From Francis To Benedict, From Benedict To Fullness – Aleteia

Over at Aleteia, I briefly unpack how my sudden but great affection for Pope Francis has grown over the past two years in at least one unexpected way – coming to terms with my previous wholesale dismissal of Benedict as merely some cold, dark, brooding, loveless enforcer of doctrine:

Francis’ humble first steps forced my attention back to Rome. As comprehension and appreciation deepened, I came finally to understand the man, and the pastor, whom Francis still so often references. I discovered that what I had called “coldness” was actually shyness, mixed with academic brilliance. What I saw as self-righteousness and accusation was really just a pastor’s focused teaching and guidance, expressed with both confidence and love.

Please read the whole thing here.

Peace

Image Credit: Aleteia (ANDREAS SOLARO / AFP/AG)