A Toast to Benedict XVI

I am not Roman Catholic, but I have enormous respect for the Pope. It is amazing to think that the papacy is probably the most important institution in the history of the world. Many people don’t realize that the Pope is not just an ordinary priest but that he is a world-class scholar, theologian, diplomat, and leader. In traditional Roman Catholic understanding, the papacy is a ministry conferred upon the apostle Peter by Jesus in Matthew 16:18 and handed down ever since then until today's Pope: Benedict XVI. In light of his historic renunciation of the papacy, announced last Monday, I propose a toast to the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI.

Pope Benedict XVI

First of all, I salute his decision to renounce his position. During his days as a Cardinal, he watched his good friend and mentor Pope John Paul II fall into poor health at the end of his life; and watched his ministry suffer as a result. With modern medicine, it is possible to keep someone alive well after their capacity to minister has deteriorated. I think that Benedict XVI realized this and decided to step down before he became too ill to properly serve the 1.2 billion Christians for whom he is responsible. Renunciation is completely within the limits of canon law, or “Catholic kosher” if you prefer, even though it has not been done in centuries.

The election of the next pope is scheduled for March 15^th, when the College of Cardinals will convene and Cardinals under 80 will vote in a secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is required, thanks to Benedict XVI having changed this rule from a simple majority. Many progressive Catholics see this as good leadership as it would prevent a conservative cadre from conspiring to elect a very orthodox successor. This decision is another reason, in my view, to toast Benedict XVI.

Don’t get it twisted though; the Lord knows that I disagree with Benedict on many things, doctrinal and otherwise. A lot of people (Catholics included) take issue with his strict orthodoxy and with his leadership concerning very grave issues, not to mention the questionable scriptural support for the Papacy. These concerns are on point and important and are not to be dismissed. In the spirit of Lenten humbleness, however, I think we can tip our hats to a man who has surrendered his life to serving a power higher than himself. After decades of intense prayer, daily devotion, study, and service, God has certainly blessed this man’s life in a profound way. So, your holiness Pope Benedict XVI, I drink to you and to your ministry.

Today’s recipe honors the Pope with a drink based on a classic beverage from his homeland of Germany.

Benedict VXI Radler

The Radler is very popular in Germany, particularly among cyclists (the name is based on the German word “fahrrad” for bicycle). It is a cold, refreshing, low-alcohol drink of beer and lemon-lime soda. Since Benedict’s given surname is Ratzinger, you’re also welcome to call this a “Ratler.”

Ingredients: 6 oz Bavarian beer, 6 oz. Italian sparkling lemonade (both should be cold)

The beer must be from Bavaria and the sparkling lemonade from Italy because these represent Benedict’s home region and the location of the Vatican, respectively. Perhaps the most widely available Bavarian beer in the U.S. is Paulaner, but other great brands include Hofbrau-Haus, Spaten, and Konig Ludwig. Make sure that the beer is light in color and relatively low in hop content, preferably a lager or weiss beer. For the sparkling lemonade, your best bet is San Pellegrino, which is available in most supermarkets.

Chill a 12 oz. glass by putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. Next, pour the beer into the glass, making sure that it runs gently down the side of the glass to the bottom (this is to avoid the frothy “head” on top). Now pour in the lemonade, being slightly less gentle in order to develop just the right amount of foam (foam the width of two fingers). Take time to observe and enjoy the delicate light color and sparkling effervescence. Say a toast to his Holiness and drink.

My friend enjoys his "Ratler"

The final result