Changing Traditions

One thread I keep returning to -- because the sociologist in me is fascinated by it -- is the subtle ways in which B16 is tweaking the customs and traditions of papal life to suit his style and his own perception of the office.

John Allen wrote of one this morning, in a seeming backhand to the Popes who came before

In a touch reminiscent of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter carrying his own luggage, Benedict appeared the morning of Oct. 6 carrying his own tote bag with the documents from the synod, an “everyman” touch uncharacteristic of previous popes.

As a friend says of Ratzinger, "He's almost too nice."

So we have the carrying of the bags, the women with uncovered heads in his presence without a qualm, and now reports are coming out that a longstanding liturgical custom has also evolved.

It was always the unspoken rule that those who receive communion from the Pope do so on the tongue. On Sunday, at the Synod's opening Mass, Benedict was spotted distributing the Eucharist in the hand to those communicants who sought to receive it that way.

As always, it's all about the details.

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