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"When you work with Pope John Paul II, you have to be prepared for surprises," the national director for World Youth Day told The Toronto Star.

Meanwhile, there have been few surprises from protesters at World Youth Day. The New York Times reports that the few protests that have occurred have been "relegated to the festival's periphery." Pope John Paul II has denied requests to meet with survivors of clergy abuse while in Canada. Representatives say he wants to focus on the young Catholics renewing their faith this week.

In fact, the scandal doesn't seem to be on the minds of World Youth Day's approximately 200,000 pilgrims. According to them, the only people in Toronto focused on the scandal are members of the media.

"It's just a few bad seeds," one pilgrim told The New York Times. "Everyone's tired of hearing about it and talking about it and getting asked about it. We're here to focus on our faith."

Archbishop of Canterbury:

• Top Anglican's gay stance alarms conservatives | While Dr Williams's position on most issues is mainstream within the Anglican Communion, his stance on homosexual practice is progressive. (Sydney Morning Herald)
  
  
• Archbishop accused of 'idolatry' over book | Williams accused of encouraging devotion to the Virgin Mary in a new book. (The Telegraph, London)
  
  
• The great debate | 'God has a beard, so should Williams' (Richard Morrison, The Times, London)
  
  
• Arch thoughts | Rowan Williams should not be silenced. (The Times, London)
  
  
• Archbishop takes swipe at abortion laws | Dr Rowan Williams speaks of being "puzzled" by politicians who oppose abortion, yet see nothing wrong in using and selling arms. (BBC)
  
  
• Disney hits back at archbishop | Disney Corporation has defended itself against the new Archbishop of Canterbury's claims it is helping the consumer exploitation of children. (BBC)
  
  
• New archbishop issues warning on Iraq | Rowan Williams threw down a challenge to the government within minutes of his appointment yesterday by making clear that he would not support any British-backed attack on Iraq. (The Guardian, London)
  
  
• Apostle of humility | Liberals and conservatives will try to claim him, but Rowan Williams' only agenda is spiritual leadership. (Jane Shaw, The Guardian, London)
  
  
• Thoughts on the road to Canterbury | In a previously unpublished interview, he gave Graham Turner his candid assessment of some of the most important issues facing the Church of England. (The Telegraph, London)
  
  
• Head in battle with Church on non-Christians | Williams has accused the bishops of bowing to "political correctness" over their insistence that non-Christian pupils be admitted. (The Telegraph, London)
  
  
• What a heavenly idea | The next time an Archbishop of Canterbury is appointed, could it be a woman? (Joanna Moorhead, The Guardian, London)

Other stories of interest:

• Investing in hope, at $50 a share | An anonymous donor asks Indiana church members to do good with 50 envelopes of cash. Her act proves kindness is contagious. (The Los Angeles Times)
  
  
• Priest says Virgin Mary image is cleaning stain - not miracle | The Catholic Church is sending a team of investigators to examine it but local priest says it is window polish. (Ananova)
  
  
• Also: Virgin window owner keeps experts away | The owner of a window in Brazil where an image of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared is refusing to let experts examine it. (Ananova)

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July (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46