Pope Benedict XVI Named as Pope John Paul II's Successor
Matt Cupich
Issue date: 4/29/05 Section: News
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In a monumental time for all Catholics around the world, Joseph Ratzinger, a German Cardinal was named as John Paul II's successor, he took the name Benedict XVI and was widely regarded as one of the Vatican's leading theologians. The 78 year old Ratzinger, a native of Traunstein, Germany first addressed the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square by saying, "Dear brothers and sisters, after our great pope, John Paul II, the cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God's vineyard, I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers." The joyous crowd filled Rome by chanting "Viva il papa" or "Long live the pope."
Benedict XVI was elevated to cardinal in 1977 by Pope Paul VI and has had a decorated career in his service to the church. Previously, he served as the archbishop of Munich, held the position of Dean of the College of Cardinals, and had been in charge of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Vatican office that oversees "the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world," according to the Vatican.
In terms of his position on many key issues, most critics expect him to not stray far from John Paul II's vision for the church. In many Church circles, Ratzinger became known as "Cardinal No" because of his drives to crack down on the liberation theology movement, religious pluralism, challenges to traditional teachings on issues such as homosexuality, and calls to ordain women as priests. Some see these attributes as a detriment to Catholic Church in an ever-changing world, but most feel that a firm tradition must be adhered to.
Junior Sean Garrigan sees Benedict XVI as a transitional papal figure. "At 78, the pope may not have much time to change things with in the church. I see this choice as a bridge between John Paul's legacy and the next pope." Harking back to his knowledge of past popes, Garrigan still sees the potential for great things "John XXIII was pope for only five years, but he still sought changes in the church, like calling Vatican II."
No matter the way one looks at it, Benedict XVI will have a difficult time filling the role left behind by John Paul II. Succeeding one of the most popular papal figures ever will not be easy, but Ratzinger, now Benedict has the opportunity to put his own mark on the Catholic Church.
Benedict XVI was elevated to cardinal in 1977 by Pope Paul VI and has had a decorated career in his service to the church. Previously, he served as the archbishop of Munich, held the position of Dean of the College of Cardinals, and had been in charge of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, the Vatican office that oversees "the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic world," according to the Vatican.
In terms of his position on many key issues, most critics expect him to not stray far from John Paul II's vision for the church. In many Church circles, Ratzinger became known as "Cardinal No" because of his drives to crack down on the liberation theology movement, religious pluralism, challenges to traditional teachings on issues such as homosexuality, and calls to ordain women as priests. Some see these attributes as a detriment to Catholic Church in an ever-changing world, but most feel that a firm tradition must be adhered to.
Junior Sean Garrigan sees Benedict XVI as a transitional papal figure. "At 78, the pope may not have much time to change things with in the church. I see this choice as a bridge between John Paul's legacy and the next pope." Harking back to his knowledge of past popes, Garrigan still sees the potential for great things "John XXIII was pope for only five years, but he still sought changes in the church, like calling Vatican II."
No matter the way one looks at it, Benedict XVI will have a difficult time filling the role left behind by John Paul II. Succeeding one of the most popular papal figures ever will not be easy, but Ratzinger, now Benedict has the opportunity to put his own mark on the Catholic Church.