The kind examiner

Elmar Gruber, one of Joseph Ratzingers students at Freising remembers going to the Ratzingers apartment during the vacation with another student. They were to take an examination. His father opened the door and the other student blurted out Mr Ratzinger, I hope you will put in a good word for us with your son. We are just about to have our examination! Mr Ratzinger replied, No, I never do that. I just say, Joey, be fair!

Gruber recalls that Ratzingers knowledge was simply boundless. But he was also aware of what his students knew and what they did not know. He always asked candidates about topics they knew. This was how Gruber got top marks in dogmatics and was able to complete his studies. Gruber had a bad memory for dates and the Professors wanted to fail him. Ratzinger pleaded on my behalf, and I was allowed to stay on in the seminary and to become a priest.