Meet the new pope – same as the old pope.
Benedict XVI emulated the late John Paul II yesterday by addressing an estimated 50,000 people from the window of his Vatican City apartment.
Before his death a month ago today, John Paul routinely spoke to throngs gathered in St. Peter’s Square, below his window, at noon on Sundays. His last appearance there came on March 30, when, unable to speak, he raised his hand in blessing.
Yesterday, Benedict told a rapt audience, “I address you, my very dear brothers and sisters, for the first time from this window that the beloved figure of my predecessor made familiar to countless people in the entire world.
“From Sunday to Sunday, John Paul II, faithful to an appointment that became a cherished habit, accompanied for more than a quarter-century the history of the church and of the world, and we continue to feel him closer to us than ever.”
With Post Wire Services