This afternoon I watched the EWTN coverage of World Youth Day, wishing I were there and thinking of my fond memories of Toronto in 2002. Seeing Pope Benedict XVI, I was struck by how genuinely happy he appeared. Compared to his apprehensive, somewhat stiff appearence during his inaurguration as the new Pontiff, he was very relaxed.
"Benedetto," as the chanting youths called him, seemed very joyful to be in his home country with the young Church. Smiling broadly, he spoke to and greeted the crowds all afternoon. While sailing up the Rhine, he gladly met and individually blessed person after person riding on his boat. I was amazed at his endurance and enthusiam.
It appears that "B 16", as I like to call him, has really embraced the job of Vicar of Christ that was so suddenly thrust upon him. Surely the grace of the office and the intercession of John Paul II have something to do with this!
Benedict XVI comes into his own
Re: Benedict XVI comes into his own
Linear Mode
