Pope Benedict XVI's First Year

The Washington Post, in the article "Pope's First Year Lacks An Ideological Edge", ponders the new Pope's first year and finds it to be a rather middle-of-the-road affair.  In many ways, this makes sense to me, and I must confess, it is something that could have been predicted, knowing what we know about the reality of the office, the man who took over the shoes of the Fisherman notwithstanding.  When you move from Grand Inquisitor (oh, stop, I understand this was not his real title, nor even really in the job description, but it is such an evocative title that it is hard not to use it) to Pope, I would imagine that one tends to start deliberating in new ways. 

Cardinal Ratzinger was in charge of safeguarding the rigorous examination of the doctrinal life of the church, and therefore proceeded with a great deal more vitality (there, how is that for a charitable construction) and purpose.  Now, as Benedict XVI, he realizes that is first role is a pastoral role, tending to the flock, acting as Servus Servorum Dei, and understanding that care of souls is the first and main priority.  Thus, he calms down quite a bit from his old role, and shows that he understands that his role has changed, and that he needs to present a more palatable face to the masses.

As is usual, the Washington Post dips into the well of scholars and church-types for various responses, and as is becoming quite the norm, Christopher Bellitto (Church Historian, Kean College, New Jersey), provides the money quote:

"He has not turned out to be the pope that many progressives feared and many conservatives cheered,"

Let us just hope that this remains the case.  I would like to think that Benedict understands his role as caretaker.  Clearly he understands that, as an older Cardinal elected Pope, his tenure is not going to be an exceptionally long one.  This is a good thing, especially after the marathon that was the Papacy of John Paul II.  The entire church will need some time to collect its breath, decide what it wants to be, where it wants to go, and then start to make the plans.  Benedict, especially with Deus Caritas Est, was signaling, in some fashion, that he intends to reinforce the basics of the faith, and their implication for daily living.  These are not the words of a fire-breather, but neither are they the words of someone who is simply going to lay down on the job.  There is much to be done in the church, and Benedict will shape the direction for some time by his actions and statements.

That the conservatives are nervous is a good thing.  Richard John Neuhaus, editor of First Things, states, "Among those who greatly admired Cardinal Ratzinger and were elated by his election as pope, there is a palpable uneasiness,".  Which translates to:  We are lit that he hasn't done exactly what we want, and has not come out to the right of Ghengis Khan.  Hey, there is still time.  Benedict could revert to his old role, and start to really drive some wedges into the church, but I would guess that this is not likely to happen.

I still worry about the way in which Benedict approaches the church v. state  discussion, but I don't think that my initial concerns about wielding both Gelasian swords will be realized.  I am still wary, though.  Benedict XVI will always remain a source of consternation, and mild indigestion.  My hope is that it does not grow beyond that.

For cross-pollination purposes, see these blogs that have also commented on the Washington Post article:  Snarky Bastards, Annunciations of a New Springtime, Penraker, Conjecture Navel Gazing,  Icarus Fallen, and Norwegianity.