How interesting. "Only" 2.2m came to see an aging religious leader preach the Truth. Name one other religious leader who draws such numbers on a weekly basis. Jesus wasn't concerned with the numbers who came to hear Him - only the Truth. Pope Benedict, likewise, isn't in a popularity contest.

Dan Czarniecki, Dearborn, USA

The Catholic Church is not a political party, and is not interested in opinion polls or numbers, but in absolute timeless values. In contrast, postmodern European society is in deep crisis: there is no objective Truth any more, the "Truth" is whatever happens to suit me at any particular moment.

Mario Mallia, B'Kara, Malta

My experience is that young converts to the Catholic Church want firm lines between right and wrong, good and bad, without the wishy washy hues of relativism.

Epistemological certainty trumps promiscuity for a growing number in the ruins of the old West. Bravo, Benedict XVI, for seeing the need.

Athos, NoVa, USA

He's what we need right now, solid teaching and
humility. Why give a second of thought to what
a secular news article prints? The Times doesn't
speak to my faith, the Pope does. May God Bless
him and keep him safe.

JT, Tewksubyr,

crowds mean nothing---the ones that are there don't expect to hear that everything they do is right--this is exactly the same way Jesus taught.
Truble with our world is that people want to hear from authority that many things they are doing are all right.

Catholic church teaches only truth...

Neil Curtis, St.John's NL, Canada

I thought Christ's message was one of tolerance and love. Not segregation, discrimination and judgement.
i was under the impression that even Christ, God's son, did not judge others! So what gives any human, Catholic or otherwise, the right to judge a fellow human for the way they live their life.

James Morrison, London, UK

Benedict held less audiences in Rome than in 2008 because he made several papal trips in Italy and abroad. Anyhow, the stats reflects only the tickets that were issued . Thousands attended without tickets. Benedict is impressive and profound - and gentle.

Anne, Cape Town,

Popularity is not the litmus test for truth. Benedict is one of the best theologians of the 20th century; the modern culture is just so antithetical to Christian truth and humans are naturally conformists and often just a product of their times (culture).

Julian, New York City, USA

Yes, the open schism is very near; those who have a worldly perspective are rightly dissatisfied that the Vicar of Christ does not affirm their "spirit" and those who have a supernatural perspective listen very intently to the depth of the holy Father's teaching. There is no compromise possible.

pete salveinini, Sunnyvale,CA, USA

If he was a politician and worried about his attendance and popularity, I guess there would be a cause for concern.
The truth today is NOT popular.
If you are looking for change try another Church.

Tony R, Michigan, USA

There is nothing wrong with “saying always and only ‘no’." Papa Benedetto stands firm on Christian's beliefs. He isn't a rock star but simply a pastor, a vicar of Christ, our "Peter." He's the reason I went to Italy for the past 3 trips.

JP II opened my heart, B fills my soul (w/ his homilies).

Catarina, San Francisco, USA

He sure is effective.

Remember Pope Benedict's prediction of a smaller and more holy Church. Separating the wheat (faithful to Magisterium) from the chaff (cafeteria Catholics). Many will leave, just like they left Jesus when he preached on the Eucharist in John 6. Neither surprised nor discouraged

James Brady, Gering, NE, USA

Both my wife and I believe the Pope is a solid teacher and very kind human being who only cares about people! Over and over again he goes against the tide and speaks out against abuses to the environment by corporations and nations and unfair treatment of the poor by more rich nations.

Edward, Parsippany, USA

Let's stop the sensational journalism. Its the economy and nothing else. If anything, perhaps this militates in favour of bringing back more pomp and ceremony to the Vatican like the Palantine and Noble Guards to "pep" things up.

David, Washington, DC, USA

My husband and I are both very impressed with Benedict. We find that we read his sermons over and over again and can always find something new and insightful. We also find the use of the adjective "dour" to be strange. He has a very sweet, gentle smile. My husband calls him "everyone's grandpa."

Charlotte Toerner, Sherburne, New York, USA

But I thought it was the economy, stupid. Wasn't 2008 supposed to be the worst year economically in ages? But his audience shrank by only .6 million? Not bad! Pope Benedict is brilliant, inspiring and speaks the truth. Perhaps those who think he is 'bland' just can't follow his intellect.

Pamela Williams, Franklin, USA

Amen!! Fred from Pittsburgh

M. Bliss, Chicago, USA

I am not a "Catholic Insider" and I am intrigued by Pope Benedict. I suspect I am not the only exception to John Allen's rule. I am part of the "outside world" and I have found Pope Benedict's teachings infinitely more interesting and astute than the global press, including this article.

Kathryn Smith, Alabaster, USA

I now like Pope Benedict even more. Please keep up these kinds of articles, they only strenghten and confirm my belief that he is the right man for the job. Jesus, too had small, enthusiastic crowds, and the theologians were in the other camp. So what else is new? He's only saying no to sin.

Fred Jenkins, Pittsburgh, USA