[Ratzinger has defended the Vatican’s treatment of Kueng, saying in his 1997 book] Salt of the Earth … he should not then demand the church’s seal of approval.

That he dedicated to me so many hours ? and this was extraordinary ? I am happy that this was possible,

very constructive and even a friendly conversation.

I am sure that this will be seen in the Catholic world, and even more than that, as a hopeful sign because it shows that he [Benedict] has more positive intentions than maybe what was...

That he dedicated to me so many hours and this was extraordinary I am happy that this was possible,

although he gave him 100 days to ”learn.

This is not a withdrawn pope who looks to the past. He looks at the situation as it is and is capable of listening,

It shows the pope is not obsessed with the past, but is keeping his options open and is willing to do unconventional things that even the innermost Vatican circles don’t expect.