Our Takes Daily

Papal trip boosts pope’s image in America

Reuters

Catholics and non-Catholics in America have a more favorable image of Pope Benedict XVI and the Church after his April 15-20 visit to the United States, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are more in touch with their own spiritual values, a new poll finds. Nearly 60 percent of those polled said they were satisfied with the pope’s apologies for the clergy sex-abuse scandal, although many believe more needs to be done to avoid having the scandal repeated. More info here>>

Child labor scandal hit Chinese province

The Guardian

Police in southern China have taken into custody scores of youngsters suspected of being underage workers after Southern Metropolis, a Chinese newspaper, exposed a child labor racket this week. Police are reportedly looking after at least 79 children believed to be from the remote, impoverished area of Liangshan in Sichuan province. The newspaper said hundreds of children from Liangshan, mostly 13 to 15 years old, had been sold or kidnapped to work in factories in the south, particularly in Dongguan, a major export center. More info here>>

Fiancée of queen's grandson renounces Catholic faith

The London Times

Peter Phillips, Queen Elizabeth’s eldest grandson and 11th in line to the throne, will not have to give up his place in the succession to the throne when he marries May 17 after his fiancée renounced her Catholic faith. Canadian Autumn Kelly, 31, who was baptized Catholic and educated in Catholic schools, has been accepted into the Church of England. “She was not asked to do this; she did it of her own accord,” an anonymous source said. More info here>>

Today’s podcast

“Catholic Moments” host Lisa Hendey interviews Father Tom Elliott about his love of music. He has a new CD titled “Rock of Souls.” More info here>>