Have you even read the actual encyclical letter? Relying on Reuters' focus on one paragraph, which isn't even the main theme of the document, seems to be a bit of an unsubstantiated overreaction. The main theme of the encyclical is the theological virtue of hope, not an "attack on atheism." That [attack] is Reuters' spin and you have accepted it without question because it fits your worldview. Just like the lamestream media took one sentence out of context from a lecture he gave last year in Germany which was merely part of his introduction to his main point. Benedict XVI is a world-class scholar who doesn't talk in sound bites that lazy journalists can cut and paste into their "news" pieces. (And if you think he isn't willing to debate his point of view, check out this book.)
The Pope is a Christian who believes that the Catholic faith is the one, true faith. He is being quite charitable by pointing out what he sees as the danger of atheism. Atheists may see it as an attack, but that is not his intent. Rather, he is warning them that they are going down a wrong path.
You’re right, I didn’t read the whole thing, and I really have no intention of doing so. I used to subject myself to the rulership of the pope, I no longer do so.