Benedict XVI
The former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger of Germany is now Pope Benedict XVI. I was going to celebrate with other Catholics the selection of a new leader for the Church, but I had an inkling, somewhere in the back of my head, that this choice would not be universally applauded. Sure enough, there are naysayers, identified in posts by Paul at Wizbang and by Ace of Spades.
Sadly, the spears are out early for Benedict XVI.
UPDATE: Power Line pointed to the Confederate Yankee, where some of the over the top comments at DU are reprinted. Bring your air-sick bag.
The election of Benedict XVI would seem a harsh blow to liberals, but let's wait and see. As Cardinal Ratzinger, he was a "bulldog" in the Vatican, because that was his job. As pope, Benedict XVI may be a bit more (but not much) flexible, especially since he wants to reach out to other faiths. I'm afraid he won't be the "globe-trotter" John Paul II was, and this could make him seem distant and aloof. I've already heard the comment that this new pope is no John Paul.
Posted by: Popewatch | Apr 21, 2005 at 09:30 PM
And I must sadly agree " the spears are out early for Benedict XVI." The media has been waiting for the death of Pope John Paul the Great, for years now, because they knew that the new Pope they could attack , right from the start, without giving them a fair chance. As for giving the Pope a fair chance, I believe that I should provide some information about him considering that at the present time the media has not been completely friendly.
It has almost always stated the truth about the Pope, it has frequently misrepresented the views of Catholics, as well as omitting very important about understanding the Pope. It is true that Pope Benedict XVI was for a very short period of time, enrolled in the Hitler Youth. However, this was mandatory for all children of his age (he was 14 in 1941). And he was certainly not a willing participant in this activity. I have never even once heard yet on the news (that I have watched) that the Pope entered seminary when he was 12 years old. This was actually why they let him out of the Hitler Youth, because he was studying to be priest. Unfortunately, the political situation prevented him from up being ordained a priest until June 29, 1951.
His family moved five times during the war to avoid pro-fascist sentiment in their town. The family moved at least once due to the introduction of the pagan May Pole ceremony in their town, which was used by the Fascists to promote nationalistic feelings. Pope Benedict XVI family was not at all friendly to the fascist german government. His father was a convicted anti-nazi. Pope Benedict when he was drafted right at the end of the war, like many young boys of his age, he deserted the army, risking death. His family offered the use of their farmhouse as a base of operations to American soldiers, which was in fact used as a base of operations. Pope Benedict XVI has many times argued that the cause of the Allies was just in World War II. He said something to the equivalent of " that the war, and liberation of the countries, not only helped the Allies, but also ultimately the people living within the boundaries of the fascist dictatorship." I know that some parts of the media have so far attempted to portray this gentle and humble man as a supporter of the third reich. But all people should know that he is an amazing the large critic of that government, as well as that system of thought. He is more passionately opposed to fascism then anyone.
Please, I appeal to you all in the name of truth, to give our new holy father, a chance. Do not judge him by media reports, for they are not yet accurate in their coverage. But eventually, they will be, we hope.
I agree quite fully that his job at the Vatican would require him to be strict in some ways. However , he will not yield or bend to things that the Catholics of the world are intrinsically opposed to. We will not see change in doctrine , because it is impossible to change doctrine. Doctrine is what Catholics believe to be truth. And the truth can be changed by no one, even the Pope.
Your fears of that Pope Benedict XVI will not be the "globe-trotter" that John Paul II was, is probably unfounded. I can say with certainty that he will do a lot of traveling, not as much as John Paul II, but only because he has less time (remember that Pope John Paul the Great was the third longest reigning Pope ever). But we can be absolutely certain that Pope Benedict will travel with as greater frequency as Pope John Paul. In fact, there will be a World Youth Day that Pope Benedict XVI will go to in August, which is coincidentally, in Germany. Pope John Paul took almost a year, before his first visit out of the Italian peninsula, with Pope Benedict it will only take the few months before his first papal visit, and he might even have a papal visit to another country before then.
Posted by: Alicia | Apr 23, 2005 at 02:40 AM
Obviously all of the criticism of Benedict XVI that has come out since his ascendancy is premature - he hadn't established any path for the Church, as aalso quite obviously he hasn't had time. The criticism is based on what the critics presume is the path he will follow, and it's based on disdain for traditional Catholic teaching.
As Alicia says above, it is likely there will be little change in doctrine, for to do so would be to change Catholicism itself.
Posted by: Giacomo | Apr 23, 2005 at 07:34 AM
I can not believe some of the comments I just hear. Pope bendict is the vicar of Christ. H ehas the authority of the papal office, We as catholics are behind him . He is the choose and we will werlcome his direction. Long live the pope.
Posted by: carmel polidano | Apr 26, 2005 at 12:11 PM
i'm looking forward to many years with pope benedict xvi. the only people who could possibly not welcome a ratzinger papacy are the kind of characters who resent staunch catholic orthodoxy. having already read "the ratzinger report" and "turning point for europe?" i'm now quite convinced that he understands fully the marxist/liberal currents of thought that inspire his opposition.
Posted by: larry trasciatti | May 03, 2005 at 12:17 PM
i disagree. Over the years the Catholic Church has evolved, it wasnt that long ago the church taught that blacks were evil, and the discarded left overs from gods white man. Before that it was belived that women who owned cats were witches and were killed. I think it is time once again for the church to evolve and accept female priest and homosexuals. Electing Joseph Ratzinger is not a step to the future, rather a move to stand still
Posted by: brodie | May 12, 2005 at 03:14 AM
I'm not sure I see the logic in the argument.
"Just because you once believed and renounced the silly things x, y and z you must immediately accept these other things a, b and c which you also don't believe."
A, b and c have not yet been shown to be 'silly' to the vast majority of Catholics, and are certainly not on a par with killing women who own cats.
Maybe that's just your opinion, or maybe you could show me the logic.
Posted by: Giacomo | May 12, 2005 at 10:43 AM