How Ratzinger Became Benedict XVI

Via No Left Turns, Time has an interesting summary of some of the behind the scenes manoeuvres in the conclave that led to Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger becoming Pope Benedict XVI. Of note:

Still, like any good campaigner, he was center stage at every turnâ€???at John Paul’s funeral; at the first of the novemdiales Masses, held on the nine days after the Pope’s funeral; as chairman of the Cardinals’ daily congregation meetings; at the preconclave Mass. Were they all required appearances? Apparently, the novemdiales Mass did not necessarily have to be celebrated by Ratzinger. He was also under no obligation to deliver such substantial homilies. “Ratzinger seems to have grabbed the ball and run with it for two weeks,” remarked an experienced Vaticanologist. A Ratzinger supporter put it in more pious terms: “Some inner fire was lit, like God had chosen him.”

And then, on the Monday of the conclave, he delivered a homily that effectively acknowledged his candidacy, making it plain that he would not compromise his ideals to gain votes. It was a gauntlet thrown down before would-be challengers and a rallying cry for supporters. “What was he doing issuing a whole program for the future of the church?” asked an aide to a liberal Cardinal. “That should have been a moment for the dean of Cardinals to reflect on the spiritual process they were about to enter, not lay out his visions.”

Ratzinger’s supporters saw it otherwise. “It’s not that he wanted the job. He didn’t,” said one. “But his brother Cardinals saw him leading an important Mass. Watching him, there was something that had changed, almost like he had already ascended to a new level.” If the liberals arrived in Rome not truly believing Ratzinger was a viable candidate, they did now.

As Peter Schramm of No Left Turns notes, with the support of the Italians and Latin Americans, the liberals had no chance.