and to leave the rest for tomorrow.”56 He explained that he did not consider himself alone in his responsibility. For one, he could count on God’s help and, moreover, on his many coworkers. And when asked what his agenda was, he answered tersely, “Doing God’s will.”57 Aside from books, the new pontiff possessed very few personal items. His only request was that his desk and his vast library, composed of innumerable books, of which he knew “every nook and cranny,”58 be brought to the Vatican. His way of life was monastic. He prayed, he worked, he received visitors and listened. His doctor set up a stationary bicycle for him. But he did not like sport any more than he had liked it as a child, and he exclaimed to a journalist who asked him if he ever used the machine: “No, I don’t get to it at all—and don’t need it at the moment, thank God.”59 55 Rule of St. Benedict, 4:21. 56 Light of the World, p. 69. 57 Benedict XVI: His Life and Thought, p. 466. 58 Light of the World, p. 14. 59 Ibid., p. 12. IN GOD’S HANDS When he appeared at the window over a Saint Peter’s Square swarming with people, the new Pope Benedict XVI seemed almost crushed by such a heavy load. But for the first time, he gave his kind smile and his gaze of profound goodness to the universal Church while saying these deeply moving words: “After the great Pope John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in the Lord’s vineyard.” Benedict XVI chose to connect his pontificate to the great Saint Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine Order, which was close to his heart, and the patron saint of Europe. He also gave the essential perspective: Look to Christ, and prefer nothing to his love.55 After having just been elected, when asked about how he felt, he confided that he found his strength in the Lord’s word: Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil (Mt 6:34). The pope tried “to concentrate on clearing away today’s trouble “We are pope!” In Berlin, a popular daily newspaper celebrates in its own way the election of the first pope of Germanic origin since the 16th century. On April 19, Joseph Ratzinger appears for his first Urbi et Orbi blessing. He chooses to be called Benedict XVI after Benedict XV, the pope of the First World War, and after Saint Benedict of Nursia. Between the election and April 24, the day of his Papal Inauguration Mass, there are many of those who, like Georg, could not contain their joy. © Leemage © Leemage © Leemage © Akg © Akg © Alamy B E N E D I C T X V I the man 50 • BENEDICT XVI BENEDICT XVI • 51
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