"We were looking for a 'good shepherd,' and instead we got a German shepherd"

Pope Benedict XVI's quote is a metaphor for the state of the Catholic Church during his papacy. He is describing the requirement for a leader who will guide the Church in the best instructions, a "good shepherd" who will lead the flock. Rather, he thinks that he was provided a German shepherd, a type of pet dog understood for its loyalty and obedience, however likewise for its aggressive and protective nature. This indicates that he was given a leader who was devoted and loyal to the Church, but also one who was aggressive and protective of its interests. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the Church's management throughout his papacy, as he felt that it was too focused on securing its own interests rather than on leading the flock in the best direction. Eventually, Pope Benedict XVI's quote is a reflection of his own feelings about the state of the Church throughout his papacy, and his belief that it required a better leader.