Before Benedict XVI was ever Benedict XVI, he was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, author of “The Ratzinger Report” and “Introduction to Christianity” and other such books and articles which bear the name “Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger” on them and in my papers. I knew the man-soon-to-be-Pope in much the same way I knew the man-who-had-been-pope: through his philosophy. This man’s intellect cannot possibly be contained in his short frame. I like to say that he is “Pope Concentrate.”

But, again, before Joseph became Benedict, he led the Conclave Mass—the last public appearance of the Cardinals before they enter the Sistine Chapel to elect the successor of Peter—not merely of John Paul—but of Peter.

I was unable to make the Conclave Mass, where this picture was taken. I had just returned from Lourdes. That 20-hour journey, which included an overnight and sleepless train ride, was enough to do me in until class at 3:30.