Defender Of The Faith
The Vatican's longtime enforcer promises a kinder, gentler pontificate. Can he deliver?
And, indeed, the choice of the name Benedict may be suggestive in several ways that would reassure both reformers and conservatives. Yes, it recalls Benedict XVI, who tried to make peace as Europe prepared to destroy itself in the conflagration of World War I. But it also recalls the legacy and teaching of Saint Benedict, who created the "Rule" governing the communal and spiritual lives of the monasteries that played a vital role in preserving not only the Christian faith but the civilized Mediterranean heritage during several tumultuous centuries.
It is the latter's legacy that seems to hold out the greatest hope for the new pope's doubters. Sister Chittister, a Benedictine herself, points out that the great abbott, who became the patron saint of Europe, declared after writing the "Rule," "Any brother who sees a better way, let him arrange things differently." Chittister cites other counsel from Benedict: "Whenever weighty matters are to be decided, let the abbott call together the entire community and, beginning with the youngest, seek their advice." It is hard to imagine more concise and eloquent appeals for true collegiality. If Benedict XVI can emulate the virtues and wisdom of his namesakes, he may well surprise some of his loudest critics--without disappointing all of his staunchest supporters.
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