We Have a Pope: Benedict XVI

At first it was uncertain whether the Sistine Chapel chimney was giving signals with white smoke or black smoke. In about ten minutes, the bells began to ring. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, age 78, who was considered a front-runner going into the conclave, was elected pope. For years he has been a close confidant of Pope John Paul II. In 2002 he was elected dean of the College of Cardinals. More recently, he presided at Pope John Paul II's funeral Mass and opened the conclave with a stern warning about the dangers of moral relativism, radical individualism, and excessive consumerism - dangers that have been buffeting the church in recent decades. Cardinal Ratzinger concluded his warnings with these words, "An adult faith does not follow the waves of fashion and latest novelty."

Pre-conclave Speculations
The conclave to elect the 265th pope drew more speculation than any other conclave. The durable and impressive legacy of Pope John Paul II added to the speculation. Pundits from every corner of the globe claimed that the future pope must continue the outreach to all religions, especially to Islam. Some insisted that the vitality of Catholicism in Europe needed a shot in the arm. Others saw the need for a more vigorous local church based on a decentralized approach to authority. Despite all of these diverse opinions, the conclave elected Cardinal Ratzinger on the fourth ballot. The conclave lasted two days. It was one of the shortest conclaves in modern history. The cardinals knew what kind of experience and pastoral qualities the pope would need to keep the Church faithful to the teachings of Jesus.

The Life of Joseph
Cardinal Ratzinger is recognized as a brilliant theologian. He served as the Vatican's chief doctrinal advisor for the past 24 years. As prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith he was on the front lines of many theological and pastoral controversies. He has silenced several theologians. On September 2, 2000, Cardinal Ratzinger presented the document "The Lord Jesus." He admitted that followers of other religions can be saved but only through the grace of Christ. Many theologians took exception with Ratzinger and predicted the newly issued document could only increase tension in interfaith dialogue. Pope John Paul II quickly and wholeheartedly defended the document.

Cardinal Ratzinger served Vatican II as a theological advisor. He supported the reforms of Vatican II. His background tells us something about why he takes a firm stand against the sea of permissiveness that prevails in the world. He realizes there is a need to return to fundamentals.

Joseph Ratzinger was born in 1927. He received his early education in Bavaria before the spread of Nazism. In 1943 as a teenager he was drafted into the German army. He served in an anti-aircraft unit before deserting in 1945, only to be sent to an American POW camp for several months until the war ended.

Upon returning home, he studied for the priesthood, was ordained in 1951, and earned his doctorate in theology in 1953 at the University of Munich. His theological brilliance and decisiveness earned him a glowing reputation as an important author and scholar. He was named archbishop of Munich in 1977 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Paul VI in 1977. He views theology as a tool that serves the faithful and supports church teaching. The false ideologies that shocked him during the period of student unrest in late 1960s parallel the selfishness of moral relativism of today. Undoubtedly, he is a guardian of church doctrine and unity, which breathes life into the mission of the church to become one with God for creating a better world

What's In a Name?
The names St. Benedict (480-543) and Pope Benedict XV (who served as pope from 1914 to 1922) are significant and revealing. St. Benedict is the patron saint of Europe. His approach to monistic life is credited with preserving European civilization. In the fifth and sixth centuries the Roman Empire was breaking apart. Invading tribes were looting cities. People lived with little hope for a safe and secure future. It was a time of mistrust and fear. Saint Benedict founded a monastery in 530. Its Rule of Life was built on prayer, work, study, and rest. His monastic vision preserved civilization. The way of monastic hospitality became a trademark of Benedictine spirituality.

Church historians look at the achievements of Pope Benedict XV in two diverse ways. They admit he was a successful reconciler. They also acknowledge that his papacy is unappreciated. Pope Benedict XV took great strides to be neutral in World War I. He diligently found ways to alleviate the suffering caused by war. He was especially compassionate in reuniting prisoners of war with their families. In terms of papal policy he reached out to serving all people in need. More importantly, Pope Benedict XV worked tirelessly to bring a divided church together. He was a reconciler. He sought to end the bitter strife within the church between progressives and conservatives. His overall papacy was dedicated to healing and reconciliation.

Upon being elected the 265th pope in church history, Cardinal Ratzinger took the name Benedict XVI. The legacy of Saint Benedict and Pope Benedict XV serve as models for the new pope. Appearing at the central window of St. Peter's Basilica, the newly elected pope was greeted by a cheering crowd of 100,000 people.

The first words of Pope Benedict XVI to the world were words of humility, prayer, and unity: "After the great John Paul II, the cardinals elected me, a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord can work and act even through insufficient instruments, and I especially entrust myself to your prayers. In the joy of the risen Lord and trusting in his permanent help, we go forward. The Lord will help us, and Mary, his most holy mother, is on our side."

Many observers think the new pope selected the name Benedict for more than symbolic reasons. The guiding examples of Saint Benedict and Pope Benedict XV are accurate indicators of the future direction of the Church - a direction of trust, reconciliation, and unity. These are some of the core qualities that strengthen the Church so it can be a sign and instrument of God's love for all people.

Connecting the Ministry of Pope Benedict XVI with the Faith First Program
Theme: The Universal Pastor of the Whole Church
Faith First Kindergarten, chapter 9
Faith First Grade 1, chapter 8
Faith First Grade 2, chapter 10
Faith First Grade 3, chapter 1
Faith First Grade 4, chapter10
Faith First Grade 5, chapter 10
Faith First Grade 6, chapter 8
Faith First Junior High: Liturgy and Morality, chapter 22
Faith First Junior High: Creed and Prayer, chapter 13