Posted on 11/11/2016 3:57:50 PM PST by marshmallow
In these extracts from his new book-length interview, the Pope Emeritus reflects on his guillotine election, his achievements as Pope and his tendency to think too much
Why did you not name yourself John Paul III?
I felt that would be inappropriate, because a standard had been set there which I couldnt match. I could not be a John Paul III. I was a different character, cut from a different cloth; I had a different sort of charisma, or rather a non-charisma.
Suddenly: Christs vicar on earth. What inner change was going on there?
Yes, there was the thought: no, I need still more help from him. One knows: I really am not that. But if he puts the yoke on my shoulders, he must also help me bear it.
You spoke of the cardinals ballot as the falling of a guillotine. Did you regret that later?
No, the feeling was just like that, a guillotine.
~
For over two decades you were the closest collaborator of a pope, and for half your life you have concerned yourself theologically with the Petrine Primacy. Was there anything in particular that you were resolved not to do [after your election to the papacy]?
There was primarily the positive resolution that I wanted to put God and faith in the centre. It was also important to me to put Holy Scripture in the foreground. I was a man who came from a theological background, and I knew that my strength, if I have one, is to proclaim the faith positively. So above all I wanted to teach things from the fullness of Holy Scripture and Tradition.
To ask again: it is not only the things one does which are important, sometimes the things one does not do are yet more significant.
What should I say? I knew this would........
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicherald.co.uk ...
Pope Benedict XVI ping
He is a great writer. I ordered this book some time back.
As one who is from an ecumenical background, I suggest to those outside of RC Catholicism that there is a good theologian to read in his works.
I miss him so hard.
Yes, I determined that long ago. (I’m Protestant)
May God bless him... and forgive him for the catastrophic damage that he did with his resignation.
I am not Catholic, but we all imperfect vessels.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.