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The Pope in Bavaria

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Pope Benedict XVI visited the Catholic heartland of his native Bavaria from Sept. 9 to 14. He kicked off the trip in the state capital of Munich, before heading to his birthplace Marktl, in Germany's southeastern corner near the Austrian border, the pilgrimage town of Altötting and Regensburg, where he still owns a house.

The pontiff's second trip to Germany as pope after going to the northern city of Cologne for World Youth Day last year was overshadowed by protests of Muslim hardliners, who were upset about a speech Benedict gave at the University of Regensburg.

Click on the links below to follow DW-WORLD's coverage and background to the pope's Germany visit.

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Reports & Analysis

Pope Urges Faithful to Stand Up for Beliefs Against "Fanaticism"

Pope Benedict XVI urged pilgrims at a giant open-air mass in Regensburg to stand up for their beliefs in the face of the "hatred and fanaticism" tarnishing religion.

Opinion: Latest Clash of Cultures Should be Laid to Rest

The pope's apology Sunday was accepted by some Muslim leaders but outraged other radical groups even more. His words were a sign of human greatness to be imitated in this clash of cultures, writes DW's Peter Philipp.

Munich Welcomes Pope Home

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in the southern German city of Munich on Saturday and told cheering crowds he was deeply moved to come back to his Bavarian homeland.

Gay Rights Activists Stage Protest Ahead of Pope Visit

While hundreds of thousands are expected to cheer Pope Benedict XVI when he visits Bavaria starting Saturday, his critics got a chance to speak up on Friday -- respectfully, that is.

The Pope as Pop Star in Bavaria

Germany's own son, Pope Benedict XVI, is to visit his native country on Saturday. His agenda includes a trip down memory lane. A slew of security measures are necessary to keep the pope pandemonium to a minimum.

Pope Benedict XVI: "We Have a Positive Idea to Offer"

In an exclusive interview with German media conducted last week, Pope Benedict XVI addressed issues of marriage and family, world peace and intercultural dialogue as well as the future of the Catholic Church.

Pope's Apology Fails to Stem Anger of Muslim Hardliners

Pope Benedict XVI's personal apology for hurting the feelings of Muslims with a controversial speech failed to stem the anger of hardliners despite calls for calm from Islamic and Western leaders.

Pope Enjoys Private Time Near End of German Trip

Pope Benedict XVI knelt in prayer at the graves of his mother, father and sister on Wednesday in the emotional highpoint of his six-day visit to his native Bavaria.

"He Must Finally Take Some Action"

Hans Küng, a respected scholar of theology and philosophy, likens Pope Benedict XVI in some ways to US President George Bush. He says both need to come down from the sky and take a look at the reality on the ground.

Pope Benedict Confounds Critics with Kinder, Gentler Image

When Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope, he got mixed reactions in his native Germany, with many reform-oriented groups fearing the bite of the man known as "God's Rottweiler." Now, some critics have changed their tune.

Pope Returns Home For Trip Down Memory Lane

Pope Benedict XVI is to arrive in Bavaria on Saturday to start a six-day homecoming pilgrimage to the southern region of Germany where he was born.

Pope Wraps Up Sentimental Tour of Homeland

Pope Benedict XVI winds up his nostalgic visit to his native Bavaria on Thursday with a visit to the cathedral in the city of Freising where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1951.

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