LOS ANGELES (Catholic Online) - America has given its heart- and its mind- to the message of this Pope.

One can see it so evident in the warm and respectful reports from the media, and in the energetic and enthusiastic responses from all the diverse groups who encounter his quiet, humble, holy presence.

Certainly not large in stature and speaking with a quiet and reflective mode, Benedict is a giant of a different kind.

After all the speculation concerning the obvious difference in personality, carriage and manner with his beloved predecessor, John Paul the Great, the consensus is growing. His difference reveals a continuity and he is just what we needed. Benedict the builder is engaged in the work of construction.

His pastor’s heart shone through in his touching, unscripted meeting and embrace of those who were victimized by predators, the miniscule number of priests who betrayed their holy office and savaged the sheep.

The Shepherd has come to bind up the wounded.

His teacher’s wisdom is so beautifully obvious in his precisely delivered homilies, where this theologian pope makes otherwise complex theological insights, concerning the heart of the Christian claim, accessible to ordinary simple people like you and me.

His message is an evangelical proclamation of the ancient “kerygma”, the “Good News” of a loving God who revealed his “human face” in Jesus Christ in order to recreate each of one of us and transform the world.He knows that this is the message which turns the world upside down.

His Heart for the healing of a wounded and divided Christian community was clearly revealed in his passionate yet serenely delivered call to those divided Christian leaders to walk the way of love and thus accelerate the inevitable fulfillment of the Priestly prayer of the Lord Jesus Christ,“ Father, May they be One”.

His hope for collaboration, especially with our elder brothers the Jewish people, and also with all people of faith and good will, was so succinctly and simply explained in his unassuming interreligious exchanges of words, embraces and gifts of solidarity.

His concern for the proper formation of next generation of Christian missionaries to lead the “New Evangelization” of the Church and the new missionary age of the Church in this Third Millennium, informs his strong admonition to all who are tasked with Catholic education.

His message to the leaders of the world, who laid down their swords to listen, was a reminder of what joins us together and an appeal to the Natural law which has led us, until recently, to acknowledge a common moral code. He challenged us to try once again, for the sake of authentic peace and human flourishing.

Truly, the United States of America, in a desperate hour and great time of need, has been blessed from heaven. Our collective prayer and yearning has been heard.

Benedict, the gentle giant has come to proclaim Good News.