Pope Benedict XVI made a low key entrance to his “beloved” native Germany on Thursday as he cruised the Rhine to thousands of cheering young Roman Catholics who lined the banks.
He said: “Along this interior journey we can be guided by the many signs with which a long and rich Christian tradition has indelibly marked this land of Germany.”
The Pope’s style was noticeably different from that of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II. He did not kiss the ground on arrival from Rome, and preferred a much softer approach in his addresses to the public, which appeared at times stiff, according to reports.
The welcoming brigade at the airport was also noticeably smaller than that of his predecessor but was said to have grown as the day progressed.
His message, however, hardly changed from that of Pope John Paul, as he sought to revive a Europe increasing secularism and waning faith. He stressed that although Europe’s heritage was Christian, the new history of the continent has become increasingly one of empty churches, liberal abortion laws and gay marriage.
In his arrival speech, Benedict paid tribute to his “great and beloved predecessor’ and expressed his gratitude at being able to address such an enthusiastic crowd.
He encouraged the gathered crowds, saying “The meeting of so many young people with the successor of Peter is a sign of the vitality of the church”. St Peter is considered to be the first pope among Roman Catholics.
Pope Benedict waved and blessed the crowds as he sailed up the Rhine on the RheinEnergie cruise ship and addressed the cheering crowds in five different languages.
The Pope reaffirmed his desire to transcend the boundaries of faith and to reach Jews, Muslims and other Christians.
He said: “These meetings are important steps along the journey of dialogue and cooperation in our shared commitment to building a more just and fraternal future which is truly more human.”
The Pope, who was enrolled in the Hitler Youth as a teen, will make a landmark visit to the Cologne Synagogue that was destroyed by the Nazis and rebuilt in the 1950s. The visit has been praised by members of the Jewish community.
The focus of the Pope’s four-day trip, however, remains tackling Europe’s secular culture. He spoke directly to non-believers also, saying, “I also greet with affection those among you who have not been baptised or who have not found a home in the church.” He urged them to “open wide your hearts to God”.
Pope Benedict also made an appeal to all Christians, saying that the believers “from this land in the heart of Europe, a Europe which owes so much to the Gospel and its witness down through the centuries,” should proclaim their faith.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and President Horst Koehler welcomed the Pope has he disembarked from his plane, as a large crowd outside Cologne Cathedral cheered “Benedict! Benedict!” as they watched on a large screen.
