Speaking of Benedict, I miss that guy.
He always spoke and wrote with great clarity, not just in clear language but clear philosophically and theologically.
The current occupant is always a bit incoherent both in language and philosophically. He is anything but clear, and he seems unable to be. At this point you have to conclude that this reflects the quality of his mind.
I never had to worry about quality of mind respecting Benedict XVI: He is a world-class intellect that few in his generation can match. And his predecessor, John Paul II, was another virtually unparalleled intellect. Both men harnessed their immense intellectual gifts in service of our Lord, and I never had any question or doubt about that.
But I can't see (yet) what this new guy is up to....
One hypothesis is that he is not immune from the influence of the prevailing "spirit of the age."
Not another word on that subject here.