190: Pope works to unify

Some local positivity, today - well, local to me at least. The Pope is visiting New York right now - and I'm trying not to be too upset by the road blocks impeding my movement about the city or the fact that my lunch date stood me up today to go and listen to Benedict XVI instead... However, as today's linked article from the Lexington Herald-Leader reports, the Pope is making significant attempts to create unity during this trip - following a multi-faith meeting in Washington DC earlier this week, he visited a Manhattan synagogue today, exchanging gifts and bringing Passover greetings to the local congregation. These aren't his only attempts to build bridges this week, either - he has spent time with victims of child abuse by Catholic priests and many have commented on his acceptance of the Church's culpability in this respect. These are important steps, for people of all faiths across the globe, in an era where understanding between different peoples seems more critical than ever. (Photo from Lexington Herald-Leader.)