Pope reflects
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Pope Benedict XVI
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating Mass with archbishops from 25 countries, Pope Benedict XVI reflected on his 60 years as a priest, calling it a demanding and “awe-inspiring” ministry that brought him closer to God.
The Pope’s unusually personal recollection came June 29, the anniversary of his priestly ordination in Bavaria in 1951 and the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the patron saints of Rome.
The Pope said he felt he had to look back on “the things that have left their mark.”
The Pope said he felt called into the circle of those God knows in a special way, to a friendship that implies responsibilities.
“He trusts me to proclaim his word, to explain it right and to bring it to the people of today,” he said.
Pope Benedict said friendship in this sense is about conforming one’s will to God and being prepared to step outside oneself and toward others — moving “beyond the inertia of self-centeredness.”