The Center in the News

Ethics of Space Exploration
Michael Krasny of KQED's Forum talks to Center Bioethics Director Margaret McLean about astrobiology and ethics.
KQED Radio, November 11, 2009

Can You Buy Your Way Into a Flu Shot?
"There's a real possibility that someone who skips the line is getting a vaccine that would have gone to someone who truly needed it," says Dr. Margaret McLean, the director of bioethics and the associate director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.
SmartMoney, November 10, 2009

War Over Skype Is Over
"Unfortunately, the time value of new technologies creates an opportunity for harassment and bullying simply by creating delay," said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Pravda.ru, November 7, 2009

Lessons From the War Over Skype
"One hates to see the kind of litigiousness the founders practiced here rewarded so handsomely," said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
The New York Times, November 6, 2009

Ethics website featured
The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics website featured on Brainmeup.com for top websites for self improvement.
Brainmeup.com, November, 2009

Silicon Valley mystified by reports top executive Hector Ruiz leaked company secrets
"What we can expect from our executives is a careful effort not to reveal obvious inside information, and a good-faith effort not to share isolated facts which might be key to someone seeking insider information," said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
Mercury News, October 29, 2009

Pressure on IBM over Galleon case
"It's critical the company is transparent about the way it handles it," said Kirk Hanson, head of the centre for applied ethics at Santa Clara University.
Finanacial Times, October 28, 2009

Custodian who recruited student models to be fired by Santa Clara high school
Kirk Hanson, executive director for the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said it is "clearly objectionable" for any school employee to recruit students for a side business.
Mercury News, October 27, 2009

AMD's Ex-CEO Ruiz Said to Be Tied to Galleon Case
"This is outside the norm," said James Balassone, executive in residence at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.
Bloomberg.com, October 27, 2009

The Changing Landscape Requires IT Ethics to Go Mainstream
The growth in the use of databases is raising a number of dilemmas on how to protect users, noted Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
The IEEE Computer Society, October 19, 2009

The Unavoidable Ethical Dilemmas of Pandemic Flu
Kirk Hanson, executive director of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, discusses questions for policy makers preparing for pandemics.
The Washington Post, October 14, 2009

Horne's pledge to donors raises ethics concerns
"You don't leave dinners with the promise that you are going to get quarterly access," said Judy Nadler, who is a senior fellow at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
The Arizona Republic, October 9, 2009

Researchers at Stanford test a new additive to H1N1 vaccine hoping to strech it
Margaret McLean, director of bioethics at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, talks to ABC 7 news about the H1N1 flu vaccine.
abc7news.com, October, 2009

Remain ready for health challenges posed by H1N1
Center Bioethics Director Margaret R. McLean addresses the specific challenges that faith communities face in confronting pandemic flu.
The Sacramento Catholic Herald, Oct. 3, 2009

Obama nominee omitted ties to biotech
"You're not allowing the public to know the full background of this nominee," said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California. "It shouldn't matter whether it's incorporated or not."
The Washington Times, September 8, 2009

Special districts provide many services while posing challenges for boards
Judy Nadler, a former city mayor and a senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said unnecessary redundancies among many of the districts end up costing taxpayers more than they should.
Redding.com, September 6, 2009

Council strives to avoid conflicts
Constant ethical dilemmas are a price any government pays when business interests become dominant, said Kirk O. Hanson, an ethics professor and the executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara (Calif.) University.
Caller.com, August 29, 2009

Ethics: IT should help the company steer clear of corporate scandals
"Companies use the term 'corporate ethics' to mean many different things. In many organizations, if not the majority, it means compliance with a set of legal and minimum standards. In other organizations, corporate ethics means defining a set of corporate values that are integral to how they go about business," says Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
ComputerWorld.com, August 24, 2009

E-mails show councilors sought special treatment
"You can't have people running around asking for these kinds of special favors," said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at the University of Santa Clara.
Sun Journal, August 09, 2009

My Word: Empathy is important in making judgments
As professors who strive to teach students that the understanding of texts and of life is deeply enriched by ethical principles of empathy, conscience and compassion, we were left aghast by the empathy-bashing on national television.
The Oakland Tribune, August 3, 2009

Google CEO Resigns From Apple's Board
Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara (Calif.) University, told IBD last October "it's surprising that neither side has acted to end this conflict of interest before now."
Investores.com, August 3, 2009

New Council ethics proposal would allow contracts, limit some gifts
The commission's recommendation is consistent with national trends, said Kirk O. Hanson, an ethics professor and the executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Caller.com, July 27, 2009

Beware: Big Brother is watching you
But consider this scenario proposed by the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University: It's lunch hour. An employee writes a note to her boyfriend. She puts it in an envelope, affixes her own stamp and drops it in the basket where outgoing mail is collected. Does the fact that the pencil and paper she used belong to her employer give her boss the right to open and read this letter?
The Rebel Yell, July 27, 2009

Newport News lawmaker works for center he helped fund
Hamilton's affiliation with the ODU center raises several red flags, said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow in government ethics at Santa Clara University in California.
HamptonRoads.com, July 30, 2009

As She Steps Down, Palin Vows to Reclaim Ethics Fight
Judy Nadler, a government ethicist at Santa Clara University, said Palin's short, troubled tenure illustrates that a politician who builds a reformer image may face higher public expectations.
The Washington Post, July 25, 2009

Pizarro: Deployed Sunnyvale councilman makes visit home
Otto Lee - who's serving a year with the U.S. Navy in Baghdad - attended a dinner hosted by Mike and Mary Ellen Fox to celebrate Norman Mineta's appointment to the advisory board of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Mercury News, July 22, 2009

Alameda County college leader's business partner gets $900,000 contract
"There isn't a rule written for everything that may come up, so you have to look at fundamental values. The law's the floor, not the ceiling," said former Santa Clara Mayor Judy Nadler, now a fellow of government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Contra Costa times, July, 2009

Ethical questions surround couple's EPA link
"It is part of our sensitivity to women's employment opportunities and careers in general," said Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Santa Clara University Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
Lake Expo, July 8, 2009

Questions raised about why mosquito district helped foot manager's legal bill
But even more perplexing is how taxpayers ended up footing a $38,000 bill for a three-year legal spat between Hazeleur and Fred Willis, Betty Willis' ex-husband, said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Redding.com, July 10, 2009

Will Benedict keep open new space for reason
An article by David DeCosse, Director of Campus Ethics Programs, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
National Catholic Reporter, July 07, 2009

Lansing's protocol gray area raises concerns of 'councilmanic interference'
Judy Nadler from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at California's Santa Clara University said the situation certainly creates a concern about "councilmanic interference."
The Michigan Messenger, July 02, 2009

Jobs's Return to Apple Greeted With Little Fanfare
If Jobs is fully capable of doing his job, the company may feel it doesn't need to disclose specifics about his health, said James Balassone, executive in residence at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.
Bloomberg.com, June 30, 2009

Pink slip would be Sanford's fate in private sector
"If I were on the board, I would question, 'Do we have the right CEO? Does he have the right priorities?'," said Jim Balassone, executive-in-residence at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University where he teaches business ethics.
The Sate, June 27, 2009

Jobs' Doctor Speaks
Ethicists, including Kirk Hanson, executive director of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, says, essentially don't hate the player, hate the game, that Jobs took advantage of a system that might have flaws, but that when it comes to a person's survival, don't begrudge them for doing what it takes to live.
CNBC.com, June 24, 2009

Jobs' Privacy vs. Investors' Right to Know
Kirk Hanson, an ethicist at Santa Clara University, said Jobs is a unique CEO. "His health affects the interest of so many other people," Hanson said, "that he gives up some of his right to privacy."
abcnews.com, June 16, 2009

Steve Jobs quietly returns to Apple
"Some would argue that the liver transplant is the fix and is good news," said Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. "Some would argue the liver transplant is bad news and ought to be disclosed to shareholders. It's a close call and depends a lot on the specific medical details."
Yahoo! Finance, June 22, 2009

Peter Laufer's Green960 Talk Show Podcast
Peter Laufer's Green960 Talk Show featuring Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. Among other things they also discussed about the inflamatory language used by right wing radio announcers.
Peter Laufer's Talk Show, June, 2009

Tech companies challenge China's censorship
"Just as General Motors was criticized for providing trucks for the South African apartheid police, so will high-tech companies be criticized for the use of their equipment for repressive actions," said Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Mercury News, June, 2009

KGO radio (AM 810) link
Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, discusses ethical dimensions of hate speech on talk shows.
KGO radio, June, 2009

Slaying prompts close look at incendiary speech
But ethically, "the Bill O'Reillys of the world and similar people on the left have an ethical responsibility for what they say," said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. "They are partially responsible if a mentally ill person takes off from the exaggerated speech they use."
San Francisco Chronicle, June 7, 2009

Fertility doctors' competition spawns lawsuits
In the billion-dollar world of baby-making, the fierce competition can include lawyers and even private eyes."The way somebody in this field becomes wealthy is to corner the market," said Kirk O. Hanson, an ethicist at Santa Clara University who studies the business aspects of medicine.
LA times, April 12, 2009

Swine flu: San Francisco biotech company races to develop vaccine
"This epidemic woke us up to the fact that the production process we use now is archaic and also fraught with things that can go wrong," said Margaret McLean, director of bioethics at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
Mercury News, April, 2009

Swine Flu: Crisis Or Media Hype?
Margaret McLean, Director of the Biotechnology and Health Care Ethics program at Santa Clara University talks about the severity of the swine flu outbreak and how the mass media is handling the coverage of the epidemic.
CBS5, April, 2009

Health Care Ethics
Dr. Margaret McLean, director of the Biotechnology and Health Care Ethics program at Santa Clara University, explains why it's important to be ethically prepared in the case of a pandemic flu.

KCBS, March, 2009

Let's Heal Ourselves First
Developed with guidance from Kirk Hanson, a longtime consultant to industry ethics efforts and professor of business ethics, HGPII exhibits key elements of an effective voluntary effort.
Health Leaders Media, March 12, 2009

Body of missing tourist from England found near interstate
Hearing the story, ethicist David DeCosse of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics in Santa Clara, Calif., said it invites introspection.

Tampabay.com, March 14, 2009

First Obama budget passes 'values audit' by advocates for poor
Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Jesuit-run Santa Clara University in California, finds the shift in tax policy more closely reflects the values of Catholic social teaching.

Catholic News Service, March 18, 2009

Greed is All that Matters at Silicon Valley Company
Amid massive layoffs, the Silicon Valley company angered just about everyone except its top employees when it laid off some while giving pay raises to others. Reaction was swift from Jim Balassone of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

nbcbayarea.com, March, 2009

Yelp's credibility problem: Blame it on algorithm?
Kirk O. Hanson, an ethics professor and executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said Yelp needs to better understand and manage the ethics risk that its business model presents.
Cnet.com, February 20, 2009

Pavia to reject Gateway commission
Judy Nadler, senior fellow on government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California, said transactions like the city’s agreement generally are open to a bidding process unless there are certain circumstances that call for a particular expertise.
uticaod.com, January 20, 2009

Political 'club' raises a question in Turlock
Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, called the invitation "troubling."
The Modesto Bee, January, 2009

Apple's board needs to resolve Jobs' health mystery
"Unfortunately these two statements in rapid succession raise suspicions," said Kirk Hanson, director of Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

Market Watch, January 16, 2009

Fraud crusader Barry Minkow ruffles feathers
"Barry Minkow is a contradiction himself,” said Kirk Hanson, a business ethics professor and executive director of Markkula Centre for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.

The Australian, January 10, 2009

Jobs' Health Effect On Apple
Jim Balassone, Executive in Residence at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, discusses the ethical side of Apple CEO Steve Jobs' health.
KCBS, January, 2009

Fresno surgeon not obliged to reveal vision problem
Margaret McLean, associate director and director of bioethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said there's no easy answer as to whether doctors should be required to tell patients.
Fresnobee.com, December, 2008

Firm authoring key study of Obama, McCain health insurance reform plans failed to disclose ownership by America's largest health insurance company
“That’s not good enough,” said Jim Balassone of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
epinews.com, December, 2008

Agami's rebirth as Scalable Storage Systems leaves ex-employees angry
Agami's demise and Scalable's creation underscore several ethical dilemmas often encountered when companies fail, said Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Mercury News, December, 2008

Ethicist: Making Sense of Disturbing Teen Behaviors
Injuryboard talked to Kirk O. Hanson, the Executive Director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.

Injuryboard.com, December 04, 2008

Santa Clara University senior is named school's first Rhodes Scholar since 1955
On November 23, 2008, Hackworth Fellow Noelle Lopez was selected as a Rhodes Scholar, the first Santa Clara student to receive this award since 1955.
SCU Newsletter, November 30, 2008

ImmigrationProf Blog
Can Citizenship Be Earned? Legal remedies for undocumented immigrants by David DeCosse, Director of campus ethics programs, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
ImimigrationProf Blog, November 18, 2008

Students stand up to Juicy Campus Web site
The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics will host a student-led discussion on anonymous blogging and free speech on Monday, Nov. 10 from 6-7 p.m. in Kennedy Commons.

The Santa Clara, November 06, 2008

Ex-con turned investigator says he profits from finding dirt on other companies
On one hand, investors have a right to expect companies to provide truthful information about their executives, said Kirk Hanson, a business professor and executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
Mercury news, October, 2008

Santa Clara University Oct. 28 Forum Discusses I.T. Policy and the Next American President
Responding will be Geoffrey Bowker, executive director of SCU's Center for Science, Technology, and Society, and Kirk O. Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
Market Watch, October, 2008

U.S. Army delays, alters medical studies under a little-known scientific censorship program
"If it smells like a duck and walks like a duck, it usually is a duck," said Jim Balassone of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, at Santa Clara University.

epinews.com, October, 2008

Arcuri firms earn revenue from state
It isn’t likely Arcuri’s LLCs will have any connection to decisions he makes as a congressman who is a member of the Transportation Committee, said Judy Nadler, senior fellow on government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.

uticaod.com, October 20, 2008

Presidential campaigns fueled by negativity
Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, said there is a "fine line" between aggressively campaigning on the issues and resorting to negativity.

Our Sunday Visitor, October, 2008

Gretchen Morgenson to speak at SCU Tuesday
New York Times business columnist Gretchen Morgenson will be speaking Tuesady at Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

Siliconbeat.com, October 13, 2008

Can Citizenship Be Earned?
Legal remedies for undocumented immigrants by David DeCosse, Director of campus ethics programs, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
America, October 13, 2008

Bay Area business calendar
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times writer Gretchen Morgenson will speak on "Fairness, Financial Markets and the Fallout From the Subprime Crisis," from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Santa Clara University's Lucas Hall, room 126. The event is sponsored by the university's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
SFgate.com, October 12, 2008

Is Google's CEO Aiding The Enemy?
Even so, it is puzzling that Schmidt remains on the Apple board, says Kirk Hanson, executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara (Calif.) University.

Investors.com, October, 2008

Monte Vista owners give big to 2 in Turlock
Many cities limit the amount people and organizations can give to a candidate and how much candidates can spend, said Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
The Modesto bee, October, 2008

Santa Clara University Ethics Debate Session Asks: Do We Have a Moral Obligation to Vote?
Moderated by associate professor of philosophy Scott LaBarge, with participation from Judy Nadler, Senior Fellow in Government Ethics at the University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics and former mayor of Santa Clara.

Ad Hoc News, October 02, 2008

Voters to get voice on ethics issue
Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, said Measure S falls far short of efforts by other elected officials.

The Press-Enterprise, September 28, 2008

San Jose mayor's budget director hit with ethics question involving work on tax-measure campaigns
Judy Nadler, a former Santa Clara mayor who is now senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said Gomez should have taken time off his city job to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Mercury News, September 24, 2008

Official's home sits at center of storm
"It's not right, Some people have figured a way to get around what has been set in place for a good reason. And those people who follow the law, of course, are understandably upset when others have an unfair advantage, especially elected officials." said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.
The Press-Enterprise, September 14, 2008

Riverside County district attorney's allies fill posts costing $500,000
"It comes down to one of the most basic themes in ethics, which is fairness," said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

The Press-Enterprise, September 12, 2008

GOP Convention Highlights Silicon Valley Women
Former Santa Clara Mayor Judy Nadler, currently a senior fellow at Markula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, says it's no mistake these women come from the Silicon Valley, which is an economically vibrant region.

KCBS, September 03, 2008

The Pathfinders for the Difference Makers
A Post-Review Commentary on The Difference Makers by William C. Frederick

Corzine aide owned stock in company behind Xanadu
Judy Nadler, a senior fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said Corzine should have acknowledged his potential conflicts well before signing legislation - not after he has signed a bill into law.

La ética aplicada mejora las decisiones empresariales
La Universidad Santa Clara, de los Estados Unidos, tiene un centro de estudios de ética aplicada, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, en el que se ha hecho una introducción al pensamiento ético, intentando evitar las confusiones existentes.

Editors meet to discuss how to hold ethics standards high
The initial "Tangled Web" group met at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University. ASNE, Poynter, the Markkula Center and the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California sponsored the session.

Apple CEO's silence says more than his PR team Commentary: Company should have been open about Jobs' health
"You are struggling with personal privacy and the shareholders' right to know," said Kirk Hanson, director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Lawyer in tax matter calls ethics complaint 'ludicrous'
"Regardless of what Nevada's ethics statutes are, this definitely would raise a red flag and pose some very serious questions about the role that the governor personally played in getting this tax relief," said Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Some question Hemet's employment of councilwoman's husband
Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, said the hiring of members of the same family sometimes happens in smaller communities, where the applicant pool also might be smaller.

Heart calling Jesuit priest back to California
Oliva will serve as a visiting scholar at the Markkula Centre for Applied Ethics at nearby Santa Clara University and continue to give retreats on spirituality and workplace issues.

Sitting In: The common good: Can we get there from here?
Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics suggests that, “Appeals to the common good urge us to view ourselves as members of the same community, reflecting on the kind of [community] we want to become and how we are to achieve [it].

California's death penalty process is 'dysfunctional,'
Santa Clara University law professor Gerald Uelmen, executive director of the commission, called the report "kind of like poking a stick in a hornet's nest" but said he hoped it would provoke debate.

Father-son appointments - Richard and David Dicks - by Flint Mayor Don Williamson raise questions and may have violated city ordinance
The appointments raise several ethical red flags, said Judy Nadler, senior fellow in government ethics at the Markulla Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California.

He zones. She sells. And it's legal
Just because an alderman follows the local rules doesn't mean the public won't question their actions, said Judy Nadler

Chair of President's Council on Bioethics speaks at Santa Clara University
Special to The Valley Catholic By Miriam Schulman

Kilpatrick helped friends get grants
"The bottom line is that what you can do in a privately held company or family business you can't do in the public sector," Nadler said.

Brother wields TV time as weapon to battle teen's cancer
"I wish these decisions could be made in a manner that was rational and fair and reasoned without the perceived necessity of television cameras rolling and reporters roving," said Margaret McLean, director of health care ethics at the University of Santa Clara

University hosting panel continues discussion on Wikipedia ethics without Wikimedia
Miriam Schulman the communications director for the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University which is to host the discussion, states that Mike Godwin, legal counsel for the Foundation, will not be speaking during the discussion as was originally planned.

Ethicists: Reform needed at City Hall
"It doesn't appear that there is any kind of reform effort under way," said Judy Nadler, a senior fellow in government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University.

Boutique Medicine Draws Mixed Reactions From Doctors
Critics such as Santa Clara University's director of health care ethics Dr. Margaret McLean are saying concierge practices worsen an already-beleaguered medical system.

Congress Bans Genetic Discrimination
Prof. Kirk Hanson of Santa Clara Univ., on a congressional ruling that prevents employers and health insurance companies from genetic discrimination.

Résumé fibbers: You will get caught
"We tend to disproportionately reward individuals with extraordinary records,” said Kirk Hanson, a business professor and executive director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

A Religious Political Pilgrimage to the UN
Eric Hanson, author of the Center's Religion, Ethics, Politics, and World Affairs Site comments on the Pope's visit.