Benedict’s spending down his energy was a function of his fighting against the Space/Information Age’s relentless pressure on the concept of hierarchy, the restoration of which he had, following John Paul II, made a central part of the program that has come to be known as the reform of the reform.

The quote speaks about Benedict XVI's efforts to resist the influence of modern times on the hierarchical structure within the Catholic Church. As new technologies and societal changes have diminished traditional hierarchies, Pope Benedict saw it as his mission to reinforce these established structures that had been in place for centuries.

Delving deeper into this statement, we see a complex interplay between tradition and progress. The "Space/Information Age" refers to the era marked by rapid advancements in communication technologies and global connectivity. These technological developments have fundamentally altered how information is disseminated and perceived, often challenging traditional authority structures. Benedict XVI was particularly concerned about these changes eroding the Church's hierarchical framework that has been a cornerstone of its organization and doctrine since its inception. His efforts to restore this hierarchy were seen as part of a broader initiative to correct what he viewed as excesses from the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which had aimed at modernizing certain aspects of church practices.

Eugene Kennedy is an American psychologist and journalist who has written extensively on theology, ethics, and religion. He was a prominent commentator on Catholic issues during Pope Benedict XVI's papacy and provided thoughtful insights into the Church’s internal debates and reforms. His writings often blend psychological perspectives with religious philosophy to offer a nuanced understanding of contemporary church challenges.