As a casual but interested observer of Catholicism in America, and especially over the course of my time at Aquinas, I have encountered all manner of opinions regarding Pope Benedict XVI.

I’m not Catholic, but I cannot either deny the inevitable influence the Church holds on my life — a fact that I have, at times, cherished and, at other times, lamented.

Sometimes, the emotions are mixed.

When Cardinal Ratzinger was elected pope in 2005, I shared in the skepticism of many, who, fairly or unfairly, interpreted the man’s stern reputation as a fundamentalist reformer as a possible indication of social turmoil ahead.

I can’t say that I know the man or his ideology all that well, and yet I can say without a doubt:

Benedict’s recently concluded visit to America was one of the most moving chapters in history I have ever witnessed.

A vocal critic of what he views as the increasing problem of relativism in the developed world, Benedict was expected by many to “lay down the gauntlet” in his first papal visit to the U.S.; and, to a certain extent, he did.

But whatever admonishment the pope did deliver was overwhelmingly eclipsed by the undeniably powerful message of hope and peace he brought to a troubled people.

I do not share Benedict’s views and do not find it necessary to make those disagreements public here. Yet that is perhaps what made the pope’s visit so moving on a personal level: in his dignity and grace, I saw a man that, at least for a week, transcended worldly conflict.

Seeking common ground, he boldly sought an audience with the Rabbi Arthur Schneier of Park East Synogogue in Manhattan.

Confronting painful realities, he met directly with victims of clergy abuse, sharing in prayer and expressing “deep shame” on behalf of the Church.

Praising the “fundamental importance of freedom,” he decried the “monster” of the Nazism of the Germany of his youth, and cautioned against the dangers of modernism.

Calling upon Americans to rise to the defense against “new injustices” such as environmental destruction and “ consumerist greed and irresponsible exploitation,” he spoke to a generation.

And, most importantly, throughout his visit, His Holiness spread the truest of Christian gospels: those of love and peace for all humanity.

In the midst of such upheaval — social, political, economic and religious - the message of the pope is perhaps more necessary than ever. This is equally true of the leaders of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism and Islam, all of which are inextricably bound in the universality of peace.

In a time of national disarray, Benedict’s call on Americans to live according to the virtue of hope on which our country was founded is a refreshing one.

Undeniably a controversial pope, most striking to me in regards to his visit was the universality of his message.

At the very least, for a week, the power of love, healing and reconciliation prevailed over the politics of fear.

For a week, the message of peace reigned in America.

For a week, the cause of justice gripped a nation.

For a week, religious differences were set aside in the name of compassion.

For a week, we were reminded of all that we are capable of, and all that is yet to be accomplished.

As Benedict XVI departed New York City on Sunday evening, he left behind an America deeply divided.

But for a week — just for a week, we stood witness as a man called us to something greater.

He called us to resurrection.