Pope Benedict XVI on calling to Papacy

PETER SEEWALD: You did not want to become a bishop, you did not want to become Prefect, you did not want to become Pope. Isn’t it frightening when things repeatedly happen quite against your will?

POPE BENEDICT XVI: It is like this: When a man says Yes during his priestly ordination, he may have some idea of what his own charism could be, but he also knows: I have placed myself into the hands of the bishop and ultimately of the Lord. I cannot pick and choose what I want. In the end I must allow myself to be led. I had in fact the notion that being a theology professor was my charism, and I was very happy when my idea became a reality. But it was also clear to me: I am always in the Lord’s hands, and I must also be prepared for things that I do not want. In this sense it was certainly surprising suddenly to be snatched away and no longer to be able to follow my own path. But as I said, the fundamental Yes also contained the thought that I remain at the Lord’s disposal and perhaps will also have to do things someday that I myself would not like.

An excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI's book LIGHT OF THE WORLD, a conversation with Peter Seewald. Available in hardcover, e-book, and audio: http://goo.gl/3CZJq