Today, there was a press conference at the Vatican regarding St. Paul’s tomb at St.-Paul-Outside-the-Walls. Fr. Z was there had some interesting observations – including his account of what is being reported as a Cardinal "belittling" reporters , what relics will be given to the Greek Orthodox patriarch next week, and the biggest news, which is that the "Patriarchal" basilicas will now be called "Papal" basilicas.

(St. Peter’s St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major)

What was interesting was the announcement on the part of His Eminence Card. Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, Archpriest of the Basilica, that the four Major Roman Basilicas will no longer be called "Patriarchal" but rather "Papal".

Remember that Pope Benedict dropped his title "Patriarch of the West". This had an ecumenical twist to it and the decision caused a lot of controversy. Read here and here.

I think the newest move also has ecumenical meaning. This Pope is not doing things at random. He has thought a lot and is now taking careful steps.