If you haven't yet read Pope Benedict XVI's letter to the world's bishops explaining his decision to "remit" the excommunications of four traditionalist bishops and apologizing for the Vatican's missteps, don't wait any longer.
In the 2,500-word letter, published today by the Vatican's press office, a clearly anguished pope appeals for unity in the Church and underscores the priorities of his pontificate.
The best analysis I've see so far is by John Thavis, Rome bureau chief of Catholic News Service, the editorially and financially independent news agency of the U.S. bishops' conference. (Full disclosure: He was my boss from 1999-2003.)
The opening sentence: "In one fell swoop, Pope Benedict XVI has taken charge of the much-criticized realm of 'Vatican communications' following his lifting of the excommunication of four traditionalist bishops, including one who denied the extent of the Holocaust."
