Vatican City – German pilgrims were prominent among the throngs of worshipers at Sunday’s Mass in St. Peter’s Square for their countryman, Pope Benedict XVI, but their pride was tempered by their knowledge that back home, the new pontiff’s election was not universally welcomed.
The Germans were less effusive than the Poles who traveled frequently to Rome to hear Masses celebrated by John Paul II, the first Polish pope.
Some of the Germans acknowledged that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger repelled segments of German society in his role as the doctrinal watchdog for John Paul.
“In Germany, there was a negative reaction to his election,” said Franziskus Boeselager, a seminary student from Cologne. “Like about abortion. I don’t think people understand why the church is so much against it. I think Benedict will help open their eyes.”
“I hope and pray this will be a good experience for most Germans,” added Ingrid Wagner, who traveled with a youth group from Regensburg, in Bavaria. “I loved John Paul. Benedict’s message is very similar.”
Overall, the German pilgrims took a sober view of this month’s events.
“I think that the church is in trouble,” said Christian Schlafner, an archivist from Munich who led a Boy Scout group to Rome. “It’s lost too much substance and strength. I hope Benedict can rule strongly and kindly and is able to build bridges.”
