Pope revives weekly audiences

VATICAN CITY — The normal rhythms of the Vatican began returning on Wednesday as Pope Benedict XVI held the traditional weekly papal audience, using the moment to express what may become a central theme of his pontificate: the Christian roots of Europe.

Addressing thousands of pilgrims on a brilliant morning in St. Peter's Square, he explained that he had chosen the name Benedict for several reasons, among them the role that St. Benedict of Norcia in Italy, the sixth-century author of the monastic "Rule" that led to the founding of the Benedictine order, had on spreading Christianity in Europe. Benedict is one of the patron saints of Europe.

"He represents a fundamental point of reference for the unity of Europe and a strong reminder of the unrenounceable Christian roots of its culture and civilization," the pope said in Italian, one of at least five languages he used on Wednesday.

As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, before he was chosen pope last week, he wrote often of his worries that Europe had forgotten its Christian roots and therefore was in danger of losing its identity and spiritual grounding. The election as pope of a European cardinal who has focused on the Catholic Church's decline in Europe has led to speculation that he will push for a "re-evangelization" of an increasingly secular Europe, though he has not yet announced any specific plan for doing so.

The pope said Wednesday that his papal name was also in recognition of Benedict XV, who worked to find peace during World War I. He called Benedict XV "that courageous prophet of peace, who guided the church through turbulent times of war," adding, "In his footsteps, I place my ministry in the service or reconciliation and harmony between peoples."

In the months before Pope John Paul II died, the Wednesday audiences — prayers and greetings open to almost anyone — had virtually ended because of his long hospital stays and fragile health. This Wednesday, Benedict announced that in the wake of the "pious death of my venerated predecessor, John Paul II," the papal audiences would "start anew."

Benedict toured St. Peter's Square on Wednesday in his "popemobile." As is customary in the audiences, he read out to loud cheers the towns and organizations of pilgrims in the crowd — on Wednesday from Mexico, Germany, France, Portugal, Poland and, in large numbers, Italy.

The crowds seem to be warming to Benedict as well, and for all the affection for John Paul, some said it was refreshing to watch a pope who was healthy and meeting crowds.

"It's beautiful and really moving to see a pope among the people," said Elena Trivitera, 13, holding up a sign greeting the pope from her school in Sicily, whose students traveled to Rome especially for the audience. "He is out getting to know us, and we are getting to know him."

Benedict read his greetings in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Polish.