Why Benedict 'Waves Badly'

Tom Hoopes here. Yesterday we noticed that Pope Benedict has a spring in his step and a joyful air about him. He extends his arms in a kind of embrace that is electrifying, when you're a Catholic excited about seeing the Holy Father. But as he walked by us at Andrews Air Force Base, his most common gesture was a wave in which he plays "air piano" with his fingers.

It was commented on by several of the reporters there. Why does he wave like that? Benedict of Bavaria (published by our sister publisher, Circle Press ... see the link above to the left) has the answer. Writes Brennan Pursell:

"Some journalists today criticize the Pope for being 'a bad waver,' and it is true that he does not gesture nearly as much as his predecessor. But the way he carries himself is perfectly in keeping with his culture."

Specifically, Pursell attributes this to the Bavarian virtue of being zuruckhaltend, "self-restrained, with no shouting, wild gesticulations, or blaring laughter. Public displays of emotion were in bad taste, and the voice was to be kept soft."

Other Bavarian virtues he sees in the pope:

Fleiss -- "a diligent devotion to hard work,not hard, excessive, or frenetic, but good in quality and quantity."

Punktlichkeit -- "punctuality as a matter of personal discipline and basic consideration for the needs of others."

Bescheidenheit -- "which refers to modest bearing, or basic humility."

... and Geborgenheit and Gemutlichkeit which describe feelings associated with being safely and comfortably at home.

Comments

[Mary DeTurris Poust]

I told my husband when I saw the pope arriving yesterday that he waves just like my 95-year-old Italian grandmother. Must be a generational or European thing.

[Gashwin]

I was in Rome last month and was privileged to see the Holy Father up close at the General Audience, and we all remarked on that. Every time a group cheered for him, he extended his hands and did that "air piano" wave. I don't see why people think it's bad ... I thought it was cute!

[Anne]

I did not know this endearing trait of Benedict's is called the "air piano". Thanks for the info. Anyhow,for me it is very sweet, ("super cute" for my kids) and suits this man to perfection. This Pope is such a beacon of civilised behaviour, without losing human warmth. I have the greatest admiration and love for him. There is just nothing banal and shallow about him. What a breath of FRESH air!!!