German Catholics responding to native Pope

(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.