Pope Benedict XVI’s Fifth Anniversary | A CWR Round-Table

On April 19, 2005, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected pope, becoming the 266th Roman pontiff and taking the name Benedict XVI.

To commemorate the fifth anniversary of this historic event for the Catholic Church, CWR asked its contributors to reflect on these first years of Pope Benedict’s pontificate.

Priest, Prophet, King
Three ways Benedict has exemplified these three roles
By Father Joseph Fessio, S.J.

Reform within Continuity
A proper understanding of Vatican II has been paramount in Benedict’s pontificate.
By Father Matthew Lamb

Why Do the Media Rage?
Pope Benedict’s pontificate has caught the media and dissidents alike by surprise.
By Philip F. Lawler

Pope Benedict’s Patristic Perspective
A student of the past, a prophet of the future
By Father David Vincent Meconi, S.J.

Planting the Seeds of Reform
Future generations will have much for which to thank Benedict.
By George Neumayr

Benedict Contra Mundum
In Pope Benedict, “Peter is still here.”
By Carl E. Olson

A Pope Who Thinks in Centuries
Benedict sees the Church as a divine institution with a historical mission.
By Tracey Rowland

A Fatherly Figure
History will vindicate the paternal care Benedict has shown for the Church.
By Robert Royal

Pope Ratzinger
A scholarly pope who also listens
By Father James V. Schall, S.J.

Retrieval and Reintegration
Benedict’s efforts to let the past inform and guide the Church’s future
By Father Robert Sirico