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Originally posted by ToeYup:
"the" ?
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 78, has been chosen to succeed John Paul II as Pope. He will be known as Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Ratzinger was born into a traditional Bavarian farming family in 1927, although his father was a policeman.
His studies at the seminary were interrupted during the war when he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit in Munich.
His supporters say his experiences under the Nazi regime convinced him that the church had to stand up for truth and freedom.
But his critics say he stands for suppressing discussion within the church.
Wolfgang Cooper, a commentator on religious affairs in Germany, said before his election that the cardinal could become a divisive figure.
"I think if Cardinal Ratzinger was pope, a large distance could grow between the leadership of the Church and the faith," he predicted before the result was known.
The cardinal is a "scientist" who "prefers intellectual discussions", says Mr Cooper, whereas many Catholics want priests and bishops "who will touch the hearts".
Cardinal Ratzinger has been a head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith - the Vatican's guardian of orthodoxy since 1981.
As such, he has also taken some uncompromising political positions, calling for pro-abortion politicians to be denied communion during the US election campaign for instance, or arguing that Turkey should not be admitted into the European Union.
As the 265th successor to St Peter, he is expected to give the Church a clear, if sometimes radical voice.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4445279.stm
Party on world.
Originally posted by shavixmirSo when does he invade France ?
Yup:
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, 78, has been chosen to succeed John Paul II as Pope. He will be known as Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Ratzinger was born into a traditional Bavarian farming family in 1927, although his father was a policeman.
His studies at the seminary were interrupted during the war when he was drafted into an anti-aircraft unit in Mun ...[text shortened]... imes radical voice.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4445279.stm
Party on world.
Does he get that bitchin' Pope mobile JP left behind ?
Is he going to wear a Wermacht helmet or the pointy headed hat ?
Originally posted by Paulietherein lies your answer, or at least a bit of it. Old guys don't hang on that long (JPII being a notable exception to the rule), and thus ideally the particular perspective of a single pope don't skew the predominant ideology of the cardinals too far in any particular direction. A bit like the UK political system is meant to work, but hasn't for 30 years now.
But why do the keep selecting old guys? They`d better start the process of selection pretty soon for his sucessor.
Originally posted by elvendreamgirlthe pope before was john paul I and he only lasted for 33 days, where as pope john paul II lasted 23 years. the cardinals probably wanted to make sure that he didn't last a short amount of time but didn't last a huge amount of time like john paul II. the average length of time for a pontiff to reign is 12 years....this would make Ratzinger 90 if he stuck to the average, i reckon he looks quite weak though; the papal schedule will probably take a toll on him....i doubt he will live past 85.
I was just thinking that as well! I suppose by the time you get to be a cardinal, you ain't no spring chicken anymore.
fred