MariSk8

The new Pope has just been elected, his name is Joseph Ratzinger, 78 years old, he's German, His Pope name will be Benedict XVI

ETA: Thanks Caradeangel

Caradeangel

His name is Joseph Ratzinger

Yes, a German Pope. I can't believe it!

Andie

I just saw it at tv!

icyrainbow

He seems like a really sweet man from what I saw during his address. I still miss Pope John Paul II though.

-=Trilly=-

I think Joseph Ratzinger will be a good pope, I have seen him as a really sweet man.....I miss John Paul II too..... But for me Ratzinger will be a really good man!!!

Caradeangel

He seems to be very conservative.
But if the majority of 114 cardinals thought he would be the best man for the job, I guess we're going to have to trust them. I'm sure he will do his best to be a good Pope.

Hot Like Fire

Congrats to the new Pope

galela

i can't believe they chose ratzinger. he's even more traditional & antiquated than john paul 2. but at least john paul 2 had charisma, which i don't think ratzinger has. to me, as a catholic, this is very depressing & disappointing. i was hoping they'd choose someone who's more open & progressive. i read ratzinger in school a lot. i can't say i ever agreed on one thing he said.
even though i'm german & am somewhat proud that a german is made pope, i'm very disappointed.

TokyoNiGHTS

Yep, its probably pretty accurate to not expect any real changes. He's extremely homophobic and is very much of the ideal of women being considered equals.

Caradeangel

Dine, let's give him a chance. As I said, he seems very conservative and I guess there won't be many changes.
But I am sure in his way he will be a good Pope.

galela

i doubt it. sorry to be so negative but like i said, i read lots of his dogmas in school. he's the last thing the catholic church needed, in my opinion.
i'm just talking about the religious aspect. i wanted someone who was more progressive & he's the most conservative one they could've chosen.

mattia

well, at 78 I cant imagine his reign will last that long for those who are not thrilled with the choice

mollymac

That was very exciting to watch, the first time I've witnessed a new pope being announced. I was way too young the last time around. I am very happy with the decision. I don't know a whole lot about him but I would prefer someone more traditional and conservative over someone too modern. Just my opinion.

OT: Caradeangel, I love your avi! So cute.

RedRockSedona

I could not agree with you more. As a former member of the Roman Catholic Church who left at age 11 (I am 42 now) because I knew who I was not and Straight, conservative, anti-pro-choice, and wanting of a patronising religion that suppressed women was so not me...now 31 years later (31 years mind you where I had a love/hate relationship of defending Catholics against Fundamentalist at the same time hating its dogma) I find the reason why I left are very much the reason why Ratzinger is such a bad choice. If the Catholic Church was woried about losing members I think they have cemented this trend with this choice.

Mio

why do they pick them so old? they should pick a young one..