Posted on 04/20/2005 1:29:44 PM PDT by ELS
Rome, Apr. 20 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance on the streets of Rome on Wednesday afternoon, April 20, as he visited his old apartment near Vatican City to transfer some belongings to his new home in the apostolic palace.
The newly elected Pope, clothed completely in the distinctive white vestments of the papacy, caught onlookers by surprise when he chose to travel on foot, walking the few hundred yards to the apartment in the Citta Leonina where he had lived for years. When the news spread that the Pontiff was walking through the city, hundreds of people quickly gathered, and he spent some time in front of the apartment building, greeting the people and blessing young children. Italian police and Vatican security officials did their best to control the crowd, preserving some breathing room for the Pontiff.
After a short stay in his old apartment, the Pontiff reappeared, entering a black car that was waiting for him at the entrance of the building. He paused again to wave to the crowd, turning slowly from one direction to another so that he could greet as many as possible. The crowd burst into cheers of "Long live the Pope!" and the chant that has already become familiar: "Benedetto!" Pope Benedict later commented that he was "very moved" as he resumed direct contact with the faithful.
Pope Benedict had occupied the apartment in Citta Leonina until moving into the Vatican's St. Martha residence, along with all the other cardinal-electors, to begin the conclave on April 18.
Earlier in the day, the new Pope had taken possession of his new apartments in the apostolic palace. He was accompanied by Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo (bio - news), the camerlengo, who had sealed off those apartments after the funeral of Pope John Paul II.
We need to start a master list of nicknames. B16? Papa Joe? PapaRatzi?
and why does it go without saying? my mom had me tape and edit everything that happened so she could show it to her classes today and she's taught in public schools for 20+ years.
Nice story and great pictures! A prayer bump for him to have the time needed to implement his vision for the church.
And I emailed him my best wishes upon his election (if you want to do so too his email address is benedictxvi@vatican.va)
Pius was a bit reserved too, but was a man of deep humanity. There are many parallels.
I do too.
In fact, I just asked a genius Friend for help.
Here's the reply:
Nos fidelis DILIGO Benedetto.
http://www.tranexp.com:2000/Translate/result.shtml
I wanted to say something like "we the faithful LOVE Benedetto"
This man was a great friend to John Paul the Great, and we are beginning to see why.
No, it's more like "Nos fideles Papam Benedictum diligamus."
Benedetto is Italian, not Latin. And "diligo" is "I love", not "we love".
Pope Ben. Kinda cool nickname.
Let him keep walking - best form of exercise for humans possible!
Yep, I agree.
I've heard our new Pope described as "a man with extraordinary gifts" and "a genuis" along with "humble,
loving, kind, generous, and a marvelous sense of humor."
God help him, and us, that the hatred being directed his way not dim that joy.
It can only make it shine brighter.
But I prefer, "Wir lieben guten Papst Benedikt!" :-)
Smiling...ok... I'll know to ask you beginning right now.
Let me ponder what I want to say.
Very weird to the the Pope out greeting crowds like that. JPII was unable to do that for so long. More power to Benedict XVI if he's able to do it.
I'd better claim my tagline pronto ...
That's good.
I'll try to track down something like that.
Christians united are a fearful prospect to the unholy spirits everywhere. May Benedetto continue the good work that John Paul the Great has begun.
Blessings from us Protestants.
Yeah, especially on the outside!
LOL! Reckon you've heard about me huh?
My penchant for 'lifting' taglines...lol.
Big Ben! Papa Ratzi! Panzerpope! B-16! German shepard! :)
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