One year later, Vatican believes papal transition was moment of grace

Published: 2006-03-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A year ago, in a series of dramatic events spanning three weeks, the church and the world said goodbye to Pope John Paul II and welcomed a newly elected Pope Benedict XVI. They were hectic days. The Vatican found itself besieged by pilgrims and media as it organized Pope John Paul's funeral liturgies and prepared to elect his successor. Looking back, despite all the logistical problems, Vatican officials believe the papal transition was a moment of grace. The papal funeral, broadcast to more than 100 countries, impressed those inside and outside the church. "I think we gave the world an image of a church that believes in Resurrection when its pastor died," said one official who helped with the funeral rites.

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