Vatican journalist sees Pope Benedict as a lenient professor

August 26, 2011

During the week when Pope Benedict has gathered at Castel Gandolfo with his former theology students, Vatican-watcher Sandro Magister writes that the Pontiff still has the characteristics of a university professor.

Students report that as a teacher, the future Pontiff showed a special knack for bringing out the best aspects of each student’s thoughts. That asset, Magister argues, is a mixed blessing for a Pope, who must judge whether different individuals and groups are causing problems for the universal Church.

He tends to pass everyone at the first exam, even those groups and movements that afterward bring him great disappointment.

 

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Further information:

• Professor Ratzinger? Too Easy (Espresso)