Coffee with the Pope
August 5th 2008 06:46
I've got to admit, times like this nerves can get the better of you. Here, in this Italian coffee shop in the heart of Bondi, I await the arrival of his Holiness. He arrives ten minutes late, with afew Vatican-style security guards in tow, and we all gather around a table close to a gas heater.
I had previously decided to keep things as casual as possible, in an attempt to get a glimpse of his brighter side. Hopefully get him to say, "Please, call me Benedict." Shouldn't be too hard. So why Sydney?
"I believe the people of this city are a pivotal aspect of Catholicism. They understand truth and beauty and how to maintain these virtues. At the same time, there are alot of wrong-doings in such a big city, and I believe it is our perception of our faith which has guided the youth of the world to gather in Sydney and provide communal and mutual blessings to such an amazing place."
What are your views on the generally secular ideologies of the people and politicians of Australia?
"I can see a balance between grass roots community work and high rise capitalism within this vast land, and it is obvious that the political views of Australians is in no need of any guidance from the Holy C. But there are, as you will understand, certain aspects of the society which I do not agree with. But that might just be due to my age."
It certainly is a society where the young are put on a pedestal. Do you feel the priests, monks and nuns are of a culture clandestine to Australia today?
"No. People will go where their heart, and their god, calls them to. A life dedicated to religion can be seen as even more possible considering that the young are allowed to make their own decisions in life. They are, as a whole, free to choose to go down such a path. And I am here to encourage and shed light on what it can be like to lead a life dedicated to God."
His double espresso finished, he plucks up and asks me a rather light-hearted question. "Tell me, what do you feel are the credentials which make you viable for an interview with a man of God such as myself."
I start to pick out the good-natured characteristics those close to me say I have, and my experiences with a broad scope of people from different religions. As I address His Holiness possibly for the last time, he butts in and says, "Please, call me Benedict."
I had previously decided to keep things as casual as possible, in an attempt to get a glimpse of his brighter side. Hopefully get him to say, "Please, call me Benedict." Shouldn't be too hard. So why Sydney?
"I believe the people of this city are a pivotal aspect of Catholicism. They understand truth and beauty and how to maintain these virtues. At the same time, there are alot of wrong-doings in such a big city, and I believe it is our perception of our faith which has guided the youth of the world to gather in Sydney and provide communal and mutual blessings to such an amazing place."
What are your views on the generally secular ideologies of the people and politicians of Australia?
"I can see a balance between grass roots community work and high rise capitalism within this vast land, and it is obvious that the political views of Australians is in no need of any guidance from the Holy C. But there are, as you will understand, certain aspects of the society which I do not agree with. But that might just be due to my age."
It certainly is a society where the young are put on a pedestal. Do you feel the priests, monks and nuns are of a culture clandestine to Australia today?
"No. People will go where their heart, and their god, calls them to. A life dedicated to religion can be seen as even more possible considering that the young are allowed to make their own decisions in life. They are, as a whole, free to choose to go down such a path. And I am here to encourage and shed light on what it can be like to lead a life dedicated to God."
His double espresso finished, he plucks up and asks me a rather light-hearted question. "Tell me, what do you feel are the credentials which make you viable for an interview with a man of God such as myself."
I start to pick out the good-natured characteristics those close to me say I have, and my experiences with a broad scope of people from different religions. As I address His Holiness possibly for the last time, he butts in and says, "Please, call me Benedict."
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