Being a student in Rome means that you have the amazing privilege of being close to the Holy Father. After a year, I still haven’t got over the fact that I can walk out of the English College after Mass on a Sunday to see, listen to, and pray with the Pope at the Angelus. It’s difficult not to take this for granted.

Having a geographical closeness to the Holy Father helps to reflect on the importance of Catholics – whether here in the Middlesbrough Diocese or in Outer Mongolia – having a love of the Pope. The Papacy is a pillar of our faith and there has been a history of Catholics in our land having a special bond with it. Think of our own Blessed Nicholas Postgate – hanged, drawn and quartered at the age of 82 for his Catholic priesthood and loyalty to the See of Peter.

Whenever you have the honour of listening to the Holy Father, especially when at a Papal event, it is certainly a special moment. When we listen to the Pope, we listen to the Successor of Peter who was appointed directly by Christ to be his Vicar on earth. There is, therefore, an authority to what the Pontiff says. When writing an encyclical document, the Pope not only addresses the whole Church, but also “all people of good will”. This emphasises that he has a desire and a responsibility to address everyone on important matters of faith and morals.

It was interesting to observe how the negative media coverage before Pope Benedict arrived for his visit to the UK was completely transformed when journalists were met with the warm and gentle Pontiff along with thousands of excited people lining the streets. I have heard several stories of television producers who were flummoxed by the occasion – not knowing at all how to cover it. The visit of a pope, especially to a deeply secular society, is unlike anything else.

As our country loses its moral compass and continues on the path of secularisation, it is ever more vital to unite under the universal pastor. With the Year of Faith beginning this autumn, why not take the chance to look at the various free news services on the internet to keep in touch with the Pope’s homilies, addresses and movements? Most importantly, remember to keep Pope Benedict very much in your prayers.

Richard Marsden