Ingrid Betancourt and the Pope

The Times Online reports on Ingrid Betancourt’s recent meeting with the pope. Apparently Ms. Betancourt had been a rather lukewarm Catholic, but experienced a tremendous deepening of her faith during the last six years she spent in captivity in the Columbian jungle, praying the Rosary and gaining intimate knowledge of the Bible, which she now views as “an instruction manual for happiness.” Pope Benedict himself played a role in this rediscovery of her faith, for his prayers and public support for her provided vital consolation.

All in all, a heartwarming story.