Vatican website updated (twice)

The Vatican's website on the Pope has been updated for Pope Benedict XVI. If you last checked it out a couple of days ago, check it out again: they've replaced the stern, Pius XII-style "papa angelicis" profile with a warmer representation of Benedict XVI. The new photo better approaches what I've seen (and read) of him these last few days.

If you want to read why he chose the name Benedict XVI, he explains it in the audience of 27th April 2005:

Firstly, I remember Pope Benedict XV, that courageous prophet of peace, who guided the Church through turbulent times of war. In his footsteps I place my ministry in the service of reconciliation and harmony between peoples. Additionally, I recall Saint Benedict of Norcia, co-patron of Europe, whose life evokes the Christian roots of Europe. I ask him to help us all to hold firm to the centrality of Christ in our Christian life: May Christ always take first place in our thoughts and actions!

For some mysterious reason, the Italian version of this audience is much, much longer. For example, before turning to St. Benedict of Nursia, he explained further about Pius XV:

I am deeply convinced that the great good of peace is in the first place a gift of God, a gift that is sadly fragile; it is precious to invoke it, to guard it, and to construct it day after day with the help of all.
([Sono] profondamente convinto che il grande bene della pace è innanzitutto dono di Dio, dono purtroppo fragile e prezioso da invocare, tutelare e costruire giorno dopo giorno con l’apporto di tutti.)

On a totally irrelevant note: for some reason, I really like the picture of Leo XIII.