Habemus Papam!: A Reaction

His Holiness POPE BENEDICT XVI

(Copyright © 2005 by Associated Press and L'Osservatore Romano)

What a surprise: the BBC and CNN broadcasting the first wisps of white smoke coming out of the Sistine Chapel chimney, a little earlier than expected; the ringing of the Basilica’s bells several minutes later, confirming that Pope John Paul II’s successor has finally been chosen; the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, as the new Pontiff. I watched the entire broadcast. I even taped parts of it on my VCR.

I never really expected Ratzinger to be elected, despite the heavy—and mostly favorable—pre-conclave buzz he had received. I had hoped that a moderate non-European would be the next pope. I would even be happy if Nigeria's Cardinal Francis Arinze—conservative as he is—is chosen instead. He seems to me the most likable of the papal contenders. But I’m relieved that a German was elected pope. Nothing against Italians, but they have dominated the papacy too much, for too long.

I’m personally not thrilled with the selection: Pope Benedict XVI is a strong conservative, and many of his views clash with mine. But I’m willing to to give him a chance. I’m interested to see what he can do for the Church. He seems to be a very intelligent and principled person, and I greatly admire that. I’m sure he’ll not stray from the previous pope's path, but if he does—and I truly hope he will—it will not be that far. And it seems his character is formidable and unique enough to make a solid mark on the papacy.

But anything can happen, anything is possible, especially at this point. Nothing is really certain, except this: Pope Benedict XVI's papacy will not be as long as John Paul II’s.

I wish the new pope all the very best. May he lead well.