(March 3, 2007) Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday paid homage to his predecessor Pope
Paul VI saying Divine Providence had provided the Church with an intrepid guide at
a time when there were numerous challenges and problems. Pope Benedict’s observation
came in an address he delivered to some 30 members of the Paul VI Institute of the
northern Italian city of Brescia that specialized in the study of the teachings of
the late pope. The group gifted the Pope with a copy of all the works it has published
in over 25 years. Expressing his admiration for his predecessor, Pope Benedict said
that with an expert yet firm hand Paul VI concluded the Second Vatican Council which
was begun by Pope John XXIII. The post-conciliar period, he observed, wasn’t less
arduous either. Even though he had to face sufferings and at time violent attacks,
he did not allow himself to be conditioned by misunderstandings and criticisms; but
remained a firm and prudent helmsman of the boat of Peter in every occasion. Holding
firm to his love for Christ and his teachings, he at times adopted difficult and unpopular
decisions. Fired by a missionary zeal, Pope Benedict said his predecessor undertook
important ecclesial, missionary and ecumenical journeys to distant nations, stressing
that he was the first Pope to visit the Holy Land. With the passing of time, Pope
Benedict added, it became more evident how his pontificate was important, both for
the world and for the church. Pope Benedict received the group from Paul VI Institute
at the end of his weeklong spiritual retreat that he concluded on Saturday morning.