Pope Benedict's Coat of Arms and explanation...

Pope Benedict XVI has included traditional Bavarian elements and a nod to St. Augustine in his papal coat of arms, the diocese of Munich and Friesing said Monday.

A crowned Ethiopian, a bear and a mussel — all of which appear on the insignia of the diocese — also appear in the insignia chosen by Benedict.

The bear, which is saddled with heavy packs, symbolizes the weight of the papal office, the diocese said in a statement.

It has its origins in a Bavarian legend concerning the diocese’s patron, Korbinian, who encountered the animal while on a trip to Rome. The bear ate Korbinian’s mule, and God saddled it with the mule’s packs.

The mussel dates back to a parable by St. Augustine — about whose works the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger wrote his final thesis — and symbolizes “diving into the groundless sea of God,” the diocese said.

At an audience in Rome with German pilgrims Monday, Benedict shook hands and kissed children, telling them “my roots are in Bavaria and I’m still Bavarian as bishop of Rome.” Ratzinger served as archbishop of Munich before being summoned to Rome in 1981 to become the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog.

The Bible explains the Keys: And Jesus answering said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. (Matthew 16:17-19)

"Cooperatores Veritatis" is defined as "Co-worker of the truth".

Articles...

Background of Pope Benedict XVI
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI#Background_and_childhood_.281927_-_1943.29

Links...

Pope Benedict XVI harshly condemns Masses that have been transformed “into spectacles that require directors of genius and talented actors"
http://www.chiesa.espressonline.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=28889&eng=y

"My children, My little humble children, I appeal to you as your Mother, go forward on foot, knock on the doors; bring the light to your brothers and sisters. For those who have been given great grace, much is expected of them." Our Lady of the Roses May 26, 1976

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