Posted on 07/13/2008 2:38:19 PM PDT by NYer
AS one would expect of the leader of a billion Catholics, Pope Benedict XVI is a leading theologian, one of the major thinkers of our age.
But he is also a sharpshooter - the kind of man who can explain complex ideas in simple ways, and then act decisively. People everywhere welcome his gifts. As a young Catholic studying in a modern university where relativism and other intellectual trends pushed against Christian truth, beauty and goodness- I often found Benedict to be speaking directly to those who wanted to push back. But even non-Catholics have something to learn from him.
Benedict regularly describes, for instance, how the secular West can overcome some of the more alienating aspects of modern living, and he is not afraid to engage the Church's critics. In his papal writings, then, Benedict has quoted atheist thinkers such as Nietzsche and Marx, and used their criticisms of false belief and an unjust society to show how Christian love and hope can transform contemporary lives.
Indeed, on a recent trip to the United States, Benedict surprised even his most ardent critics, using his public speeches and private meetings to heal wounds caused by some priests' abuse of children. Further, Benedict's 2006 comments on religion and violence have already transformed the direction of the debate on terrorism. His speech in Germany resulted in some violent reactions, but the Pope - who later travelled to Turkey - was credited with defusing serious tensions.
Even those who might baulk at Catholic teaching on human sexuality and politics will find Benedict an honest and insightful guide. People seeking alternatives to over-commercialisation, hyper-sexualisation, and degrading events like the Sydney Mardi Gras, will find World Youth Day calls them to something radically different.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...
Converting ideas into action, however, Benedict has restored the altar arrangement in St Peter's Basilica, a site that attracts relentless attention, and he now regularly wears historical vestments to show that Christian worship today is linked with Christian worship throughout the ages.
Benedict means the end, then, of any post-Vatican II confusion. On signal Catholic issues, he has moved with decisiveness, and great wisdom.
Everywhere he goes he communicates with authority. He is just the Pope the world needs.
Ping!
May our Holy Father live 100 years, and continue to lead us with wisdom and holiness!
Pope Benedict is why I am Catholic.
I was seeking after 9/11, being dissatisfied with the Protestant churches I had attended. I was mesmerized by the funeral of Pope John Paul and the enclave. I listened to the denigration of Cardinal Ratzinger by the media.
Then he appeared on the balcony as Peter’s successor with such joy in his face I knew it was from the Holy Spirit, and I signed up for RCIA the next day.
God bless Pope Benedict, and may he live a long, long time!
I was at the office, watching and listening on my computer while I was supposed to be working ("Bless me father for I have sinned, it has been 3 weeks since my last confession . . . ") when they finally figured out that indeed it was white smoke issuing from the chimney. I hollered (there's no other word for it) "HEY! WE'VE GOT A POPE!" and everybody came to my office door. Cardinal Estevez started reading the announcement in Latin, and when he got to " . . . Josephus . . . " I said, "It's Ratzinger!" and IT WAS! and I whooped loud enough to be heard down Peachtree Street . . . . all my coworkers thought I was nuts!
My personal dream is Cardinal Pell.
Big, rough, manly, and takes no prisoners. LOL!
I was babysitting my youngest granddaughter, and she was most miffed whn I told her I wanted EWTN on the channel instead of cartoons. I promised her ice cream at Dairy Queen if I could watch.
Like you, when they said Josephus I shouted “RATZINGER!” (making my granddaughter think I was nuts).
He is a great pope, and I hope he lives for a very long time!
I'll have to remember Dairy Queen as an effective bribe . . . although our local cable company has put EWTN on the premium pay for view, which means that I have to watch it on the computer, which is less than ideal . . . .
Have to look up Cardinal Pell. real fast :)
I got familiar with him when he was a commentator on John Paul II's funeral. He is traditional, funny, and absolutely NOT a wimp!
Look him up; you will be impressed!
Cardinal Pell is a likeable guy. Sorry if you think I am in a personality cult...I didn't mean my comment to be taken that way.
*********************
Amen, Miss Marple! The joy in Pope Benedict's face was echoed in our hearts!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.