Letters: Pope Benedict was a treasure

Upon hearing that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI had died, I got out my book, "Benedict Up Close," and in it was the letter I received in answer to one I had written him. I'm possibly the only person who ever wrote to tell the pope how upsetting it was to me that cemeteries, especially the cemetery where my young son, Sammy, was buried, cleared all decorations off the graves each week. The letter from the Vatican, dated June 16, 2010 and mentioning Sammy, tells me the Holy Father appreciates the concern which prompted me to write and imparts on me his Apostolic Blessing. It included his picture.

Pope Benedict XVI was a shy and exceedingly kind man with a great sense of humor. He loved cats and Mozart, and he has been called the "St. Thomas Aquinas of Our Times" because of his brilliant mind. I grew up in the times when the Mass was celebrated in Latin, and always liked that Pope Benedict was devoted to continuing that tradition.

Whether or not my letter reached his desk, I treasure this letter and count on his prayers.

Sally Sovilla, Anderson Township

Buckeyes can't get over SEC hurdle in bowl games

Ohio State Buckeyes fans can whine all they want, but they still can't get over the SEC hurdle. With the loss to Georgia, the Buckeyes are now 2-11 against SEC teams in bowl games. Time to stop playing 8 of your 12 regular season games at home (other teams play a 6-6 format) and beef up your non-conference schedule. And if these fans will check the record book, the Buckeyes have a losing bowl record overall (27-28).

Doug Graves, West Chester

Trillion dollar spending bill will worsen inflation

Well, it passed, with even some Republican support in the U.S. Senate. Yes, another $1.7 trillion spending bill, loaded with "pork" that will only add to the inflationary ills that middle-class Americans are already experiencing. When will we elect politicians with just a tiny bit of common sense and/or political guts?

Arthur Zimmer, Loveland

Greed biggest cause of rising gas prices

The article "Gas prices falling but expected to rise again" lists various reasons for the rise of gas prices, such as the war in the Ukraine. The one reason not mentioned is the greed of the oil companies. They are already planning to raise prices during this summer’s travel season. What can be the reason for that other than increasing profits at our expense?

Susan Gerke, East Price Hill

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Letters: Pope Benedict was a treasure