A New Pope

[kniedzw]

For those who haven't heard, a new pope (the 265th) has been chosen.

Comments

[hakamadare]

“A New Pope”, Kyle? what’s next, “The Reformation Strikes Back”??

-steve

[kniedzw]

Followed by, "The Return of the Jehu," naturally.

I'm still stunned that, of the 117 eligible cardinal electors, only three were not elevated by John Paul II: Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Germany), William Wakefield Cardinal Baum (US), Jaime Cardinal Sin (Philippines). Of course, it makes sense, since a cardinal has to be younger than 81 at the time of the papal vacancy. ...but it's still kinda wonky.

[bneuensc]

Jaime Cardinal Sin?

Pair him with Cardinal Law, and you're set up for a whole series of made-for-TV movies.

[kniedzw]

Don't think I didn't think of that myself.

Pity there was no Cardinal Virtue. That'd rawk!

[khet_tcheba]

John Paul II must have just been the quintessential Polish grandfather - he looked like mine, too. I had a vague attachment to him that I don't have for Benedict, and for the same reason.

[zarfmouse]

If this article is to be believed, we won't be seeing any progressive policies out of this pope.

[kniedzw]

You can always hope.

[coyotewatches]

"I've got a bad feeling about this..."

[squishymeister]

our bookstore neighbour describes him as "Pope John Paul's Worm Tongue"

[gollumgollum]

wasn't Ratzinger a frontrunner because of his age? i haven't checked anywhere yet (just heard about it m'self) but i'm fairly sure they chose him to be a transitional. i could be wrong, though, which means i'm just spreading rumors. yay!1

(i suppose, if i'm wrong, i could always blame it on the AI...)

[kniedzw]

Not just because of his age. He's basically been one of the leading theological voices in the Catholic Church for the better part of the last two decades, gradually rolling back the Vatican II reforms. He was also one of John Paul II's closest advisors. Basically, very inner-circle. Very traditionalist. Very conservative.

You're right about the fact that the college of cardinals was supposedly seeking a transitional pope. What they are transitioning to is another question altogether, but that was the stated goal, and Benedict XVI fits that mold well.

[gollumgollum]

you've probably seen this, as i snagged it from wikipedia, but http://www.andrewsullivan.com/ --everything i was afraid of. yay. (;

(can i still blame the AI?)

[boannan]

This makes so much sense. I have been utterly befuddled all day as to why a 78 year old pope would be elected (granted I know nothing about any of this -- but at 78, he could hardly be expected to be pope for, say, 15 years). Thanks for clearing that up! :)