HARIDWAR - The early morning mist covers the Ganga river as it flows past the temple town of Haridwar like a gossamer drape, untouched by the sun. At Har-ki-Pauri, the spiritual soul of Haridwar, the swirling current of the river that descends from the icy peaks of the Himalayas disappears into the dense bank of fog. Only the spires of the temples dotting the banks show up in shadowy silhouettes.

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Pope, Jewish leaders disagree over Pius actions to save Jews during World War II

ROME — In a synagogue visit haunted by history, Pope Benedict XVI and Jewish leaders sparred Sunday over the record of the World War II-era pope during the Holocaust and agreed on the need to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations.

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Pope defends predecessor Pius against critics, saying he worked quietly to save Jews

Pope defends Pius against critics

ROME AP) — In a synagogue visit haunted by history, Pope Benedict XVI and Jewish leaders sparred Sunday over the record of the World II-era pope during the Holocaust and agreed on the need to strengthen Catholic-Jewish relations.

Pope says Vatican helped save Italian Jews during war, doesn’t name Pope Pius

Pope says Vatican helped save Jews during war

Jewish leader in speech to pope criticizes ’silence’ of World War II pope

Jewish leader criticizes World War II pope

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Pope, ahead of disputed synagogue visit, affirms great ‘respect’ between Catholics and Jews

Pope affirms great respect for Jews

ROME — Pope Benedict XVI defended his predecessor Pius XII against Jewish critics Sunday, telling the audience at a Rome synagogue that the Vatican worked quietly to save Jews from the Nazis during World War II.

Pope, ahead of disputed synagogue visit: there’s great ‘respect’ between Catholics and Jews

Pope: great respect for Jews

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI says despite difficulties there is “great respect” between Catholics and Jews, a few hours before his scheduled visit to a Rome synagogue.

Now, pilgrims wing their way to the Mahakumbh

HARIDWAR - For those who can afford it, the path to the Mahakumbh Mela is just a flight away. Pilgrims are now winging their way to the Mahakumbh Mela on the banks of the Ganga here on choppers from New Delhi and Dehradun.