Has it really been five years since Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stepped out that loggia after being declared Pope by the Conclave?.....Dosen't time go by fast!!

I remember it well. It is almost exactly five years ago today (the conclave decided on a Tuesday, 19th April 2005) and duly announced it was Cardinal Ratzinger who was to follow in the footsteps of John Paul II.

I had come home from work, and the conclave had yet to make their announcement; so I could watch it live on the TV to find out first hand just who they had chosen.

I watched with bated breath as did millions around the world and in St Peter's Square did too.

When that smoke turned white and everyone knew that a new Pontiff had been elected it was a truly thrilling moment when the announcement was Cardinal Ratzinger who I had only come to know through his moving and strangely hypnotic homily at the funeral of John Paul.......As readers of this blog will know (if they read my details) I am not a Roman Catholic, but caught up in all the drama surrounding the death of John Paul who had been Pope for so many years, and then watching the various news coverages and processions, I was instantly drawn to Cardinal Ratzinger and his whole demeanour and grace and my mother felt EXACTLY the same as I did!. It was an extraordinary thing. His spirituality just seemed to SHINE THROUGH that nice kind face of his; and his words were just so right and appropriate for the time.

Back to that conclave five years ago.......It was raining when he stepped out onto the balcony, and the crowd cheered him on as he opened his arms wide and described himself as a 'humble servant in the vineyard of the Lord'. It was magical.

He has done so much in these last five years, written so much, and travelled to many places. He has indeed made an impact. But when I think back to five years ago when it all happened I cannot help but feel a glow, protestant as I may be. This is one GOOD MAN who deserves the love and respect of the WHOLE Catholic world, and all those who are true believers should see in him a man 'born again' and walking with his Lord as I believe he is.

GOD BLESS YOU BENEDICT and may you be KEPT SAFE!

The new April Edition of the very beautiful Catholic magazine 'Inside The Vatican' is a special commemorative issue combining the death of John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict. Their website (for those who don't know or who have not seen it) is here: http://www.insidethevatican.com/index.htm#G1271701194390