The man, the mystery

'Ratzinger’s long religious life is literally an open book, since he’s written extensively. But two people who have read his works closely -- including University of Scranton theology professor James Brian Benestad, who met Ratzinger last year – warn that the works are subtle and deep. Highlighting a handful of statements and using them to reconstruct the new pope, they say, gives a false image.

As the Rev. Charles Parthum at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wilkes-Barre noted, the conservative tone of one of Ratzinger’s writings “dismayed” him at first, but after review, he saw “the subtle distinctions that he intended. That may be a problem — a modern world of instantaneous communications is not accustomed to subtle nuance, and does not often provide the opportunity for second and third readings.”

Benestad, who has studied Ratzinger’s works for decades, is convinced Benedict XVI will surprise most people. “I think he will overwhelm you with his brilliance. You’re going to see how well-organized and well-ordered he is, and his goodness will come across too. This is an extraordinary human being.” '