That difficulty was underscored early in his papacy when the pope delivered a 2007 speech to scholars on the relationship between faith and reason.

WSJ: Pope Defended Church Teachings

"His insights into the relationship between faith and reason, into the vital place of revealed religion in civilised society, and into the need for a broadly-based and wide-ranging approach to education were not only of profound importance to Victorian England, but continue today to inspire and enlighten many all over the world, " he said.

BBC: Pope beatifies Cardinal Newman as his UK tour ends

The lecture, entitled Faith, Reason and the University: Memories and Reflections, explored the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity, and the relationship between violence and faith.

BBC: Pope Benedict XVI in his own words

The full faith and credit of the United States is something that we have a real obligation and a trust relationship with our people, not to undermine.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Even when the relationship is this good, however, foreign banks and fund managers still need to take a leap of faith.

ECONOMIST: Banking in China