My chronicle

The short answer is: we still do not know. Most commentators are wisely refraining from comment at this stage in the papacy.

It is certainly true that the Pope has been characterized so far by an eirenic spirit. There is no reason to believe that this is not sincere; an office can change the man, and the office which he now holds is awesome.

However, we still wait for statements and actions. There has been one possible straw in the wind: the editor of the most prestigious American Jesuit journal has resigned. He has been subjected to conservative pressure for several years, including pressure from the Vatican.

The dilemma is: was this the last act of Cardinal Ratzinger or the first act of Pope Benedict?

On the eve of the British General Election a comment on the nature of democracy in Britain has relevance.

In 2001 there were 659 constituencies. Labour secured 40.7% of the total vote. This gave them 413 seats and a majority of 167.

Is this travesty of democracy what Britain wishes to export to other countries?

As the system is still so undemocratic, Labour will undoubtedly win again tomorrow with probably an even smaller percentage of the votes cast.

Did Blair mention this theme during his innumerable speeches?

Not bloody likely!