The Softer Side of Benedict XVI

John Allen's column in the National Catholic Reporter describes Pope Benedict's queston and answer session with priests in Northern Italy during his recent summer vaction. We get some important insights into the mind of the Holy Father which appear to be quite different from those of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger when he was the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

On evangelization Bemedict exemplifies what John Allen likes to call 'Affirmative Orthodoxy', which basically means not hitting people over the head with constant references to arcane points of Catholic teaching. Benedict emphasizes focusing on others instead of self, and he talks about exemplifying basic human decency and goodness. The message seems to be that we ought to evangelize more by the example of the lives we are leading than by an aggressive attempt to inculcate specific points of doctrine.

When asked about concerns such as too few priests, Benedict acknowledges the problem and admits that he doesn't have the answer. He invites responsible dialogue and indicates that we are all searching together for the right path to address these concerns. This focus on collegiality and dialogue is refreshing and should give those in the Church pause who respond to every suggestion or idea as if it represents the great heresy of our age. We are all called to give the Church the best of what we have to offer, and we should not be silenced or trivialized if our words appear to challenge long standing practices. The days of 'well, we've always done it that way' are simply not good enough any longer, even in the Church.

Finally, Benedict talks about how he has mellowed in his assessments of people and their worthiness to receive communion. He believes that if there is even the 'slightest spark of faith' people should be given the benefit of the doubt. He recommends mercy over severity. These remarks suggest that pro choice Catholic politicians and perhaps even divorced Catholics remarried in civil ceremonies should be given the benefit of the doubt when approaching the Eucharist.

Benedict XVI is no liberal reformer, and has made clear his adherence to the continuation of Church teachings without significant change. Yet I believe in one important respect he is moving the Church forward. I believe he is focusing on the human element that we all have in common. I believe he is saying that some things are more important than orthodoxy. Recall Jesus' words to the Pharisees about the emptiness of many of the prescribed rituals. I believe Benedict is calling us to end the struggle in the Church between conservatives and liberals. Our common love of God and search for the truth should ensure that we always operate with respect for one onother. Our journey of faith takes many twists and turns and the role of the Church should not be to beat back every spark of dissent which might actually turn out to be part of that right path for addressing concerns in the Church.