I’ve read quite a few of his books that were written back when he
was cardinal as well as his most recent writings, and each one of them reveals that God has given him the gift of a brilliant mind. His books and writings have also helped me in my struggles of the faith. I also like his somewhat bookish personality and can relate to him in that aspect
.
What I love most about him though is how he approaches any issue with humility. He dosen’t pretend to know everything, but what he says comes shows a genuine passion for Christ and his church. When was hosen to become a bishop, he expressed that he wanted to stay in the university he worked in and to continue his studies, but he instead was obedient. When he was a cardinal, he told John Paul II that he wanted to retire and return to his studies, but he chose to obey the pope instead. Even when he was elected to the papacy, he did not at first seem so enthusiastic about it, but he said that since it was God’s will he would do it.
Many people forget that being a pope is not a glamorous and easy job. He has to deal with all sorts of problems both outside and inside the church, and many times, in order to speak out the truth, he has to say many things that are very unpopular in our world. That takes a lot of courage. Pope Benedict XVI, in my own humble opinion, has so far done this and examplified what a true leader of the church is.
