Opinion Articles

*Choice of Benedict may be the signal
By Dr Beverly Zimmerman
Dr Beverly Zimmerman is a Lochinvar Sister of St Joseph, historian and Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle.

What is remarkable about Benedict XVI is that many Catholics in Australia know him. In the past when a cardinal has been elected to the papacy we have usually said, Cardinal who?

Australians would know of Joseph Ratzinger's involvement in the Second Vatican Council, a watershed event that saw the Church enthusiastically engaged in renewal; they would know that he was friend and adviser to Pope John Paul II, and that he is a renowned theologian.

They would know too, of his hard and negative views in relation to married priests, women priests, homosexuality, contraception, ecumenism and other faiths. In his capacity as head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith he was quick to condemn Catholic theologians who strayed from orthodoxy.

Ratzinger stands as a very controversial figure.

But obviously there is another side to this man that is perhaps not so well known. He was shaped by his experiences in Nazi Germany.

As a young priest he was on the progressive side of theological debates and as a young theologian he proclaimed the primacy of conscience, stating that it is conscience that is the final arbiter in moral decision making.

Those who have met Joseph Ratzinger have encountered a kind, genteel, even shy man, who is an accomplished pianist, good listener and generally interested in working collegially.

It is not yet known why Ratzinger chose the name Benedict XVI but commentators have already speculated.

He could favour Saint Benedict, the founder of Western monasticism, a movement responsible for Christianising most of Europe . Or it could be that he favoured Pope Benedict XV, who throughout his writings underlined the social teaching of the Church and whose pontificate put an end to the conservative anti-modernist campaign of Pope Pius X.

Perhaps his choice of a name is sending a signal about his pontificate!

Given the changing experiences and attitudes of this man and his incredible abilities, which have only been hinted at here, what is it that I would like to say to Benedict XVI?

You have taken on a very new and different role and are gifted with the grace of your office. You are no longer walking beside; you are leading.

You are an eminent theologian and writer, a man of great strength and loyalty with a remarkable intellect, a wealth of experience, clarity of vision, and strong commitment to faith and the Church. You are a man of vast culture, refinement and gentleness with the courage of your convictions. These are outstanding gifts. Yet you see yourself as a simple, humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

What we need at this time in our history when we are witnessing so much division, pain, suffering and polarisation in the world and in the Church is a man of faith, wisdom and hope.

On many occasions you have used the Gospel image of the mustard seed, suggesting that the Church of the future may have to be smaller in order to remain true. Does not this view deny the powerful work of the Spirit of God in the world?

I would like the image of the mustard seed to stand for the small initiatives taking place and enthusiastic voices being raised throughout the Church which need to be acknowledged, nurtured and encouraged to grow.

Jesus did not stifle initiative, nor did he flout the law, but on occasions he broke boundaries in order to respond to the human needs of people.

While your papacy will call for the defence of the Catholic faith, you will also be called upon to attend to the pastoral needs of all God's people.

French philosopher Pascal once wrote: “A man does not show his greatness by being at the extremity, but rather by touching both at once.”

You begin your papacy as a controversial figure. Yet within our current world, we need a leader who is a sign of unity. We need you to break through boundaries, to be open to and inclusive of others, to build bridges, and to hold people together.