19 years ago on 24 April 2005, Pope Benedict celebrated the Mass of the Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry. I provide you with a summation of his homily on that day. Rich in symbolism informed by the very rite itself, showcasing the method of his pontificate: a calming presentation of the truths of the Faith and the encounter with the very Person of Christ.

FULL ENGLISH translation of Homily found in the YouTube video below — a powerful homily!

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The Beginning of the Petrine Ministry: Benedict XVI’s Homily

In a momentous ceremony on Sunday, 24 April 2005, St. Peter’s Square witnessed the imposition of the Pallium and the conferral of the Fisherman’s Ring, marking the inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of His Holiness Benedict XVI, the Bishop of Rome. In his heartfelt homily, Benedict XVI touched on several profound themes that resonate deeply with the Church and her mission.

The passing of Pope John Paul II left a void felt by many, but as Benedict XVI pointed out, believers are never truly alone. The Saints, our companions in faith, form a living procession to accompany us into the next world. With the guidance of these heavenly friends, the College of Cardinals convened to discern the new Successor of Saint Peter. Amidst this responsibility, Benedict XVI humbly acknowledged the enormity of his task but found strength in the communion of Saints and the prayers of the faithful.

The central message of Benedict XVI’s homily revolved around the idea that the Church is alive and young because Christ is alive. Despite the challenges and sufferings faced, the Risen Lord’s promise of joy and life was evident during these days. The Church, as the body of Christ, continues to hold the future of the world and guides us towards it.

The Symbolism of the Pallium

The Pallium, an ancient symbol worn by the Bishops of Rome since the fourth century, represents the yoke of Christ. This yoke is not burdensome but a path to understanding God’s will, which purifies and leads us to ourselves. The imagery of the shepherd carrying a lost sheep on his shoulders illustrates Christ’s mission to rescue humanity from various ‘deserts’—be it poverty, loneliness, or spiritual darkness. The shepherd’s task is not only to carry but to inspire and lead people towards the waters of life.

Moreover, the Pallium symbolizes Christ carrying us all, inviting us to carry one another. It emphasizes the shepherd’s mission to alleviate the many forms of human suffering and guide people towards God’s Kingdom. Benedict XVI urged pastors to set out and lead people out of these ‘deserts’, making the earth’s treasures serve the building of God’s garden rather than exploitation.

Photo Credit: Pope Benedict XVI greets pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during his inaugural Mass on April 24, 2005. Vatican Media.

The Fisherman’s Ring and the Call to Unity

The Fisherman’s Ring recalls Peter’s miraculous catch of fish after an unsuccessful night of fishing. This symbolizes the Church’s mission to bring people out of the sea of alienation and darkness into the light of God. As fishers of men, the Church’s task is to reveal God to humanity and lead them to true life in Christ.

Benedict XVI highlighted the urgent call to unity expressed in both the symbols of the shepherd and fisherman. The division in the Church, symbolized by the torn net, needs mending to fulfill Christ’s promise of one flock and one shepherd. He emphasized the importance of unity and prayed for the Church to be servants of unity, echoing Pope John Paul II’s call to “Open wide the doors for Christ.”

Photo credit: VATICAN CITY, Vatican: The hand of Pope Benedict XVI wearing the Fisherman’s Ring is seen as he waves to the crowd from his papamobile after celebrating mass in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican 24 April 2005. PAOLO COCCO/AFP via Getty Images

Do Not Be Afraid

The final message from Benedict XVI was a powerful call to trust in Christ without fear. Opening oneself to Christ does not diminish human freedom or beauty but enriches life abundantly. To the young and all believers, he encouraged them not to fear Christ but to embrace His friendship, which offers true liberation and reveals the potential of human existence.

In conclusion, Benedict XVI’s homily was a profound reflection on the responsibilities and mission of the Petrine Ministry. Through the symbols of the Pallium and the Fisherman’s Ring, he conveyed the essence of Christ’s call to shepherding and fishing, emphasizing love, unity, and trust in the Lord’s guidance. As Benedict XVI embarked on his papal journey, he invited the Church and the world to join him in this mission of faith, hope, and love.