Benedict XVI

Let's discuss...

For some background, here's BBC's summary of him:

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger

No one has an opinion on the newest leader of 1 billion Catholics around the world?

Ok, I'll start.

This scares the $hit out of me!!!! This man seems like he wants to bring the Church back to pre-Vatican I . He's written doctrines that decry FEMINISM! How could they elect someone like that a position that makes him infallible????

I haven't read up on our new pope, but feel awkward acknowledging someone other than John Paul as our pope.

only 4 languages???? Where'd they get this guy

Seriuosly though, it is a little dissapointing, it would have been nice to see the church move in a new direction, but really, the Catholic Church is the Catholic Church and that's why there is Protestantism.

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Posted by chichila15

I haven't read up on our new pope, but feel awkward acknowledging someone other than John Paul as our pope.

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I feel the same way. I have a soft spot for JPII, cause he looks like my grandfather. Must be the 'Polish look'.

I briefly scanned the link about the new pope, and he seems really stirict and unbending.

We'll see what happens.

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Posted by Kriss2c

I don't know all the facts, but from the little bits that I have read - it makes me glad that I am not a Catholic.

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I agree I'm glad that I'm not catholic. He seems really scary and unkind.

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Posted by heidla

I am not Catholic. I am concerned about the church electing someone who seems to be still in the dark age. I understand wanting someone to uphold the moral values of the church, but I think it is time for the church to move into this century. The world changes and I think that the church should evolve with it. JMHO.

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i see your point but:
1. wasn't he like John Paul's right hand man? And John Paul is now considered the 'great'

2. i really do not think ANY pope is going to make any radical changes. I really do not see the church EVER moving into any present century...and to be honest i don't think it should entirely. Although i do not agree with certain things...i don't think that a institution should change because of the 'times'. I really do not think the 'times' and the world we live in is that great or better

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Posted by RedHead

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Posted by heidla

I am not Catholic. I am concerned about the church electing someone who seems to be still in the dark age. I understand wanting someone to uphold the moral values of the church, but I think it is time for the church to move into this century. The world changes and I think that the church should evolve with it. JMHO.

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i see your point but:
1. wasn't he like John Paul's right hand man? And John Paul is now considered the 'great'

2. i really do not think ANY pope is going to make any radical changes. I really do not see the church EVER moving into any present century...and to be honest i don't think it should entirely. Although i do not agree with certain things...i don't think that a institution should change because of the 'times'. I really do not think the 'times' and the world we live in is that great or better

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1. I do believe that I read he was JP2's theological advisor.


2. I am not saying that the church should change radically. I know that this will never happen. I just feel that the church has evolved very little in the past several hundered years. This is probably why so many Catholics that I know feel a seperation from the church. There has to be a more common ground.

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Posted by heidla


2. I am not saying that the church should change radically. I know that this will never happen. I just feel that the church has evolved very little in the past several hundered years. This is probably why so many Catholics that I know feel a seperation from the church. There has to be a more common ground.

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i understand i just don't see it changing all that much no matter which person is Pope i guess....But that is just my opinion

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Posted by RedHead

i don't think that a institution should change because of the 'times'.

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I agree with this.

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Posted by BMD'sPeanut

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Posted by RedHead

i don't think that a institution should change because of the 'times'.

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I agree with this.

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Me too! I was not raised with any religion but I don't think religion is a popularity contest and its tenets shouldn't be changed just because some are unpopular at a certain point in time. If you don't agree with the teachings/beliefs, don't join the religion or else find another one.

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Posted by Bride626


Me too! I was not raised with any religion but I don't think religion is a popularity contest and its tenets shouldn't be changed just because some are unpopular at a certain point in time. If you don't agree with the teachings/beliefs, don't join the religion or else find another one.

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I was not raised in any religion either. Maybe that is why I feel the way I do. I do however have many Catholic friends who feel that the church is in need of a bit of a change.
Religion is not a popularity contest (although one could argue that an election is), but it is about reaching your followers. I am not talking about changing the basic beliefs of the religion. I am talking about issues that are now facing the church (sex scandels, priests being allowed to marry, women and their place in the church, birth control) these are all social issues as well as having to find a place within the religion. I think that the church should reflect in someways the change in society. I believe that this can be accomplished and still preserve the fundamentals of the religion.

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Posted by RedHead

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Posted by heidla

I am not Catholic. I am concerned about the church electing someone who seems to be still in the dark age. I understand wanting someone to uphold the moral values of the church, but I think it is time for the church to move into this century. The world changes and I think that the church should evolve with it. JMHO.

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i see your point but:
1. wasn't he like John Paul's right hand man? And John Paul is now considered the 'great'

2. i really do not think ANY pope is going to make any radical changes. I really do not see the church EVER moving into any present century...and to be honest i don't think it should entirely. Although i do not agree with certain things...i don't think that a institution should change because of the 'times'. I really do not think the 'times' and the world we live in is that great or better

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agreed, do you hear any cries for other religions to change like islam or judaism?
I dont agree with some of the teachings but I dont necessarily feel that they should be changed, I have my opinion they have theirs... that doesnt stop me from going to church, beliving in god etc.

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Posted by bedda26

It's just going to take a while to get used to this new Pope. But I really miss JPII...he was the greatest Pope.

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he will be missed, to many people he was like a part of the family when they brought out the new pope today I just kept seeing our Karol Wojtyla all these years ago

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Posted by Aga

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Posted by bedda26

It's just going to take a while to get used to this new Pope. But I really miss JPII...he was the greatest Pope.

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he will be missed, to many people he was like a part of the family when they brought out the new pope today I just kept seeing our Karol Wojtyla all these years ago

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I've been thinking about him all day. He was such a lovable man and he just looked like he was everyone's grandfather.

My grandmother used to love that man. Her face would light up everytime she saw him on TV. And I know she finally got to meet him in heaven...and i'm happy for her...