In the Papal ministry, his attitude will take on a definitive shape when it comes to its consequences. The decision to leave the barge of Peter brought Benedict recognition and criticism. It tells us that he has matured inwardly in the years of Papacy, and that he now rejects all that has grown up in him as human glory. This quest for greater authenticity, the rejection of many appearances, leads us, together with him, to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the “person of Joseph”, but also of the papacy itself. His decision to “enter” the monastery testifies to his poverty. With his departure to Lake Albano, Benedict will call the rich and happy of this world to silence, because only this gesture will allow them to descend into the depths of life, so that perhaps they will finally discover who they are? Is this not a victory over the function of the Pope of the outside, the media world and seemingly important things? Here there is a “garden of love”, which was created by pilgrims staying here and coming from everywhere for centuries, they created it with their attachment to the Popes! But, perhaps, there is also something here that disturbs, bothers, and which is associated with the history of Popes as “prisoners” of the Vatican! The gardens in Castel Gandolfo will give strength to the silence of roses and introduce Benedict to the circle of reflection and new perspectives on things.
Can it be predicted that he will become a lonely man? Will it be for him a “Garden of Olives” with Christ suffering in the background? To what extent are these questions of mine based on conjecture, on imagination, and to what extent on an as yet unknown mystery that torments me because of the impossibility of penetrating it and entering into the heart of Pope Benedict? Did he choose the best part … like Mary? (…).
The Pope has a coherent personality, that he loves everything he does – he is credible. He gave the world a synthesis of a singular testimony about God in today’s world. (..)
Fr. Alexandre Pietrzyk Sac
Catholic Voice No. 11/ 2013
