Wikipedia entry on choice of the name Benedict XVI
An entry in Wikipedia has been created stating: "The choice of the name Benedict (Latin 'the blessed') is significant. The new pope's birthday is on 16 April and that day is the feast of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre (26 March 1748 � 16 April 1783), also known as the Holy Pilgrim. In addition, the previous Pope Benedict XV (1914 to 1922) was seen as a conciliator who calmed the disputes between modernist and anti-modernist factions with the Church, and the adoption of the name Benedict has been seen as a sign that Benedict XVI has similar goals. Additionally, Der Spiegel reports on an interview with Joachim Cardinal Meisner, usually regarded as close to Benedict XVI, stating that he chose Benedict because of Benedict XV who 'did much for peace in the world'.[24] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI#endnote_spiegel) Benedict XVI has not yet made specific public comments on why he chose the name, or if he had considered the issue of choosing a name prior to entering the conclave.
Theology professor Susan Roll of the University of Ottawa speculates in the Globe and Mail, however, that the new Pope's name may be taken from St. Benedict, who founded the Benedictine Order and is credited by Catholics for preserving Christian civilization during the Great Migration in the Early Middle Ages. St. Benedict is also one of the patron saints of Europe. Benedict XVI has always been concerned that Europe should do its utmost not to lose its Christian heritage. Some have speculated that the choice of the name of Europe's patron signals an intention to reclaim Europe for Christ.
However, John Allen, the pope's biographer, told CNN on April 20, 2005, that the choice of name also appears to be a purposeful allusion to the fact that the previous holder of the name Benedict was shortlived in office. Benedict's brother has stated that he hoped that his aged sibling would not be elected to the papacy due to the pressures of the office and the fact that in 1991, Cardinal Ratzinger suffered a brain hemorrhage. "At age 78 it's not good to take on such a job which challenges the entire person and the physical and mental existence," Georg Ratzinger, then 81 years of age, said in an article published in the Guardian on April 20, 2005. "At an age when you approach 80 it's no longer guaranteed that one is able to work and get up the next day." Given this history, John Allen noted that the pope likely has "a very keen sense that this may not be a very long pontificate and there's an awful lot to do."
Allen's observation is further corroborated by Benedict's comments to cardinals just after his election, explaining his name. Francis Cardinal George of Chicago said that Benedict told the cardinals, "I too hope in this short reign to be a man of peace."
It may also be noted in this context that both Pope Benedict XII and Pope Benedict XIV, like Benedict XVI, were expert theologians who placed a high value on the magisterium of the Church.
Some view the pope's choice of name as a fulfillment of the Prophecy of the Popes of St. Malachy."
Theology professor Susan Roll of the University of Ottawa speculates in the Globe and Mail, however, that the new Pope's name may be taken from St. Benedict, who founded the Benedictine Order and is credited by Catholics for preserving Christian civilization during the Great Migration in the Early Middle Ages. St. Benedict is also one of the patron saints of Europe. Benedict XVI has always been concerned that Europe should do its utmost not to lose its Christian heritage. Some have speculated that the choice of the name of Europe's patron signals an intention to reclaim Europe for Christ.
However, John Allen, the pope's biographer, told CNN on April 20, 2005, that the choice of name also appears to be a purposeful allusion to the fact that the previous holder of the name Benedict was shortlived in office. Benedict's brother has stated that he hoped that his aged sibling would not be elected to the papacy due to the pressures of the office and the fact that in 1991, Cardinal Ratzinger suffered a brain hemorrhage. "At age 78 it's not good to take on such a job which challenges the entire person and the physical and mental existence," Georg Ratzinger, then 81 years of age, said in an article published in the Guardian on April 20, 2005. "At an age when you approach 80 it's no longer guaranteed that one is able to work and get up the next day." Given this history, John Allen noted that the pope likely has "a very keen sense that this may not be a very long pontificate and there's an awful lot to do."
Allen's observation is further corroborated by Benedict's comments to cardinals just after his election, explaining his name. Francis Cardinal George of Chicago said that Benedict told the cardinals, "I too hope in this short reign to be a man of peace."
It may also be noted in this context that both Pope Benedict XII and Pope Benedict XIV, like Benedict XVI, were expert theologians who placed a high value on the magisterium of the Church.
Some view the pope's choice of name as a fulfillment of the Prophecy of the Popes of St. Malachy."
posted at 4/25/2005
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