Apr. 20th, 2005

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When John Paul II became the Bishop of Rome there was no internet for most of the world. Personal computers were on the horizon. Cable TV was in its infancy. We heard on the radio that a Pope had been elected. Not much was known about him except that he took the name of his predecessor who hadn’t had the job that long. After a few days we had more on the life story of the pope.

When Benedict XVI became the Bishop of Rome the whole world knew in a very short period of time. Along with the knowledge of who became pope, came his past history and commentary from all corners of the earth. His previous papers were being scrutinized for his doctrinal beliefs and an idea of what kind of Pope he will be.

Newscasters and Web Blogs commented on his age. In some ways I feel he is being marginalized as a “space-saver” pope since he is 78 years old. Everyone figures he is not going to be around long and then the conclave will get around to electing a real pope. Well according to the rules as I have read them, Pope Benedict XVI is the Pope. He can change Catholic doctrine with the stroke of a pen. He is the real Pope.

I knew his basic views on various topics about half an hour after his election was announced. I have to agree with my mother that we will see married priests before a woman gets into the boys club. He was known for his liberal leans when young and his conservative views now.

He was John Paul II pitbull for religious doctrine. He was the heir to the post that was held by the head of the Inquisition. He was one of the individuals greatly responsible for the former Pope's writings and reconciliations with the Jewish community and with Israel. He has made disparaging remarks about other religions. He had made overtures to other religions for open dialogue

He joined the Hitler Youth when he was younger because everybody in his High School was automatically entered onto the membership rolls. He never agreed with the ideals of the Nazi party, nor did he or his brother ever attend any meetings or events of their chapter. He was conscripted into the army after High School and deserted, spending most of the war in an allied POW camp.

From those who know him and studied under him when he taught, he is a great listener and a great thinker.

Personally I think we should give Pope Benedict XVI a little room to grow into the red shoes. He has been on the job less than a day and has said one mass as Pope. Yes he could be the most archconservative that the Catholic Church has ever seen. He also could be the beginning of a new era in the Church.

I am grateful that the conclave didn’t last longer than it did. I was tired of them breaking in every time there was smoke from that darn chimney but you have to admit that the coverage was pretty doggone funny seen through the lens of the Daily Show.

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