A year after Pope Benedict's election, world sees new style of papacy

Published: 2006-03-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In April, the church marks the first anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI, events that captured the world's attention and introduced a new style of papacy. Thousands will gather to pray in St. Peter's Square the evening of April 2, a poignant reminder of the vigil outside the late pope's window on that date last year, when a hushed crowd was told the pontiff had "returned to the house of the Father." As his sainthood cause gathers momentum, Pope John Paul remains in people's hearts, a fact witnessed daily in the seemingly endless line of pilgrims who come to his grave carrying flowers, notes or a silent prayer. Pope Benedict, meanwhile, has used a simple and direct approach to win over the record crowds that are flocking to his appearances at the Vatican and elsewhere. Quietly and slowly, in more than 200 sermons and speeches, he has engaged the faithful and the wider society on the fundamental issues of truth, freedom, faith and human dignity.

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