Ability to Communicate the Faith with Clarity

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/international/
worldspecial2/21pope.html?pagewanted=1&th&emc=th
By Laurie Goodstein and Ian Fisher, Published: April 21, 2005

VATICAN CITY, April 20 - Pope Benedict XVI used his first papal Mass on Wednesday to send a message of openness and reconciliation to his Roman Catholic followers, other churches and other faiths, as he and the cardinals who elected him sought to transform his image from authoritarian doctrinal watchdog to humble servant and pastor.
Speaking in the customary Latin, the new pope said that as with his predecessor John Paul II, his "primary commitment" would be to work toward "the full and visible unity of all Christ's followers." He added, "Theological dialogue is necessary." . . .
The cardinals explained at their news conference that the new pope had been chosen in a speedy four rounds of balloting because of his brilliance as a theologian, his deep spirituality and his ability to communicate the faith with clarity.
"The vision that some have of the Holy Father is someone who is not interested in dialogue. That's a skewed vision," said Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, D.C. "I believe you will find in the papacy of Benedict XVI a good deal of consultation, a good deal of collegiality." . . .

The New York Times Company