Put simply, in these past five years, Pope Benedict XVI has been nothing less than brilliant. He has shattered pre-papal misconceptions about his doctrinal “bulldog” attitude. His scope and vision have been no less breathtaking than Pope John Paul II’s, only subtler. Pope Benedict is a true Shepherd, capably leading a flock through morally corrupt and challenging times. Witnessing the Holy Spirit unleash his theological brilliance in such a pastoral way has been a true gift.