first papal anniversary

Has it really been a year already?!

My, how time flies. A year ago today, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was elected pope and took the name Benedict.

And I remember the day very well: huddled with all the other seminarians at the refectory in front of the TV, and hearing his name pronounced, and then the cheers.

Benedict today said: ``Already one year has passed from when the cardinals at the conclave, in what for me was totally unexpected and surprising, wanted to choose my poor self to succeed that beloved servant of God, the great Pope John Paul...I ask all of you to continue to support me, praying to God that he lets me be a mild and firm shepherd of his Church.''