STORY - "Welcome Pope Benedict XVI."
By Bishop Michael Malone.

Commentators have said many different things about our new Pope Benedict XVI. Some have been unreservedly overjoyed that Cardinal Ratzinger is now leading the church; others have questioned the wisdom of his election.

Those who have met him praise Cardinal Ratzinger as a charming cultured man, somewhat reserved, even shy. All agree that he is very prayerful and intelligent.

It seems clear though, that Pope Benedict XVI will not be a major reformer. His election by the cardinals indicates their desire to see the church continue as it did under Pope John Paul II: “steady as she goes” seems to be the wish of the cardinals.

However, that being said, since we believe that the Holy Spirit breathes through the church, energising and activating the People of God, we must be prepared for surprises.

Pope Benedict XVI is a man who is very aware of the movement of the Spirit and therefore will be open to the possibilities which the Spirit presents to us. We are reassured by his words to the world “Do not be afraid.”

We welcome Pope Benedict XVI. We look forward to his positive leadership. We undertake to pray with him for the church, and to pray for him in his new role as our chief pastor.

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