Memories of St. Peter's Square: How Pope Benedict XVI was chosen

Monsignor Boss remembers the choice of Pope Benedict XVI.

The choice of Pope Benedict XVI, Joseph Ratzinger, had far -reaching effects on the Catholic Church and the faithful worldwide on April 19, 2005. Monsignor Oliver Boss, a former secret secretary of Cardinal Meisner, shared his memories of the historical moment and the subsequent events.

The atmosphere on St. Peter's Square during the election was characterized by a special tension. Many of them had only experienced the long pontificate of Johannes Paul II and were therefore unsure what they could expect from the choice of a new Pope. The jubilation that broke out when the name Benedict XVI. The immense joy and surprise among the faithful shows. It was particularly striking that the new Pope came from Germany, which was an emotional moment for many.

to Monsignor Boss also remembered a special anticipation of the upcoming World Youth Day in Cologne, which was to take place only four months after his election. The fact that a German Pope could address the young people in German was perceived as an advantage. During his first visit to Cologne, Benedict XVI. show that he was increasingly involved in his new role as a Pope. Boss reported that Benedikt gained a noticeable security there in the days.

The invitation to lunch was also striking, the Cardinal Meisner by Benedikt XVI. received. Monsignor Boss experienced this invitation up close when he went into the Vatican with goose. It was a special experience to get along with the new Pope and have his first personal encounter. These moments welded together and left a lasting impression.

Looking back on the pontificate of Benedict XVI. said Boss that it was both theologically and politically complex. Benedikt was a theologian whose writings and encyclics were considered in theological circles, while he was also faced with challenges as a church politician. His time in the Petri chair remains both remembered and controversial.