Regarding our Holy Father’s first encyclical, it has been said that it has surprised everybody, earning a superlative 11/10 (the bonus point is for humour — a real papal first!).

After you read it — Deus Caritas Est (God is Love) [PDF version] — enjoy this streaming-audio discussion from The Religion Report (1 February 2006) , featuring renowned theologian Charles E. Curran and journalist Rocco Palmo of Whispers in the Loggia and The Tablet.

Further discussion is presented on Against the Grain:

• Reactions & Commentary
• Crittenden, Curran, Palmo on Deus Caritas Est
• Fr. Neuhaus’ commentary

See also: Traductore traditore: Blowing the whistle on love.