Here is a short list of writings by Pope Benedict XVI before being elevated to the papacy.
I'd like to add a couple that have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of his views:
The Ratzinger Report (Ignatius Press)
Daughter Zion (Ignatius Press) out of print
For many more, try a Ratzinger search at the Ignatius Press website.
I'm sure all his prior writings will be closely scrutinized for his opinions on various issues.
Sandro Magister, in this article, outlines in detail what he sees as the vision of Pope Benedict XVI.
Many observers claim that one reason Cardinal Ratzinger was chosen for the papacy was because of his older age. The logic goes that, because Pope John Paul II's papacy was so long, we ought not choose another young pope, and risk having another long papacy.
In this CTV News article, we hear of a Canadian contender for the papal throne: Marc Cardinal Ouellet.
"[The] National Catholic Reporter described Ouellet as well-regarded 'across much of the international Catholic hierarchy.' He is seen as a conservative closely aligned to the views of Pope John Paul.'In some ways he is a traditionalist, and has advocated a return to Eucharistic adoration and Gregorian chant, suggesting that Quebec's 1960s `Quiet Revolution' marked too radical a change,' the paper said."
I realize that, to the typical Catholic in the pews, Eucharistic Adoration might be a long-forgotten part of Church history; but for a traditional Catholic, like myself, I have to admit I found that statement shocking. Also, it doesn't hurt that Cardinal Ouellet is a proponent of Gregorian chant.
Could an obscure cardinal from Canada possibly hold the key to the Church's future?
John Paul II was indisputably a great man: a charismatic moral leader with keen political savvy.
However, I believe his greatness in the long term will be judged not only by what he accomplished, or tried to accomplish, but also by what his successors can accomplish, based on the groundwork he laid.
