Also from the meeting with Roman Clergy, today (scroll down)

Responding to a question about the presence of ecclesiastical movements in the diocese, the Pope referred to his current series of meetings with italian bishops coming for their ad limina visits to Rome. "This way I am learning better the geography of the faith in Italy."

"I will soon sign the post-synodal exhortation from the Bishops Synod held in October 2005," the Pope announced. The theme of the Synod was "The Eucharist: origin and summit of the life and mission of the Church."

"It will help in personal as well as liturgical meditation," said the Pope, "as well as in the preparation of homilies and celebrating the Holy Mass, but it will also guide, illuminate and help revitalize popular piety."

The Pope spent almost 90 minutes in the encounter, answeering eight questions from the priests, answers which included theological meditations, pastoral considerations and some witty remarks.

The discussion ranged from the importance of the Bible to the state of the faith in Italy, from the role of ecclesiastical movements to religious art.

"I must confess a personal weakness," the Pope said, when answering a question about priestly activities. "At night, I find it difficult to pray. I just want to sleep," he said to much applause. "Nevertheless, it is really necessary to find some time for the Lord."

"It’s easier said than done," he added, "but we should always try to spiritualize our work."

At the start of the question period, the Pope referred to the distance there could be between the activities of a theologian-Pope and the daily routine of priests in Rome. He was applauded frequently for his answer.

"You expect light and comfort from me, while for me, to see so many priests of every generation is light and comfort."

He added: "Above all, I could learn from you about actual situations, about your experiences and difficulties, and so be able to share not just abstractly but through dialog what life actually is in the parishes."

"And I am happy to feel that I am also the Bishop of a large diocese, and not just Pope," he added, to more applause.

The Pope dwelt at length on some questions, but limited himself to a quick overview of those he considered too complex to discuss at such an occasion.

For example, "When I was still a member of the International Theological Commission, we spent a year devoted to this problem alone," he began, when he was asked about religious pluralism.

Then he answered in general terms: "On the one hand, the theologian, as his responsiblity and profession, seeks to find ways to respond to the demands of our time, but on the other hand, he must always be conscious that everything he does must be based on the faith of the Church."

He was even more concise when he replied to a priest who said he was a professor of missiology and presented a lengthy articulated question about martyrs, which was much-applauded.

The Pope answered, to more applause, "Their applause shows that you yourself have given us ample answers. "And so to your question, I can only answer Yes," raising a chorus of laughter. "We will meditate on your words," he said as a transition to the next question, which was about relating Christ to young people.

Jesus, said the Pope – taking the occasion to emphasize the importance of reading the Bible, of good homilies, and of ecclesiastical movements – should not be seen as a prophet, or a historical personage, but as a man who still lives today.