His dedication to silence and contemplation did not prevent him from carrying out an intense apostolic activity. He was also exemplary in his commitment to overcome his impetuous temperament, as well as in his humility in being able to acknowledge his limitations and faults.
« Il est nécessaire, observe le saint, de se préserver des dangers d’une activité excessive », poursuit Benoît XVI en rappelant que saint Bernard s’adressait au pape de l’époque, mais indirectement « à tous les papes, et à nous tous ».