The “reform of the reform” has begun, says Vatican analyst

Rome, Italy, Apr 28, 2005 / 22:00 pm

In his weekly column, the renowned Vatican analyst Sandro Magister of “L’Espresso” says recent actions and statements by Pope Benedict XVI signal the beginning of the “reform of the reform.”

Magister reveals that the Pontiff had originally wished to celebrate his solemn inaugural Mass inside St. Peter’s rather than in the square, “Because there the architecture better directs the attention toward Christ, instead of the pope.”

In addition Magister notes that the Holy Father told the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel that he would make the Eucharist the center of his program as the successor of St. Peter.  This centrality of the Eucharist, Magister points out, is evident in the attention given to the celebrations that have taken place thus far and have been marked by “lavishness and eloquence of symbols.”

Magister highlights certain details of the inaugural Mass of Benedict XVI that might have escaped the notice of the untrained eye and are eloquent signs of the new Pope’s style.

“With his extraordinary passion for the liturgy, Benedict XVI is unquestionably a pope of the great tradition of liturgical texts, rituals, art, and music,” writes Magister.

He also analyzes some recent writings of Ratzinger the cardinal which provide clues as to what reforms one should expect from the new Pontiff.

The entire article can be found at:
http://www.chiesa.espressonline.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=29626&eng=y