Pope Benedict the XVI
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to our new pope–Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, now known as Pope Benedict the XVI.
Here’s the bio that cnn.com has on him:
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger
Once the archbishop of Munich and for many years prefect of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Ratzinger, 78, is one of the most powerful men in the Vatican and is widely acknowledged as a leading theologian. Ratzinger has served for 20 years as John Paul II’s chief theological adviser. As a young priest he was on the progressive side of theological debates but shifted to the right after the student revolutions of 1968. In the Vatican, he has been the driving force behind crackdowns on liberation theology, religious pluralism, challenges to traditional moral teachings on issues such as homosexuality, and dissent on such issues as women’s ordination. The dean of the College of Cardinals since November 2002, he was elevated to cardinal by Pope Paul VI in June 1977.
The downfall is that he probably won’t make any major changes in the Catholic church–he is ultra-conservative. And he’s 78… I don’t know if many popes are “young”… but there were at least a few guys in their 60s that might have been an option.
What do you think after first glance?
I’m not Catholic so I don’t know if my opinion carries any weight, but I agree with you that 78 is a little bit old. I thought they would choose someone a little bit younger and maybe non-European to infuse some new ideas into the church. But, I would say that the Cardinals definitely know more than I do
Comment by Tim — 4/19/2005 @ 11:48 am
Our copy-repair man was here today, and he said that this pope is supposed to be a “transitional” pope. Meaning that they don’t expect him to be around too long (although, he could live until he is in his 90s), but long enough to be the “rebound” pope. Basically meaning that everyone thought Pope John Paul II was all great and a near-perfect pope, and the Cardinals wanted someone to transition before anything radical were to happen. At least, that’s the gist I got out of it–maybe someone else knows more…
Comment by Tara — 4/19/2005 @ 12:25 pm
i’m thinking that just like the pope, this copy-repair man is infallible and his opinion is the only opinion. why wouldnt it be?
Comment by Neill — 4/19/2005 @ 2:17 pm
Hannible Lector!
Comment by Flyte44 — 4/19/2005 @ 7:40 pm
I read on NeillOBrien.com that Benedict XVI is “New Pope”, and if he doesn’t catch on, then the Vatican will release “Pope Classic”.
Comment by Harold — 4/20/2005 @ 1:54 pm