Benedict XV

If you go to the Vatican website, you'll find the works of the Pope who endured the first world war.

You can also check out Catholic Forum's bio.

There are so many clues to reap: Since Benedict XV was against the war from the outset, is Ratzinger indicating that he stands with the Pope who foresaw the decline of Europe? Does he see himself as fulfilling a mandate his predecessor could not?

Is he saying that he just wants to be a quiet, erudite theologian like his predecessor? Probably yes, but I'll wait for all of this to come out in due time.

Right now is for jubilation! My mother is downstairs at this very moment planning a German meal of German sausage, German potato salad, and German beer to honor our new Bavarian Holy Father. We have some German roots on my Dad's side, so this is kind of a kick (but not really- we're hardly ethnic people-- it's just for fun). Anyway- isn't it Providential that the next World Youth Day will be in Ratzinger's homeland? Ahh...let's pray for the converison of Europe...should I learn some German? Eeeep!