You can be a Catholic only in the church, not standing beside it, the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once remarked. The now Pope Benedict XVI felt this belief sufficiently important to give it some prominence in the brief curriculum vitae posted by the Vatican after his election to the Holy See four months ago. For the new pontiff, the unquestioned authority of the church and personal practice of the faith are indivisible. Yet that long ago ceased to be true for much of his flock.

This week saw mixed reviews for Benedict’s first overseas visit since he was chosen as the successor to John Paul II – a return to his native Germany for National Youth Day. Much of the media comment seemed a little unfair, contrasting the somewhat stilted appearances of the donnish 78-year-old theology professor with the natural charisma of his predecessor.