Pope Benedict XVI's Fifth Anniversary | A CWR Round-Table

Pope Benedict XVI's Fifth Anniversary | A Catholic World Report Round-Table | Web Exclusive

On April 19, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope, becoming the 266th Roman pontiff and taking the name Benedict XVI. To commemorate the fifth anniversary of this historic event for the Catholic Church, CWR asked its contributors to reflect on these first years of Pope Benedict's pontificate.

Priest, Prophet, King
Three ways Benedict has exemplified these three roles
By Father Joseph Fessio, S.J.

Reform within Continuity
A proper understanding of Vatican II has been paramount in Benedict’s pontificate.
By Father Matthew Lamb

Why Do the Media Rage?
Pope Benedict’s pontificate has caught the media and dissidents alike by surprise.
By Philip F. Lawler

Pope Benedict’s Patristic Perspective
A student of the past, a prophet of the future
By Father David Vincent Meconi, S.J.

Planting the Seeds of Reform
Future generations will have much for which to thank Benedict.
By George Neumayr

Benedict Contra Mundum
In Pope Benedict, “Peter is still here.”
By Carl E. Olson

A Pope Who Thinks in Centuries
Benedict sees the Church as a divine institution with a historical mission.
By Tracey Rowland

A Fatherly Figure
History will vindicate the paternal care Benedict has shown for the Church.
By Robert Royal

Pope Ratzinger
A scholarly pope who also listens
By Father James V. Schall, S.J.

Retrieval and Reintegration
Benedict’s efforts to let the past inform and guide the Church’s future
By Father Robert Sirico

Comments

[Brian J. Schuettler]

Carl, you have the best title of the lot. I like that...contra mundum indeed. Things haven't changed much since Arius, they just have new names.

[Sheryl]

My two-cents on the sex abuse crisis is that sexual sin has not been taught for the past fifty years; therefore, children and adolescents have not had the weapons they have needed to fight back. They should have been able to say to Fr. Molester, "What you want to do is a mortal sin. You will go to hell, and you will NOT take me with you."

[Manuel G. Daugherty Razetto]

Great treat Carl with such panoramic array of varied observations. What caught my attention was:

Phillip Lawler assessment that Benedict XVI "undeniably lacked the charisma of his predecessor". I'd put that as objectionable.

George Neumayr correctly emphasizes citing BXVI as consequential in the restoration of Orthodoxy & Holiness to the Church; as well as the introduction of Cardinal Mahony's heir case to the Archdiocese of L.A., as incisive.

Fr James Schall presenting what is perhaps the most trying task for our Holy Father, cleaning and restoring the Episcopate during the present Crisis of our Church.

I can't help but joining Brian J.S.'s praise of your "Contra Mundum" label.

[Carl E. Olson]

A big hat tip to Catherine Harmon, managing editor of Catholic World Report, for pulling together these essays and for choosing a fine title for my essay. Folks who aren't subscribing to the print edition of Catholic World Report are missing out on a lot of great stuff!