Benedict XVI speaks ten languages; sincerely believes in Catholicism

That's what I learned from reading this profile of the new pontiff available on the Forbes.com site. Granted, one could spend weeks finding strange, humorous, or irritating things that have been written about Benedict XVI. But this piece caught my attention because it reads like a business brief; I suppose that is fitting for Forbes.com. An example:

Ratzinger will find it more difficult to moderate his views on Catholic teachings--and he may not choose to do so at all. He is indeed defined largely by his orthodox views, and while his criticism of secularism, individualism, unethical forms of capitalism and abortion are likely to be shared by many Christians and non-Christians alike, his zealous attempts to enforce traditional Catholic teaching on other issues will divide Catholics and offend many others.

Ratzinger's views on sexuality and feminism are particularly controversial. The new pope has shown himself to be intolerant of homosexuality, extramarital sex and any form of artificial birth control. Furthermore, his criticism of feminism as undermining biologically defined duties and his opposition to women in the priesthood jar modern audiences, as does his resistance to genetic research.

While his expression of these views can partly be explained by his former role as head of the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith, there is no doubt that they are genuinely held.

Whew! Well, at least the crusty old German is sincere about what he believes. That's a relief. After all, the one great virtue touted by the post-modern world is sincerity. Anyhow, I thought I'd try this little exercise: substitute someone else's name in the above passage. Check it out:

Jesus will find it more difficult to moderate his views on Catholic teachings--and he may not choose to do so at all. The Messiah is indeed defined largely by his orthodox views, and while his criticism of secularism, individualism, unethical forms of capitalism and abortion are likely to be shared by many Christians and non-Christians alike, his zealous attempts to enforce traditional Catholic teaching on other issues will divide Catholics and offend many others.

The Christ's views on sexuality and feminism are particularly controversial. The Son of God has shown himself to be intolerant of homosexuality, extramarital sex and any form of artificial birth control. Furthermore, the Nazarene's criticism of feminism as undermining biologically defined duties and his opposition to women in the priesthood jar modern audiences, as does his resistance to genetic research.

While his expression of these views can partly be explained by his ongoing role as head of the Church, there is no doubt that they are genuinely held.

Methinks the current Vicar of Christ is doing just fine, thank you.