Question 3.58

3.58 Do you think that there is a big difference between Benedict XVI and Francis?

Proud intellectuals are fond of rewriting the 2005 conclave, depicting Cardinal Bergoglio as the challenger of Joseph Ratzinger. Certainly, some cardinals had had high hopes of seeing the archbishop of Buenos Aires succeed the Polish pope. But Cardinal Bergoglio absolutely did not want to get into a confrontation with the former right-hand man of John Paul II. He had genuine admiration for Ratzinger’s intellect and honesty. No doubt there are major stylistic differences between these two men: on the one hand, a reserved man with the sensibility of a Benedictine monk and, on the other, a seasoned pastor, a Jesuit, but it is possible for their fundamental visions of the Church to converge.

Today Pope Francis is aware of the complexity of his task and unceasingly begs for our prayers.