Benedict the Right Pope for Right Now: Noonan

John Paul II was an incredible Pope, but Benedict might be just what the world needs today, writes Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal. Benedict, who "lacks an immediately accessible flair," succeeded a telegenic "showman" who brought joy to the faithful. "John Paul made you burst into tears," Noonan writes. "Benedict makes you think."

In his 2006 speech that riled the Muslim world, Benedict’s main message was the incompatibility of religion and violence, that God “is not pleased by blood” and that “not acting reasonably is contrary to God’s nature.” In these times we need that message, Noonan says. On his visit to America, she writes, "I hope he speaks even more than usual about love." (More religion stories.)