Benedict won’t address dissent

POPE Benedict XVI will speak about the Church’s future and emphasise the “fundamentals” of faith in his visit to Germany, but will not address issues of dissent, the Vatican said yesterday.

During a visit already mired in controversy, with a number of theologians leading vocal criticism over the Vatican’s antiquated attitudes, the pope will focus on the trip’s chosen theme: “Where God is, the future is born”.

“Benedict XVI wants to return to the basics, rather than limit himself to particular points,” said Vatican spokesman, Federico Lombardi.