Home | Contact Parish Info | Diocese Map | Clergy Assignments | Pastoral Center Offices | Local Catholic Organizations | Jobs | Links Pope Benedict XVI: In his very first public remarks as pontiff, Pope Benedict XVI referred to himself as a humble man. He meant, of course, that he came from an ordinary family background and a small German town. I, however, know Benedict XVI to also be a humble man who would rather have taught theology at a university than be called to responsibilities at the Vatican. He moved to the Vatican in humble obedience to Pope John Paul II, and he never lost his humble approach. Frequently, when I was in Rome, I would see him in St. Peter's Square where he would mingle with the people while garbed in a simple black cassock. There was no indication that he was a cardinal. Often he was "drafted" by a group to serve as their photographer. This he did willingly and with a generous smile. As far as the group members were concerned, they had just been assisted by one of the local priests -- and Cardinal Ratzinger was quite content to depart with that understanding. Some commentators spoke about "politics" before and during the conclave. Pope Benedict XVI is too humble a man to engage in such activity. His respect for the papacy would not allow him to demean it by such activity. At the age of seventy-eight, Pope Benedict XVI probably cannot be expected to continue the hectic schedule of worldwide travel that allowed John Paul II to log nearly 800,000 miles and visit 129 countries, but he brings his own talents and gifts to the papacy. He is a brilliant theologian and philosopher. He is linguistically gifted, and Americans may be interested to know that he speaks English with greater ease than Pope John Paul II. Though a man who enjoys his privacy, Pope Benedict XVI is unfailingly kind, hospitable, and welcoming. Ultimately, he is a very pastoral man. Oftentimes terms such as "hardliner" or "ultra-conservative" conjure up images that fall short of reality. Pope Benedict XVI is a man of deep faith who wishes to voice the authentic teachings of Jesus and wishes, as well, to help others experience the joy (Jn. 15:11), peace (Jn. 14:27), and fullness of life (Jn. 10:10) that Jesus promises to those who live by these truths. Pope John Paul II was a great man and the whole world stood in awe as millions gathered in Rome to pay tribute at the funeral Mass. They recognized him as someone who personified compassionate love and, out of love for his people, proclaimed the moral truths unfailingly and courageously. Pope Benedict XVI will endear himself for the very same reasons. Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr Bishop of Duluth    Diocese of Duluth • 2830 E Fourth St • Duluth Minnesota 55812 • (218) 724- 9111 Copyright 2010 DIOCESE OF DULUTH All Rights Reserved.