KCP - Catholic Diocese of Broome

These words are spoken every time a new Pope is elected – ‘We have a Pope!’ This time there seemed to be far more interest throughout not only the Catholic world, but amongst people of all faiths and no faith. It was truly a global event.

The outcome has thrust Joseph Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, firmly into the spotlight of the international media and thence into the consciousness of most of the peoples of the world. It is a unique moment in history and demonstrates the desire of most human beings to have a leader who can be seen to be above petty national politics and local issues.

Those in St Peter’s Square were excited that a new Pope had been chosen, even before they knew his name. The fact that there was a new leader was the most important thing for them. As has been mentioned elsewhere by many commentators, Benedict comes to this position with a history. No surprise in that; so has every Pope ever elected. However, his particular history has been seen as one that will somehow preclude him from being the leader the Church and the world needs at this time.

There is no doubt that the Pope has a clear vision of his mission, but the means for achieving that mission are yet to be lived out. We all know that the tasks we have to perform can sometimes be confused by others as totally encompassing and expressive of who we are. We can be type cast for the rest of our lives as a result of a job we have had to do. Many of us have had to break free of our history in order to live into a new role, in a new place, in a new time.