After seven years, I am sure the Photo Service of the Vatican can now put together what would probably be the most fascinating 'baby book' ever - using the countless photos taken of Benedict XVI interacting with babies and toddlers. And I am very happy that Jose Manuel Vidal chose to comment on one such picture.
The Pope, his secretary and a baby
Translated from
This is a gesture of love and sensitivity that is worth more than a thousand words!
The 85-year-old Pope. with all the weight of the Church on his frail shoulders, transformed into a 'happy grandfather'. He caresses the baby held up to him with his right hand, which carries the ring of Peter. And with his left hand, he tenderly supports the baby's head. As if he were used to doing this. As if he were a grandfather with so many grandchildren - which he is not, and is, at the same time.
With babies, Benedict XVI's look turns even more gentle and sweet, as his eyes seem to caress and treasure innocence. Beside him the face of his faithful secretary, Mons. Georg Gaenswein, also shines with joy. The baby, too, feels happy and holds out his little hand to the man in white.
A beautifully evocative image which brings together that of the Pope who is 'God's janitor' with that of childhood innocence abused by the rotten apples in the Catholic clergy.
The Church wages her own salvation - and her social credibility - on the protection of children. Woe to them who scandalize any of the little ones!, Jesus had exclaimed.
If tenderness can save the world, an image like this brings the Pope closer to our hearts. And humanizes him amidst any 'papolatry'.
[Not that we Benaddicts need such images to bring him 'closer' to our hearts, since it's all part of who he is, to begin with. And Benaddiction, which is 100% love and admiration for this particular person who also happens to be Pope, is by no means robotic 'Papolatry'.]
It is a beautiful image of the humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord who caresses a baby with all the love he can express as a Pope and as a human being.
I've always felt that the images of the Pope - or any priest, including Mons. Gaenswein - in loving interaction with babies and children. are doubly poignant because surely, in the back of their minds is the thought that this particular baby or child could have been their own, but in not having their own children, they are then more able to be 'father' or 'grandfather' to all children, especially those who most need parental affection.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 07/05/2012 02:02]