“We can only help people to help themselves.” Wolfgang Schäuble, German Finance Minister, in a press conference after a difficult meeting with the Yanis Varoufakis, the finance minister of Greece over Greek debt and austerity. He also said “we agreed…

“In a time of global upheaval, the Holy Father’s message of compassion and human dignity has moved people of all faiths and backgrounds.” John Boehner, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a Catholic, announcing that Pope Francis has…

“Journalism isn’t a crime and should not be treated as such.” Bob Satchwell, of the British Society of Editors, in response to Prime Minister David Cameron’s call for a ban on encrypted messages. http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/13/freedom-of-expression-anti-snooping-campaign-launched-ripa-changes

“And lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ.” U.S. President Barack Obama, at the…

“We’ve just been hit at the heart of our liberty.” Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris, after gunmen killed 12 people at the editorial offices of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo. Another five were killed in other shootings around Paris, plus…

“You cannot provoke. You cannot insult the faith of others. You cannot make fun of the faith of others. There is a limit.” Pope Francis, after the Charlie Hebdo terrorist attacks in Paris in which 17 people died. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-30835625

“The greatest miracle of all time… is the universe. It is the miracle of all miracles, one that ineluctably points with the combined brightness of every star to something—or Someone—beyond itself.” Eric Metaxas, Wall Street Journal, December 25, 2014. “A…

“The best way to honor Pope John Paul II, truly one of the great men, is to take his teaching seriously; is to listen to his words and put his words and teachings into action here in America. This is…

“In 1960, John Kennedy went from Washington down to Texas to assure Protestant preachers that he would not obey the pope. In 2001 George Bush came from Texas up to Washington to assure a group of Catholic bishops that he…