by The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt

Bishop of New Ulm

Someone asked me this week if I liked our new Pope. I answered, "My name is Nienstedt, I'm Bishop of New Ulm, and I am a Catholic! What's not to like? And by the way, did I mention I'm German?" Yes, I believe that the choice of Pope Benedict XVI is a very positive one for the Catholic Church and the world.

My only encounter with Cardinal Ratzinger while I worked in Rome was over lunch when he visited the Villa Stritch, the home of American priests assigned to the Vatican offices. I found him a gracious man, very alert and eager to enter into conversation. At one point, the conversation turned to athletics and the Cardinal mentioned he liked to ski, but presently lacked anyone to ski with him.

My colleagues pointed to me and said, "Eminence, Father Nienstedt skis." I replied, "Just give me a call, your Eminence, I'd be glad to go with you." The call, however, never came and now I suspect it's too late!

The genius in his election, I believe, lies in the clear signal it sends for continuity in the Church. The head of the Catholic Church is Jesus Christ and the Pope is his Vicar or, as the new Pontiff said, his "simple, humble laborer in the vineyard." The teachings that Jesus gave us are not for us to change, but rather to follow. True, we must also follow our conscience, but conscience is a judgment, not a teacher. Conscience must be formed by the teachings of Jesus.

My prediction is that Pope Benedict XVI will be a much more pastoral leader than many are giving him credit for today. He has served as an Archbishop, he was mentored under Pope John Paul II, and he will know how to be a good shepherd. But we must pray for him because his ministry is complex and his responsibilities great. May the Mother of God watch over and guide him in all that he does! Amen.