Unsurprisingly, the NYTimes has trouble with/a the idea that Pope Benedict XVI can at once be theologically orthodox and unwilling to violate or attempt to change Church doctrine, but at the same time be a shy, loving, and personable man./p

In interviews with friends, neighbors, former students and colleagues, a paradoxical image of Benedict XVI emerges: a man whose sharp words and unyielding views as the Vatican’s prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith mask a softer side, a shyness and an instinct to avoid confrontation./blockquote

I really don’t see the conflict here. It is a good example of humility, and a good example of knowing what is important./p