NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was today installed as a Commander in the French Legion of Honor, in a ceremony at the French embassy in Rome. In accepting the honor, the cardinal said that he had always admired French culture, and mentioned his youthful acquaintance with Claudel, Bernanos, Mauriac, Peguy, Anouilh, and Sartre. But he saved his highest plaudits from the theologian Henri de Lubac, calling him "the embodiment of true Christian humanism."

      The French ambassador, Jean-Louis Lucet, saluted Cardinal Ratzinger for his own work in theology, and for his work on behalf of the Church in France-- which he characterized as "sometimes turbulent, always passionate." He told the cardinal, "thanks to people with your qualities-- thinkers of your depth and high spirituality-- the friendship between France and Germany is stronger and livelier."