A Catholic priest represents Christ on Earth, and Joseph Ratzinger took this responsibility to heart early in his priestly career. He sees Christ as the source of revelation in the Church, and the Church as the Body of Christ. Christ is the center: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) As pope, Benedict constantly emphasized to the faithful the importance of a deep friendship with Christ; he certainly practiced what he preached.