Habemus Papem!

The College of Cardinals have elected a new Pope.

He is Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, a German, who has worked in the Vatican for many years. He has chosen to be called Pope Benedict XVI.

Ratzinger has been described as a conservative who will strictly follow the teachings of the Church.

In recent days the US media, especially NBC and CNN, have criticized Ratzinger as "too conservative" for American Catholics. "Today's" Katie Couric described Ratzinger as "God's rotweiller." This an other comments made by US media sources demonstrate a lack of understanding and knowledge of the Church. The liberal media believes the Church should be a democracy. It is not and it never will be.

Now, it is time to look forward as Pope Benedict XVI moves the Church forward. It is unlikely that many of the changes urged by US Catholics will become part of the teaching and theology of the Church. As noted in this space, the only change likely to happen will be the ordination of women and married men.

At 78, Pope Bendict XVI may be considered by many as a transitional pontiff.

Here is a biography of the new Pope. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger Biography
More as the story develops.