Habemus Papam! We have a Pope

April 26, 2005

"Young people...I send an affectionate embrace in hope." Benedict XVI

"Grace and peace in abundance to all of you." These words of welcome emerge from the lips of the 264th successor to St. Peter, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Benedict XVI. In a very short period we have wept and mourned the passing of John Paul II and, with the memory of that great man still in our hearts, and minds we now begin to move toward welcoming Benedict XVI

Now we rejoice to welcome Benedict XVI. We rejoice because we sense the activity of the Holy Spirit sweeping through our lives. We rejoice as that same Spirit makes all things new. We rejoice as another servant of the Lord takes up the truly remarkable responsibilities to shepherd the Catholic community throughout the world. For each of these we rejoice, knowing God has not left us alone: God is truly with us.

What do we know about Benedict XVI?
It is unfortunate that thus far the media has served up an unhealthy diet of sound bites about how controversial Benedict XVI has been as Cardinal Ratzinger: Some refer to Benedict as an attack dog, a strong arm, the Pope's enforcer. As we have been learning from those who know Benedict, such stereotypes are both unfair and misplaced.

Quite differently, his friends speak of him as a kind man of few words: When he speaks it is clear that he has long thought through his words. He is a man who enjoys spending time alone on a piano playing his favorite pieces from Mozart. He is a man who, by his own admission, is deeply knowledgeable of the Bible and the life-sustaining threads of our Christian faith.

During his first message at the end of his opening Mass we learned that most importantly, Benedict XVI is a man of continual prayer who continues to be surprised by the movement of the Holy Spirit. In his own words, "Surprising every prevision I had, Divine Providence, through the will of the venerable Cardinal Fathers, called me to succeed this great Pope [John Paul II]." Clearly these are not the sentiments of a one who feels a false sense of entitlement: as though he deserves this role. Quite on the contrary, Benedict XVI speaks of being "repeat with trepidation" and needing to "listen again with intimate emotion to the reassuring promise of the divine Master." Not unlike John Paul II, Benedict XVI conveys his reliance on Jesus who provides his with the strength to witness to God's abiding presence: "I ask [the Lord] to make up for the poverty of my strength, that I may be a courageous and faithful pastor of His flock, always docile to the inspiration of His Spirit."

What kind of Pope will Benedict be for youth?
Those who have followed Cardinal Ratzinger's path over the years have witnessed the ascendancy of a rare sort of person. He speaks several languages fluently, seems to have read nearly every theology book ever written, and has authored countless books himself. He has also traveled extensively throughout the world as the head of the most important office in the Vatican, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He is also at home in the political world and has weighed in on many current political issues. In short, like John Paul II, Benedict XVI is a man of immeasurable talent and grace; he is a man willing to prayerfully engage some of the most vexing issues of our time.

Such capacities will undoubtedly come in handy when Benedict XVI greets the thousands who will gather in Cologne this August for World Youth Day. Benedict mentioned his sense of anticipation to celebrate the presence of Christ and carry on conversation with those assembled. Quoting Benedict himself: "Young people...I send an affectionate embrace in the hope, God willing, of meeting them at Cologne...with you, dear young people, I will continue to maintain dialogue, listening to your expectations in an attempt to help you meet ever more profoundly the living, ever young, Christ."

We wait to hear more from Benedict XVI in terms of how we might best serve this ever-young Christ in all our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We also join with the whole world in welcoming Benedict XVI and extend our hands to all of those of goodwill as we live in by the grace of God. To quote Benedict XVI, "Mane nobiscum Domine!" Stay with us Lord."

The entire text of the message of Pope Benedict XVI is available at www.vatican.va
Learn more about the life of Benedict XVI from one of his former students, at http://www.ctu.edu/WhatWeHaveToSay/Pope_Benedict_Ratzinger.htm

Reflection Question

What are your hopes and concerns for the church as the papacy of Benedict XVI begins?

Join us in to discuss these questions!