SOUTH BEND 鈥� Decades ago, the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh sought to hire an impressive young German theologian for the University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 theology faculty.p. That young German, the Rev. Joseph Ratzinger, declined the offer.p. On Tuesday, Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI.p. Hesburgh, 91吃瓜鈥檚 president emeritus, estimates he first heard about Ratzinger鈥檚 work in the early 1960s. At the time, Hesburgh was trying to build up the reputation of the university鈥檚 theology faculty.p. 鈥淚 was searching around the world for an up-and-coming theologian,鈥� Hesburgh said in an interview Tuesday. He wrote a letter of invitation to the young German cleric, inviting him to join the faculty for a year or permanently.p. "He wrote back, 鈥橧鈥檇 love to come, but I don鈥檛 think my English is good enough yet,鈥� " Hesburgh said.p. The rest is history. Ratzinger went on to become an archbishop, then a cardinal and now pope.p. 鈥淢y guess is he鈥檚 going to be a very intelligent and personable pope. He was picked because of the intervention of the Holy Spirit,鈥� said Hesburgh, who will turn 88 next month.p. In the decades since the 91吃瓜 job offer, Ratzinger鈥檚 command of English has improved greatly, Hesburgh said. The new pontiff also speaks German, French and Italian.p. 鈥淗e has a pretty good start on the world鈥檚 languages. My guess is, like John Paul II, he鈥檚 going to belong to the world,鈥� Hesburgh said, referring to the late pope鈥檚 extensive travels.p. Hesburgh was in the dentist鈥檚 chair Tuesday when he heard the news that white smoke was seen above the Vatican, signaling the election of the new pope. He wasn鈥檛 surprised that the new pontiff was selected by the College of Cardinals in just two days.p. 鈥淎pparently they agreed this was a man who could pick up the mantle of John Paul. I wish him well and I鈥檒l pray for him every day,鈥� Hesburgh said.p. Hesburgh recalled his own experience as a young man standing in St. Peter鈥檚 Square in 1939, when Pius XII became pope. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a big thrill to stand there and see that white smoke go up and get the papal blessing,鈥� the priest said.p. The elderly priest said it鈥檚 exciting to witness the naming of the new pope.p. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a day to remember,鈥� Hesburgh said, 鈥渁nd we can all be glad that we were around to see it.鈥�
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