Benedict's papacy is regarded as an enigma to many. For staunch ultra-conservatives, who are often not fans of Vatican II's perceived ambiguity, he's viewed as a slight improvement but still too much in step with the negative effects of modernism in the Church; Not traditional enough in matters of ecclesiology or too ecumenical. To theological liberals and revisionists he's viewed as "part of the problem"; a church that's antiquated and out of touch with modern thought and redefined morals.
Much has been written about the complexities of these debates. Is Benedict too modern or too traditional? Does he possess too much of a theological dualism? Is he doing enough to help "cure" the problems we face,or is he just some "interim" guy until we figure out what the heck is going on with the Church nowadays? I find these trajectories of opinion to be held by those who don't read or study him much or by those who usually only read others slanted critiques of him.
To be fair, there are reasons, maybe not great ones that should be at the top of the priority list, for the opinions above. However, if one reads and tries to know the Pope then themes start to appear, almost as if he has a larger vision for the struggles and joys of the faithful and Church. Almost as if, the Holy Spirit gave the Church her leader at this particular time even if most don't want to pay attention and are energized by all the griping instead.
For a larger perspective and one that may bear more spiritual fruit than listening to the small but loud chorus of dissenters, revisionists and overall crybabies on church hierarchy related topics, here are a couple of informative articles about the passions, teachings and overall legacy of Pope Benedict the XVI.
I would highly suggest reading his unprecedented interview and book Light of the World. A candid look into the mind and heart of the man and successor of Peter chosen by the Spirit to lead the Church in these most interesting times.
Pope Benedict Makes Moves To Secure His Legacy
By Russell Shaw from Our Sunday Visitor:
http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/9060/Pope-Benedict-makes-moves-to-secure-his-legacy.aspx
The Spiritual heritage of Pope Beneidict XVI
By yours truly from the Pittsburgh Catholic
http://www.pittsburghcatholic.org/newsarticles_more.php?id=3350
