The brightest heaven of invention

William Shakespeare, whose birth is commemorated today, for many people personifies Englishness. But the richness of his imagery owes much to the very faith which the England of his day rejected...

The new pope?s priorities

Benedict XVI?s early appointments in the Curia and his own personal household will tell us much, but his attitude to collegiality will be more revealing...

Ratzinger and me

Sr Jeannine Gramick?s ministry for gay people, highlighted in a new documentary, brought her into direct conflict with the Vatican. She tells Terry Philpot about dissent ? and coming face to face with the new pope...

On the path of friendship

John Paul II did much to create a bond between Jews and Christians. His successor has already shown himself willing to also embrace dialogue...

A hard line won?t do

Parish priests of great experience understand church teaching. But fragile people need compassion rather than restrictions placed on God?s unconditional love...

The Commons touch

With Tam Dalyell?s retirement his voice of dissent will be missing from parliament. It is vital this election produces more members of the ?awkward squad?...

It?s the economy, once again

Labour has decided that Gordon Brown?s record is its greatest asset, writes William Keegan, while on pages 17 and 18 Jim Richards and Nicholas Pyke argue that the party?s track record on poverty and education is less convincing...

Orbiting a new sun

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