Pope becoming a people's man

2006-03-31 10:19

Vatican City - Initially billed as a stern and somewhat unsympathetic intellectual, Joseph Ratzinger has proved surprisingly popular during his first year as Pope Benedict XVI.

Vatican data shows that record crowds have been attending his weekly audiences, while Italians have given the German-born pontiff 8 marks out of 10 so far, according to a recent SWG opinion poll.

And although his pontificate is still taking shape, he has eased comfortably into his new role, smiling and looking relaxed as the tens of thousands of faithful gather in St Peter's Square to hear him preach with clear and gripping words about Christian love, peace or the need to place people above profits.

He also never forgets to keep alive the teachings of his much-loved predecessor, John Paul II.

Unlike John Paul, however, Benedict has vowed to travel less, write less and to favour substance over form.

So what does this new papacy look like, and what has 78-year-old Benedict actually achieved since his election of April 19, 2005?

No relaxation towards gay marriage

On the theological front, there has been little in the way of novelty so far. This was to be expected.

As Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Ratzinger spent nearly a quarter of a century defending Church orthodoxy.

And even after his election as pope, he has remained strongly against what he calls "the dictatorship of relativism", at the same time not appearing at all inclined to relax the Church's traditional opposition to gay marriages, priest celibacy or contraception.

In fact, Benedict has perhaps strengthened his image as a conservative, for instance by seeking to restore more traditional ways of celebrating Holy Mass or by scolding bishops who water down moral doctrine.

At the same time, his agreeing to meet famous Catholic dissidents like Hans Kueng or excommunicated Lefebvrite Bishop Bernard Fellay shows that he is unexpectedly willing to talk with those who do not share his views.

Fosters ties with Jews

On the international front, he has made steps forward towards re-establishing ties with China - which were cut off in 1951 - by promoting Hong Kong Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun to the post of cardinal and there is growing talk of a possible visit to Russia amid slowly improving relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches.

Benedict has certainly followed in John Paul's footsteps when it comes to fostering ties with Jews.

He made a point of visiting Cologne's main synagogue during his first trip abroad and has met with Italian and American Jewish leaders on several occasions.

He has also hinted at a possible trip to the Holy Land during talks with visiting Israeli officials.

His position towards the Islamic world, however, appears less clear-cut.

Vatican experts note that while he has rejected the "clash of civilizations" paradigm and has criticised the publication in the western media of controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, his decision to give the head of the Pontifical Council for Culture temporary control over dialogue with Muslims has been seen by some as a downgrading of dialogue.

- SAPA