Monday, July 23, 2007

Is Pope Benedict's bluntness a strength? (Contribution)

The movie “Shoes of the Fisherman” showed how difficult it is for a pope to follow in the footsteps of St. Peter.

But for Pope Benedict XVI, following in the footsteps of John Paul II has been a big task in itself.

Few popes have been as media savvy as John Paul II. Trained as an actor, he had a knack with words and the public that was the envy of many world leaders.

Pope Benedict XVI was a scholar and theologian.

And his tendency to voice principle at the expense of people’s feelings has created tensions among Christians and non-Christians alike.

His remarks about Islam being responsible for much of the evil in the world and his decree that the Catholic Church was the only authentic Christian faith left a few bruises that still smart.

Still, despite the ruffled feathers, Benedict has raised the torch of responsible behavior in the world and on balance has proven to be a force for moral strength.

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