(April 20, 2006) : Pope Benedict XVI has triggered a spiritual revival in his native
country, reported the German newspaper Handelsblatt. In a special edition for the
first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate on Wednesday April 19, the German
daily noted that in visiting his native country twice in such a short period of time,
the Pontiff has set off a spiritual awakening among many Germans. The article in Handelsblatt
pointed out that the September trip is “not an official visit, but rather a visit
to the roots of his life.” While there exists among Germans a general euphoria about
having the Pope so close, the article added that “there is another perspective that
many previously thought impossible and that must be pointed out: this 79 year-old
wise man could spark in this moment a revival in the Church in Germany.” The newspaper
also pointed out the impact that Pope Benedict XVI’s visit for World Youth Day had
on young people in Germany “in speaking to them about frustration, dissatisfaction
and love in a way perhaps unlike any other pastor of the Catholic Church in Germany
before.” “He awoke in young people especially, who see in the person of the Pope a
true father and pastor, a true wave of optimism,” the article stated.