Pope makes debut
The week's news at a glance.
Cologne, Germany
Benedict XVI this week ended his first foreign trip as pope by warning against the rising tide of secularism and “do-it-yourself” Catholicism. The pope told a million pilgrims in his native Germany that rejecting traditional teachings on sex and other moral issues weakens the church. “Pushed too far, religion becomes almost a consumer product,” he said. “People choose what they like.” Nuno Gonzago, 20, of Portugal said he was glad to hear the pope defend orthodox Catholicism. But Malte Schuburt, 19, of Germany wasn’t so sure. “This means no sex, basically, doesn’t it?” Schuburt said. “He has to say that. He is the pope.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Giorgio Armani obituary: designer revolutionised the business of fashion
In the Spotlight ‘King Giorgio’ came from humble beginnings to become a titan of the fashion industry and redefine 20th century clothing
-
Kim Jong Un’s triumph: the rise and rise of North Korea’s dictator
In the Spotlight North Korean leader has strengthened ties with Russia and China, and recently revealed his ‘respected child’ to the world
-
Crossword: September 13, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle