John Allen

Frank is definitely not a keeping-the-seat-warm kind of figure. I've known Frank fairly well for six years. I wouldn't use read more

Frank is definitely not a keeping-the-seat-warm kind of figure. I've known Frank fairly well for six years. I wouldn't use the term 'rising star,' but in the world of the Vatican he is very highly thought of ... he's someone who could be an archbishop someday.

We thought we'd try something a little bit different. But also, in deference to our fans that do drive quite read more

We thought we'd try something a little bit different. But also, in deference to our fans that do drive quite a ways, it gives them a chance to get here and get home an hour earlier.

It's a reflection of the trends that are going on not only in Winston-Salem but across the country.

It's a reflection of the trends that are going on not only in Winston-Salem but across the country.

The charisma, the celebrity, around John Paul was so strong that, in a way, the religious significance of the event read more

The charisma, the celebrity, around John Paul was so strong that, in a way, the religious significance of the event sort of fades from view. Benedict is obviously determined that is not going to happen. He's trying very hard to make sure the focus is on the ritual, not the person.

Am I surprised by how slow he's moving? My basic answer is, yes. I knew he was not going to read more

Am I surprised by how slow he's moving? My basic answer is, yes. I knew he was not going to turn the Earth on its head overnight. But given the vastness of his ambitions ... I would have expected in the first eight months he would be doing lots of things of consequence: more significant personnel moves, more significant documents, more serious public engagements, etc., etc.