Vatican City, Apr 25, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Unlike the stern image portrayed in the media of Pope Benedict XVI in the days following his election, the German-born pontiff demonstrated a very different portrait of himself during a meeting with his fellow countrymen Monday.
Upon his arrival, he shook hands with pilgrims and blessed a child handed to him, reported the Associated Press. He arrived to the meeting late and apologized, explaining that the meeting with religious leaders had run over. "The Germans are used to punctuality," he joked. "I'm already very Italian."
Benedict was reportedly interrupted several times by applause and cheers. "Benedict sent from God!" they chanted. In German, the chant rhymes: "Benedikt Gott Geschickt."
He recounted to the pilgims the feelings and thoughts that ran through him during the conclave at the realization that God might be calling him to something,which Benedict felt, was beyond his abilities.