Why Cardinal Ratzinger Chose the Name Pope Benedict XVIWritten by Henry Yao
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected to papal throne on April 19, 2005, second day of conclave. He chose to be known henceforth as Pope Benedict XVI. The cardinal from Germany is 265th pope in Catholic Church history.But why name Benedict? We have long been accustomed to having a pope named John, or Paul, or a combination thereof. In fact, quite many catholics today have known only one pope in their lifetime. Well, at least before late Pope John Paul II passed away and Pope Benedict XVI came along. Some, though, who are much older have also known Pope John Paul I and Pope Paul VI. A few lucky ones can even remember as far back as Pope John XXIII, smiling pope who initiated Second Vatican Council in early 1960's. Why Benedict? In his first general audience held in St. Peter's Square, Pope explained that he chose name Benedict XVI as a link to Benedict XV, Italian pope who guided Church during turbulent era of First World War. Pope Benedict XV tried many times, though unsuccessfuly, to negotiate peace among warring nations. He organized significant humanitarian efforts to guarantee well-being and freedom of people affected by war.
| | A CHANGE IS IN THE AIRWritten by Irvin L. Rozier
I woke up this morning and sensed a change A new direction for me Lord is about to arrange Many obstacles and hills have been in my way Today is third day of month of MayI've been hindered and oppressed for many years I've had many doubts and my share of fears The Lord has heard my anguished cries He has seen my tears and took note of my sighs Jesus knows how many burdens I can take He will intervene and make a way of escape I know his word is strength and truth I read in Bible how he blessed sister Ruth
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