The New Pope, Benedict Xvi

His name is Joseph Ratzinger, the new pope Benedict XVI, Installed as the two hundred sixty-fifth pope since foundation; he’s a staunch defender of orthodox Catholic doctrine; he’s German, an accomplished polyglot and theologian, a good friend with sincerity and humility in every action. He’s remembered too as someone who’s in opposition to include Turkey as part of the so-called European Union, his fear that this Muslim nation may dilute a certain culture like Christianity in a particular continent vis-a-vis Turkey. Born on April 16, 1927 in Markti am Inn, in Bavaria, ordained in 1951 at the age of 24 in his own native town; his theological studies punctuated with intelligence, truly, a gift to the church and the whole society at large. Cardinals from fifty-two countries who voted for him, veered away from the traditional choice of an Italian successor, for four hundred fifty-five years before a Polish pope, Karol Wojtyla, known as Pope John Paul II elected in 1978. He was fifty-eight years old when he became a pope, while Cardinal Ratzinger was 78, the oldest pope chosen, like Pope Clement XII in 1730, same age like his showed strong leadership, competence and faithfulness. Being a sovereign pontiff and Vicar of the Catholic Church, he’s very articulate in a prolific academic achievement; a man of culture, a voice of careful reservation, indeed, an answer to the growing darkness of culture and corruption. I love his maiden speech, his first words as the newly elected pope, “the Lord will help us, and Mary, his most holy mother, will be alongside us.” tat gave me a strong impact as I carry with me that same hope along with my desire to be faithful to the Lord in my ministry a a priest, a humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard. As the Church in this generation faces a number of issues so complex and ethical that enable one to be open and faithful; to the doctrine that heralds its openness to the changing times, a huge task for his papacy, for his governance and pedagogy. He’s the right pope for me and I vouch for his abilities, his gifts and vision as the new pope in this century, will continue to bring us into the splendor of God’s light, between believers and nonbelievers alike, he’s our bridge; who’ll listen to the cries of the mother church and obey God’s will. Hail to our Pope Benedict XVI, first Germanic pope! after nearly five hundred years since the pontiff was of the same background; his pontificate is a celebration and affirmation of God’s love for us, with his unwavering leadership - a continuation, a return to earlier traditions.