work for herself, she does not work to increase her numbers and her power. The Church is at the service of Another. She serves not herself, not to become strong; rather, she serves to make the announcement of Jesus Christ more accessible: the great truths, the great powers of love and reconciliation which appeared in Him and which always come from the presence of Jesus Christ."

Via AmP.

You can read the entire Q&A here. I've compiled the Holy Father's speeches and homilies from his UK trip into a little booklet for easy reading. I've started with his speech at Westminster Hall.


I'll take this opportunity to bookmark a few more articles on the Papal trip:

Benedict's Surprising Visit

Benedict Busts Stereotypes

Why today's beatification of John Henry Newman is something every Englishman should be proud of.

A Pope For All Seasons

‘Pope Benedict is an enemy of the state’

Ad Multos Annos - a blogger's conversion into a fan of Pope Benedict

Finally, the Holy Father's dinner on Saturday night was prepared by two Indian nuns and one Sri Lankan nun.