San Francisco archbishop says pope is 'radiant,' 'genuinely smiling'

Catholic News Service ^ | May 3, 2005 | Cindy Wooden

[NYer]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Archbishop William J. Levada of San Francisco was one of the first residential bishops to be granted an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

Archbishop Levada met the pope May 3 to convey his personal best wishes and those of Catholics in his archdiocese, the archbishop said.

"He seems to be very happy," Archbishop Levada told Catholic News Service.

While the pope has mentioned more than once that he is 78 years old and had thought he would be retiring rather than taking on the challenge of shepherding the universal church, Pope Benedict seemed happy and relaxed in the Apostolic Palace, the archbishop said.

"He was genuinely smiling and I think he is radiant, that is the best way to describe him," Archbishop Levada said. "I hope it is the grace of the Holy Spirit in him and with him."

Archbishop Levada had served on the staff of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith from 1976 to 1982; in 1981 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict, was named prefect of the congregation.

Even though Archbishop Levada left the congregation, he continued working with then-Cardinal Ratzinger, particularly on the project of drafting the "Catechism of the Catholic Church."

[NYer]

You can see him 'glowing' in this picture.

PAPAL BLESSING - Pope Benedict XVI blesses an elderly woman as he arrives for his general audience in St. Peter's Square May 4. The pope made a special effort to greet the sick before the start of the audience. (CNS/Nancy Wiechec)

[goodform]

He's a lively looking 78. I hope we have him around for a long time.

[fatnotlazy]

Yes, he looks good...I would be pleased to see him outlast those who say he's a transitional or interim Pope.

[Fred]

Archbishop Lavada on:

On Holy Communion for Catholic Politicans

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