April 20, 2005

Since Pope Benedict XVI’s election, there has been much criticism and many negative judgments made about him – as Fr. Glenn mentioned yesterday, “popcorn opinions.” I’ve heard our new Holy Father called “God’s Rottweiler”, and one woman said she was appalled by the election of someone who squashes new theology and persecutes theologians. Two German Catholics were quoted as being very disappointed with the election because they thought the new pope would be someone to approve married priests. The abortion, contraception, and women ordination crowds were likewise disappointed with our newest pope. Unfortunately, these “popcorn opinions” simply show a lack of understanding of our Catholic faith, which is infallible (“without error”) in teaching in areas of faith and morals. Hence, as our previous Holy Father stated, these matters cannot change, for they were made by Christ Himself.

Moreover, these opinions do not come close to who Pope Benedict really is. In October of 1999, I went to Rome, Italy, for my brother’s deaconate ordination. My family, Fr. Ray (our parish priest), and I were walking through the streets of Rome near St. Peter’s Basilica, when my brother noticed Cardinal Ratzinger. We approached him, and my brother introduced each of us to him and informed him that he would be ordained to the deaconate the next day. The cardinal was so unassuming, very humble, sort of short in stature, and spoke in a very soft tone. He said to me, “Franciscano”, as he shook my hand. I was overcome with such joy and excitement! Here was the Pope’s right-hand man, close friend, and very faithful servant of the Lord – and, little did I know, future Pope! And if that was not enough, more was to come the next day.

As Cardinal Ratzinger was processing up the center aisle in St. Peter’s Basilica for the beginning of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he was turning to each of us in the congregation and giving us his blessing. When he looked in my direction and made the sign of the Cross, I felt like he had looked into my soul, and an overwhelming sense of peace, joy, and holiness overcame me. I’ve had this feeling before in the presence of Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul II, and other holy people.

I share these fond memories with you all, with great gratitude and praise to our Heavenly Father for calling and choosing Pope Benedict XVI to be our new spiritual father, the Vicar of Christ here on earth. Those who only knew about Jesus persecuted Him. But for those who met Him and really knew Him, they loved Him and stood by Him. Let us do the same with our new Holy Father, especially through our prayers spiritually, and when necessary, defend his cause, which is that of our Lord Jesus Himself. Viva il Papa! Ad multos annos!

Fr. Juniper Sistare, CFR
Our Lady of the Angels Friary, Bronx, New York

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